Hi! I'm new to this forum. I recently picked up a new 2009 G37x sedan (not the Sport model) and I'm loving it so far!

I live north of Toronto, Canada and I commute to the city for work. I'm looking at various winter tire combinations and this forum has been a valuable source of information. However, I thought I'd ask a few questions relating to my situation.

The tire size I have now is P225/55R17. I found a good deal on some used winter tires (Pirelli SnowSport 210 - size P245/50/R17). These tires have virtually the same diameter and sidewall but are slightly wider (about 3/4 of an inch). I know the rule of thumb for winter tires is "narrower is better" but will the wider tire make that much of a difference? Also, would the P245s fit properly on a 17x7.5 rim?

Alternatively, I could drop down to a P215/65R16 set up and use steel wheels. Are there any fitment issues to consider with a 16-inch package?

All responses are appreciated. Thanks!

 

The 245's will fit fine. Typically you do want narrower for snow/ice as it's easier for the car to cut through it that way. Guess it really depends on how good the deal is vs. worth losing a little cause of the wider footprint. Haven't found any 16's that will fit over the brakes. Smallest we have is 17".

 

Welcome to the forum. If you drove this past Monday on any of the 400 series Highways from north of the city you'd know the roads were horrid. I don't have any advice regarding tires (G's stored for winters), sorry, but I KNOW there are a lot of knowledgeable member on this forum who can assist you, G luck.

 

Thanks for the replies guys!

I wasn't totally comfortable with a wider winter tire setup so I passed on those tires. But I did find a more appropriate used tire/rim combo that should work much better (P225/55R17 Dunlop Graspic DS2 tires on BSA 264 rims). Hopefully I can squeeze a couple of winters out of those tires.

Thanks again!