Canadian Winter Tires Question

[duffblimp]

Hi all,

I'm currently looking for winter tires and rims for my '03 accord coupe. I'm trying to be as frugal as possible. My current tire specs are 215/50/17. I'd Like to know how much smaller can i go on the tires to save some money. I've been told 16" is probably my best/safe bet. But is it possible to outfit it in 15's?

I've made the calculation, and it seems i can use 205/65/15 tires. The spec comparisons between the two are pretty similar. Not more that a 2mm difference in tire specs and a 0.11% slower difference in the speedometer.

My ride has been lowered an inch as well, if that factors into the equation at all?

It's my first time looking for winter tires and I just want to get it right and spend a decent amount. Any suggestions, tips, comments would be greatly appreciated and helpful. Thanks!

[JPetovello]

I don't think you will be able to go to a 15" rims as there will be fitment issues.

I just purchased a set of 205/60R16 Bridgestone Blizzak WS70's and 16" steel rims for my '06 EX-L V6 from Costco, and paid 810.58 all in.

[Aviography]

OP,

Based on your OEM tire size, you probably have the V6 model, which IIRC means 15" rims won't fit over the front brake components. 16" dia rims will be the smallest size of rims you can use..

Welcome to DA.

[duffblimp]

Thank you all for the replies. I had a feeling 16 is the smallest i can go, and I was curious. But now i'm comforted to know the right thing to do. Thanks a lot guys, i'm liking DA already! and yes, i do have the V6 model.

[Aviography]

OP,

You don't really have green foglights as seen in your avatar, do you? If you do then get ready to be pulled over if one of Toronto's Finest or OPP observes them turned on!

IIRC from the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, only voluntary firefighers are allowed to have green lights on their vehicle, and only if they are responding to a bonefied emergency.

[duffblimp]

haha, no. It's the setting of the white balance on the digital camera that was used to photograph. The HID lights are were warming up and combine that with the camera settings, it looks green when in reality it is yellow.

interesting fact though--thanks for the heads up and concern!

[Jaggy01]

Actually it's even worse in Montreal. If you drive within the city with your DRL or regular lights + FOGs on, you may get ticketed. They say because there's plenty of lighting around there should be no need for additional lights OR that there's no fog, so no need for them. Anyways... :P

[Caper]

For what it's worth, I'm going to be picking up a set of 17" CRV rims at my local Honda dealer for about $90 ea.(cdn) for my 2010 coupe, which runs 18s.

They look better than ugly black steel rims...