Winter Tire Set Up Suggestions?
 

I'm sure if I search through this site for hours I could find the information I'm looking for, but I'm just lazy. So, that being said, it would be greatly appreciated if a few people could suggest a Rim and Tire package for my 2012 370z.
I live on the shoreline of CT. We don't get a lot of snow, usually, but it is often wet and icy.
I'm not the most mechanically inclined person, but I do realize I will need some 18inch rims to fit bliztecs on. The Rears need to be wider than the front I believe.
Thanks for any help I receive.

No, I can't afford another car or truck right now. Bought the G/F a 2009 Altima, and she can drive me around if it gets bad. :icon17:

I bought a rim and tire package from TireRack a few years ago. 225 50/18.

Everything was included. Wheels, tires (Bridgestone Blizzaks), balanced, lugs and hub-centric rings.
Been using them since early 2010.

We do winter packages as well, I can put together a wheel + winter tire + tpms (if you want it) package mounted balanced and shipped ready to go on the car!
Just let me know what you're looking for and I can help you out!

Save yourself lots of trouble and worrying about which wheels will fit over your brakes. Buy the OEM 18" wheels... the five spoke... and put 245/45/18 on all four of them.

I'd recommend Bridgestone Blizzaks if you're worrying about LOTS of snow.

18" oem wheels are easy to pick up a set for $500 shipped !

Thanks For the Suggestions
 

I didn't think about OEM 18" , thanks.

Question for winter tire users. What month do most of you in the Chicago area install your winter setup? Getting ready to buy my winter tires, but wanted to postpone the purchase as long as possible. I have a 2.7 mile daily commute. Thanks!


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Isn't the prescribed changeover in Chicago somewhere around July 4th? :rolleyes:

Haha! I've noticed some slipping after harder launches at the lights as of yesterday with temps in the low 50s in the AM.


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You'll be fine on summers until it gets to about 35F. Then summer tires are just dangerous.

2c

If you're gonna drive in more than just a dusting, I'd recommend a square setup with 18" and winter tires. The difference was night and day when going to a smaller tire. I drove mine with that set up in about 5" with no issues. Keep in mind that when I'm driving in the winter, my driving styled changed to "getting from point A to point B. Once spring hit and I was back to summer tires it was very different.. After about 5" the car just becomes a snow plow

Good info! Thank you! I'm going to go with the Blizaks on 4 squares as you suggested. Otherwise my 2.7 mile commute to the train each day may become the commute of death!


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You won't be disappointed. More than likely, you be surprised how well this car works in the snow.

Finally order my tires today! Went the affordable route and picked up the 18x8 ANDROS Spec G MGS in matte graphite silver. Any tools/recommendations for the first time DIY tire swap?


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yah after you torque your lugs, go back and retorque it after 10miles or so of driving as lugs tend to back out after the initial tighening.

this time of year i see wheels falling off people's cars issues....:ugh:

Is four square better than the set up on the sports package? Since I do not want to purchase additional wheels, I am getting the Blizzaks, different front and rear sizes. The 4 cost about $1150 plus shipping.

Since I live in the lower Midwest, where it really does not snow much (about 20 inches a year) but slush and ice are common. Is another tire preferable under the lesser conditions?

I will place an order this week.

You might look into the MICHELIN X-ICE XI3. I've read where they tend to perform better on ice than the Blizzaks.


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Anyone uses spacers with their four square winter setup? Trying to determine if I go with 20 mm on the rear and 15 mm on the front or 20 mm all around? Also, what brand did you go with? I'm thinking ichiba v2s.


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Tirerack only offers Blizzaks for the set up on the Sports Package. I dont know about others.

Ah, I didn't realize that. I'm more concerned about winter tire performance so having the 4 squares with the 225 Blizzaks doesn't bother me much! For those dry winter days I can deal with the reduced traction the narrow set will provide.


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narrow is much better during winter anyway to cut through the slush and snow.

Zeebabar I would recommend looking into getting a used set of 18" wheels or a cheap set from tirerack or getyourwheels and throwing on some blizzaks or better yet the general altimax arctics. I've driven on both and much prefer the generals. They're quieter, provide better traction on dry winter roads, and are almost equal to the blizzaks in snow/slush, but not as good on solid ice...very close though.

set of blizzaks to fit your oem sport wheels will be around 1100 to 1300 (not to mention they'll be wide), and a set of 18" used wheels and winters will cost you about the same together. This way you won't have the hassle of having to remount spring/fall, ride will be better, and your overall cost down the road will be lower (should you choose to keep the car for that long)