How big a difference does a 235/45/R17 winter tire make rather than 215/55/R16?

Question

Everybody keeps suggesting I install smaller winter tires on my 2006 Passat (diesel).

It came with 235/45/R17 and most people suggest i get 215/55/R16 winter tires.

My first option would be buying just the tires on the size already installed, but in this case i can afford premium brand ones, like the Dunlop Winter Sport 3D.

Another option would be buying cheaper Nakang tires on 215/55/R16 together with steel rims.

Which would be better? I intend to go the mountains quite often for skiing.

The rims already installed are the R17 ones. I would only need to buy rims if I got the R16 tires.

Answer 1

I would buy the tires with the steel wheels. Then you could switch back to your street tires in the spring.

If you went with the 17 inch tires you will need new wheels.

M

Answer 2

235 45 17 Winter Tyres

Answer 3

I'd rather drive the first car. I've never had to slam my brakes and worry about the ABS in the snow. You drive slower and watch the idiots in front of you. Even with ABS the guy behind you can hit you, so that won't help keep you from being rear-ended. Although Car 2 may be safer just because you won't be going anywhere in the first place. Seriously unless you live somewhere where you never have winter conditions(like the South that isn't used to what they are getting this year) why would you have summer tires on in the winter? I mean I could see if you had All-Season, but why would you have Summer tires on.

Answer 4

I sell tires and her is the straight scoop! wide tires work on the same princple as SNOW SHOES in snow and rain because the weight does not change only the ditribution changes -think TRACTOR tire Vs. MUD BOGGER . Tractor has skinny tire that sinks down where as a mudder tire is refeered to as a FLOTATION tire and trys to ride on top. Salt and crud and sliding into curbs is no fun for ALLOY WHEELS either.