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Ive researched this a lot and cant seem to find a definite answer based on more than just a theory of “cuts” throw snow or “floats” on snow…
Are larger winter tires gonna give me more traction ? Lets face it, for most of us we drive most of the winter on icy roads. With little time on actual deep snow. So shouldnt i get larger tires on my car.
My daily driver is a fist gen pontiac vibe. Oem are 205 large (215 on a gt model). Ive upgraded my summer tires to 225 and it really handles nice (for a vibe…lol). So wouldnt the same rules apply for winter ?
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Snow and ice present two different driving conditions. The advice for one condition doesn’t necessarily apply to the other.
Some manufacturers make winter tires that are formulated specifically for better traction on ice. Personally, I would use the manufacturer’s recommended tire size for the vehicle.
The big difference is the tires material (softer rubber) and siping.
If you have low profile tires on large rims, it may be an option to use a smaller diameter rim (needs to fit brakes), and then use a tire with a higher sidewall to get back to the original tires diameter. This is not specific for traction, but the potholes and rough road conditions caused by the snow and ice. Also, if you get stuck, it will allow you to deflate the tires and gain a larger tire contact patch. The downside is slightly less responsive handling on dry roads.I had the same car and it was a tank in the winter time. Nothing could stop that thing, and I only put good all seasons on it. Do you live in Canada? I know that winter tires are required up there. I would just use the factory size. I had the 16″ rims but it still understeered like a pig.
Unless you have some monster custom vehicle with crazy tire sizes, just run the factory size.
If you want it to look proper you can find some used factory rims and put winter tires on those, or factory steelies with factory hubcaps.
Most winter tires available now are more aimed at icy conditions. It’s what more people experience and the loose snow performance losses aren’t that bad relative to the increase in icy conditions.
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