heinrich

On a set of 16x7's that come with 225's .... what are the narrowest tyres I can got on there? I want to compose a snow wheel set for my cars. I've had great success driving my S4 in heavy snow through the passes on 16-in wheels and Yoko tyres but I am having a hell of a time moving her on the 17-in Cups she's wearing now. Won't budge. So ... I'm going to use the spare set of 7-inchers I have and make snow shoes. Thoughts?

Jim bailey - 928 International

Probably a 195x55 or 60 or taller ,the taller tires help with ground clearance. It will look weird but narrow is far better for snow. But you know that !!

heinrich

Thanks Jim :-) I think I'll try that!!

SharkSkin

You could probably go as narrow as 155 without too much trouble. To go any narrower, you will probably have to avoid the reputable tire shops and go to a place that caters to lowriders...

SteveG

The theory is good, but you know the downside, i.e., that you will need more stopping distance on the wet. I put narrower tires on other car. It does not have abs, and they lock easily, so I have to pump the brakes. I think even with abs, you would experience a similar loss of braking, less footprint to spread the friction over. YMMV.

Shane

I have had these before with good results:Dunlops

gruffalo

i have 185s on 15" phone dials for winter use. No need to go narrower for street use on a car as heavy as ours is.

PorKen

Is there some function to the design of the Porsche 'winter' rims?

Garth S

205/55R16 is a good comprimise of section width ( re the 3500 lb. weight), rim width, overall daimeter , and availability in rated "ice" tyres ......

Jim bailey - 928 International

probably a good idea to get snow tire advice from someone in Norway and NOT Southern California This morning I did have hard frost on the windows I used AAA ..... used my AAA card to scrape the windows

gruffalo

on rally cars for winter use they have pizza-cutter like wheels, with a gazillion nine inch studs in them. Could work on sharks as well

Jim bailey - 928 International

Porken the winter wheels were a painted finish rather than anodized alloy I believe to resist corrosion especially from salt. They were an option only after the S wheels became available as I recall.

heinrich

Stopping on ice is veeery different. Narrower is definitely better. So you guys think on the 16x7's I can get 155's? I totally would do that if I thought it would work and be safe for the rim width ..... Shane thanks .. I see there are some Contis (I like Contis) for even less) ... German tyres ... seen them work well...

SharkSkin

Heinrich, I understand what you're doing and why... makes perfect sense. Somewhere in the past I have heard that tires should not be more than an inch narrower (or wider) than the rim. 155mm ~= 6", which should be fine on a 7" rim. You may have to go with 70's or taller to keep your speedo reading reasonably close.

heinrich

Thanks Dave :-) Jim ... dost thou concur, my brother?