hurrikane

I just picked up my first Porsche (2003 Carrera Coupe) and the down side is it will be my everyday driver :-)

With that being said and considering I live in Chicago I have been advised to purchase a set of Snow Tires. Rather than getting rid of the set that I currently have I though of buying a new set of rims and tires just for the winter.

I checked out one of the discount tire sites and haven't had much luck determining which size rims and tires would be best.

Here is what I have found:
Front: 225/40R18 XL w/ 18x8
Rear: 265/35R18 XL w/ 18x10

The other option is 17" but no one online has them instock

Let me know if you have any insight or thoughts.

mcdonagh

That is the same size I went with on my 2003 Carrera Coupe. They seem to be working good. We have only had one small snow fall so far. I went with Blizzaks.

Dennis C

A 911 as an everyday driver isn't a downside! It's an upside!

I drive my C4S everyday, rain or shine. I recently purchased snow tires and dedicated winter wheels, and I'll be putting them on shortly.

I went with the sizes you have listed above, which are slightly smaller than the C4S summer tires.

RF5BPilot

btw, Damon at TireRack said that not only are 17" less expensive (both the tires and wheels cost less), but in his opinion, they had slightly better traction in ice/snow due to a slightly smaller contact patch (which makes the tire dig in more--the opposite for dry pavement where you benefit from a larger contact patch).

I understand that some may want original factory wheels, but for a winter wheel/tire, I don't think it matters. You should never be driving on a snow tire in ways that would ever make a difference....and they are more likely to have a marred finish over time due to salt/sand/etc.

Consider a simple aftermarket wheel. The more simple the design (e.g., like twists), the easier they are to maintain. Then put your nice wheels back on for good weather.

RF5BPilot

btw, Damon at TireRack said that not only are 17" less expensive (both the tires and wheels cost less), but in his opinion, they had slightly better traction in ice/snow due to a slightly smaller contact patch (which makes the tire dig in more--the opposite for dry pavement where you benefit from a larger contact patch).

I understand that some may want original factory wheels, but for a winter wheel/tire, I don't think it matters. You should never be driving on a snow tire in ways that would ever make a difference....and they are more likely to have a marred finish over time due to salt/sand/etc.

Consider a simple aftermarket wheel. The more simple the design (e.g., like twists), the easier they are to maintain. Then put your nice wheels back on for good weather.

skiracer

I got a set of 17" turbo twists for the winter w/ dedicated snow tires and they work great. You'll be able to go w/ a taller and narrower tire which will significantly increase your traction in snow & slush. Tire Rack had 'scratch & dent' specials and I have yet to find a scratch or dent on any of them.

You're going to love driving your P-car in 4 seasons - enjoy.

Edgy01

Michelin Alpins. Work really well--true snow tires. Not M+S

SH || NC

Check your OM, p.246; its all laid out there

adg44

That is what I went with for my winter wheel/tire setup. Bridgestone LM-25's in those sizes. It doesn't snow too much around the DC area, so I wasn't too worried aout getting a narrower tire for deep snow traction. But considering you get much more snow in chicago, perhaps a set of 17's with 245's in the rear would be better.

I'd just get whatever you can find in stock, as if you wait much longer you'll be SOL.

Gaspasser19

The recommended tires for 17" wheels for a narrow body are:

205/50-17
255/40-17

Currently, only the Pirelli 240 Wintersports are available in this size but there's a catch. Tirerack.com has the FRONTS in stock and Discounttire.com has the REARS in stock. Slim pickins for snows right now!

adg44

Sorry - I meant 255.

But let's be honest, 10mm isn't that drastic of a difference (255 vs 265 for the 18's), so just get what you can before they are gone.

Now 205 vs 225 for the front, that's up to you.