dstrimbu

It appears that the Nokian WR is the only winter tire available in 295/35 R 18 (N0). I'm having a hard time finding them on the web... anybody know who sells Nokians in the US?

The Nokiatyres.com website links to a US Dealer page, but it appears to be broken...

-don

Frino

Winter tires for the upcoming season are just hitting the marketplace so you may be experiencing a timing issue. Call Paul at Radial Tire (301-585-2740)...he has a very good reputation with the DC area PCA and BMWCCA crowd. Radial says they can get the Nokian tire.

dstrimbu

Thanks, Frino! -don

erv

http://www.nokiantires.com/en/
go to dealer locator

erv

I thought Conti, Pirelli, and Michelin made Porsche approved winter tires as well.

ahs911cab

Try the Michilen Alpin in 265/40/R18 available at Tire Rack.

dstrimbu

Thanks, Erv - that link works for me!

erv

Don, I noticed you went from a 19" to an 18" wheel for your winter tires. I know that tire rack recommends going to a smaller wheel when mounting winter tires.
Does Porsche recommend going to a smaller wheel when you mount winter tires?
I understand why wider tires are less effective in adverse weather conditions, but does anyone know why a smaller wheel/tire diameter may be better for winter applications.

thanks

P-Nuts

I went with the Porsche approved Pirelli winter tires on 19" rims for my 2S Performed great last winter. No problems at all....although I never took the car out in more than 4" of snow.

erv

Sounds good. I really don't want to go with a smaller wheel for aesthetic reasons. I don't foresee going out in snow that is deeper than 4-5" either, ground clearance would probably become an issue.

P-Nuts

I agree on the aesthetics....I have my winter tires on for 5 months of the year.

dstrimbu

Hi Erv,

Haven't purchased yet; I realize the tread width is much more important if you're looking for a "real" snow tire - however, I planned to purchase a set of Porsche take-off wheels, and quite honestly, I was interested in how the car would handle with the eighteens. Plus, the eighteens were a bit cheaper (wheels about $200 less, tires were $170 less for 18")... and that's my ONLY reason. If I was serious about snow traction, I'd drop to a 225 or less in the front, and a 265 in the rear, definitely on 18s (or even 17s, if they clear the brakes).

Since then, I've spoken to the guys at Wheel Enhancement - and since I'm only seeking the best possible dry / cold road traction (with the possibility of suprise snow being #2 on the needs list), I'm pretty much decided to go with a set of 19" Carrera S take-offs and the Pirelli Winter 240 Snow Sport N0s in 235/35VR19 front and 295/30VR19 rears...

On my BMW, I went from a 235/50-R16 summer tire to a 225/60-R15 Dunlop Winter Sport A2. The car is a dream to drive in the snow. If the weather really turns to crap, the Bimmer will get snow duty...

I'll keep you guys posted when I get the tires on the car.

-don

P-Nuts

In my view 19's are the way to go.

I have PS2's on my Carrera S wheels for summer and the Pirelli Winters on my 19" carrera classics for winter. That way I get a different look (both great) for the summer and winter (plus the winter wheels are easier to clean). I live in southern CT and we only get 5-10 serious snow days a year, so narrow width is no issue. The Pirelli's were great last winter....good choice Don.

erv

Thanks Don and P-nuts for the feedback. I'll be going with the 19's and Pirelli's as well.
Don, I assume by "take-off" wheels you mean your 2nd set of wheels?

dstrimbu

Yessir. The guys at Wheel Enhancement are offering a great price on a set of Carrera S 5-spokes, taken off a car with less than 100 miles and no scratches. I trust these guys; my e-mail correspondence with them so far has been very detailed and timely. I'll let you know more when the transaction is complete...

I've done two sets of wheels for a while with the BMWs; makes life 1000% easier 'cuz I can do a changeover in less than 45 minutes in my garage. Also, with the 911, I really worry about stretching those 19" tires over the rim multiple times; can't be good for the retaining bead or sidewall - plus, the chance for nicking or gouging a rim is higher when you're shuffling tires... that goes without saying. Plus, my wife wants a new front door, and it's $4,000 - so the tires and wheels are a bargain.

Good luck Erv, let us know when you get your tires. BTW, the Pirelli's get rave reviews on Tirerack.com...

-don