hbgpodlw

I'm sorry as I'm sure it's been covered before but I tried a Google search and
couldn't find the answer...I have a 2003 ZX5 that I'm looking at snow tires
for.
I know the size tire I have now is 195-60-15 but when I go looking for snow
tires my options are very limited. I was thinking of dropping to a 14 inch rim
but every store I go to wants to sway me away from it. I know you guys have
talked about it - when I had my 2000 wagon I never put snow tires on it and
prayed all season long. I got lucky but can't take the chance with the new car.
Please help...will I have the clearance to put a 14" steel rim on it or should
I spring for the 15" alloy rims at $100 ea. ??? Thanks - Linda

dave gower

The 14s are too small, unless you go to 185/70s. That is not recommended
although Michel Bernier used them and he says they're fine. But I don't
understand what your problem is. There's lots of choice in 195/60-15 winter
tires here in Eastern Ontario. Tirerack has plenty as well. Surely you can
find some in your area if you look around.

It's a good idea to buy a set of steel rims as well, to save remounting and
keep the alloys out of the salt.

skallywag

I agree. If I can find 205 55 r16's for for ZTW, 15's should be a cinch to
get.

hbgpodlw

I was told the only rims available in 15" were alloys - not steel. I'm in PA.
so I thought that was kind of strange. Gonna check the junkyards too - this is
beginning to be a pain. Thanks... Linda

murray harper

The 185/70/14s on steel Tempo rims work fine on my 2001 Wagon for the second
year now. Take into account the reduced handling capabilities of the tires.

this is

maurice95

The low end focus comes with 185-65 14 so they will fit.I have 185-70
14 snows that i have used for two years to replace my 195-60 15 they
work just fine

iroon

Hello!
I'm from Poland and I'm Driving my Focus on winter tire.The better way is to
put an 14" steel becouse car is more close tight(?) to road.Steel is beter
than alloy becouse it's weighto more than alloy
Regread

Tom Hadlaw ( iroon )
----------------------
Focus Kombi 1,8 TDCi '03 11,420 KM ( 7137 miles )

----- Original Message -----
From: "HbgpodLW" <hbgpodlw@aol.com>
Newsgroups: alt.autos.ford.focus
Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2003 12:21 AM
Subject: Snow tires and wheels

and

tires


snow

rim

have

and

car.

should

U¿ytkownik "HbgpodLW" <hbgpodlw@aol.com> napisa³ w wiadomo¶ci
news:20031122182123.07997.00000362@mb-m03.aol.com...

and

tires


snow

rim

have

and

car.

should

michael heiming

There are plenty of good winter tires (195/60-15)

Check this test, it's in German, but I think you should have no
Problem finding the best and those tires should be available
anywhere:

Michelin Alpin
Goodyear Ultra Grip 6
Continental W.Cont. TS 790
Dunlop SP W.sport M3

http://www.adac.de/Tests/Reifentests/Winterreifen/195_60_R_15_T_10_2002/Default.asp?TL=2

Recently got the Continental Winter Contact, they run fine.
However we had no snow until now, so I can't really comment.

Only downside, they are all just "T", meaning not more then
190 km/h (~118 mph). You have to put a small sticker on the
dashboard "Winterreifen 190 km/h" over here...

Good luck

--
Michael Heiming

Remove +SIGNS and www. if you expect an answer, sorry for
inconvenience, but I get tons of SPAM

michel bernier

I own a Canadian Spec 2002 ZX5 and it came standard with 205/50/16. I have
installed steel 14" rims with a set of Goodyear Ultra Grips P185/70/14. The
important figure is the Overall Diameter which is 24" which is the OD for my
summer and winters. The narrower the tire the better it is in the snow.
They run great and you should not have any problems with clearance. I hope
this helps you out.
Mike


should

mark olson

You are right that a 14" wheel with a higher aspect ratio tire is
better for winter use than a 15 or 16" wheel with a low aspect ratio
tire, but not for any of the reasons you gave.
First, a >tall< skinny tire is better for traction in snow. Also,
the higher the body is over the road surface, the better, I've seen
too many cars sitting on top of snowdrifts to think otherwise. My '64
MGB comes to mind as a very low car that would have benefitted from
a few more inches of ground clearance.

Second, lower unsprung weight is better for handling. The slightly
higher weight of the steel wheels makes no difference whatsoever in
winter conditions, the weight distribution of the total vehicle is
what matters most for winter traction, and that will not be affected
significantly by slightly heavier wheels.