Winter Tire Suggestions - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Nepete · 08-30-2011, 05:08 PM

I have a set of 16" OEM rims for my 03 Boxster that I picked up to mount winter tires. I am finding a hard time finding the OEM suggested sizes in winter tires. Does anyone have any recommendations on what size tires would work best for winter driving? I have also heard that Blizzak's are the way to go. Looking for any suggestions based on personal experience.

2003S · 08-30-2011, 06:22 PM

from owner's manual:

Front: 205/55 R 16
Rear: 225/50 R 16

husker boxster · 08-31-2011, 03:37 AM

Blizzaks have gotten me through those tough Neb winters.

schnellman · 08-31-2011, 03:53 AM

My Box sits in the garage all winter, but I run Blizzaks on my Outback and my wife's Impreza. Wouldn't have anything else.

DenverSteve · 08-31-2011, 09:56 PM

I use Falken and they are great. The Ziex are especially good in the wet which is about as messy as the Boxster sees.

Pat · 09-01-2011, 08:58 AM

Blizzaks and Nokians could mean more than one kind of tire. Blizzak is a line of several models, all of which are significantly different. Likewise, I think Nokian makes more than one kind of snow tire. Both groups likely have a good tire for you priorities, but don't just assume any Blizzak or Nokian is good for you.
Personally, I am not a fan of Blizzaks for my priorities. They have a dual tread compound, so the first half of their life they're really squirmy but great on ice. Once they're 60% used you're on the other compound that is harder. I prefer a more performance-oriented snow tire that lasts longer and has more consistent characteristics throughout its life. I live in CO, and drive a lot on dry roads. If you live in MN where the roads are frequently icy, a softer compound would be more appropriate.

Kendo · 09-01-2011, 10:26 AM

I am also looking around for some new snow tires as my Blizzak LM22's are toast.

The problem I have is the sizing for my 7x17 front and 8.5x17 rear winter rims. Originally these came with 205/50 r17 and 255/40 r17 and the resulting tire diameter was virtually identical.

While 205/50 r17's are available 255/40 r17 are pretty well non-existent for snow tires with the Hankook Ice bear being one of the few and it has marginal reviews from drivers.

So is it okay to run 205/50 r17 on the front and 225/45 r17 on the rear? Will the .39% difference in diameter upset the PSM?

Any other options for a Colorado snow tire.

Thanks, Ken

ekam · 09-01-2011, 10:35 AM

^If you read the manual 225/45/17 is appropriate for 17" rears.

Avoid Pirelli Sottozero 210, they're only good if you live in a city that don't have a lot of snow as they're "performance winter tires" = not real snow tires & just slightly better than all-seaons.

I had great experience with Toyo G02+ but they don't come in european sizes.

Pat · 09-01-2011, 11:40 AM

Hey Kendo, I'm in Littleton. I drive ~23K miles a year, both in the city and mountains. Finding a tire that is good on days that are 65 degrees and sunny, as well as a foot of fresh in the mountains is tough. Dunlop 3Ds are my favorite performance snow tire, as I think they are the best compromise. I rarely see ice, which they are not good with.
The LM-22s are very nice tires, the snow tire technology has advanced significantly since their release, so you can find better options that those now. Nokian Hakkas are great if you spend a lot of time in the mountains, but suck in town on dry roads.

Flavor 987S · 09-01-2011, 12:24 PM

I recommend:

1) Winter
2) Hibernation
3) Ford Explorer

944boy · 09-01-2011, 03:07 PM

Hibernation?!? I LOVE driving the Boxster in the snow.

I don't see as much snow here as elsewhere so I did not go for Nokians. I got the General Altimax's in slightly taller than stock sizes. I had no problem going up my very steep driveway in un-cleared snow. I have to give them a high rating for the price.