Winter wheels and tires

[Robert993TT]

I bought a second set of 18” carrera wheels for my Boxster S -04 and mounted Michelin Alpin PA4 on them to be able to lawfully use the car in winter conditions and lower temperatures during autumn and spring. I have been driving the Boxster in harsh conditions and it performs great with the right setup if you are aware of the cars limitations. It performs more or less as any other car.

The modern performance winter tires are much better than they use to be in real winter conditions. But they will never be the same as a narrow nordic winter tire with high sidewall. But that’s not the kind of tire you would want to use on a performance car anyway.

On the Boxster S it’s possible to use 17” wheels. Slightly narrower tires and higher sidewalls. It should be possible to buy a secondhand set. But I don’t think that will make a big difference. I would buy a size of wheels that are easy to obtain tires for in the future.

[husker boxster]

I use 265/35/18 Blizzaks on the rear of my winter beater (my Cayman). They've done me well for so many yrs most repair shops won't work on them if I have a nail. Of course the snow has to be < 4" or my car becomes a snow plow.