gofastblue

Given equal tire manufacturers...is there performance differences between 17" snow tires and 18" snow tires (of course in the snow or below 38 degrees)?
The reason I'm asking is last year I ordered snow tires too late and all the tire rack had were 17" snow tires and they seem so small. This year, I can get a jump start on getting 18's, but if 17's do better in the snow, then I'll leave them.
Thanks.

gofastblue

Is there a big difference between the Blizzaks, ContiWinter's, Wintersport M3, and 240 Snowsport's?

VerrÜckt

Typically the 17" will perform better.

wmv

same height.

Lots of good snows out there, I have used the Pirellis for the last few years in upstate NY and Vt. no complaints

Just put them on today, found 2 nails in the summers

GrussGott

the tire can cut through the snow and slush to get to traction.

I've got 235 18 Nokian RSi which I've been really happy with, but they're more for ice than the occasional slush - not that they do bad there. Nokian's all-season WR is better for cold occasional snow.

I chose Nokians because they had a 50,000 mile tread warranty; and the RSi because I have a lot of ice. I don't do as much high speed dry freeway driving in winter and, if I did, I would've got the WR. As it is, I want ice traction over dry freeway traction so I got the RSi.

All the tires you mentioned are probably fine, but I've always found Nokians to have the best price/warranty/features/performance mix.

Don't forget about Vredesteins.

<A Href="http://www.nokianrsi.com">Nokian RSi Info</A>

bpp

<ul><li><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR4&amp;url=%2Fsnow%2Fchangeover.jsp%3Fcam efrom%3D%26amp%3BfromIndex%3Dtrue%26amp%3Bindex%3D xx">http://www.tirerack.com/snow/changeover.jsp?camefrom=&amp;fromIndex=true&amp;in dex=xx</a></li></ul>

KamS4

Great in 17's with 235 in size. They went from NY to Vermont in a snow storm and are great in the dry.

S4SpdWgn

Stay with your 17" snows. You'll have less float in snow and greater mobility.

donp

17". The sidewall flexibility and narrower footprint will provide better traction in snow.

Nicht ein A4

You will not notice a dry weather performance improvement with 18in snow tires. Also, the taller sidewall of the 17s offers just a bit more protection to your expensive suspension from potholes.

Pitching the 17's will only lighten your wallet. If you insist on making the switch, contact me as I am looking to purchase 17 in snows for my someday-it-will-arrive B7S4 Avant. I will have to buy snows before the car arrives as it won't be here for a while.