Skitown

My Goodyear allroads are completely worn out after 14,000 miles. Can't wait to switch to winter tires in Nov. I need to decide between getting summer replacement tires on 17" wheels and then buy 16" winter wheels and tires or buy new 18" wheels for the summer performance tires and put winter tires on original 17" wheels.

On a scale of 1 - 5 how much difference will 18" summer performance tires have over same 17" tires?

On a scale of 1 - 5 how much difference will going (-1) down to 16" winter tires have over 17" winter tires. I know the 17" winter tire selection is very limited. They don't make the winter tire I really want in right 17" size. But I'm not sure that's reason enough to go to 16".

Thanks

WClark

18" over 17". Depends on the wheel mostly and weight of the wheel. Get a much lighter 18" and you performance will improve a bit, get an equal or heavier 18" wheel and it will degrade. Tire to tire alone the 18" will have quicker reflexes when turning and a little better contact patch in the corners if inflated properly and alignment is optimal, but poorer ride. I would give the ligher 18" combo a +1 over 17" for performance, otherwise -1.

16" vs. 17" winter. Narrow and tall are positive attributes in a winter tire when on snow, ice and slush and negative when on dry roads. I would say a -1 is a fair idea either way and the 16" offers a higher sidewall for a more comfortable ride over the broken bits common in winter.