Monotaur

Hi all,

It's that time of year, and I'm looking for some snow tires. We've received a few feet of snow over the last couple of weeks and consequently had some pretty exciting mornings with my summer-only tires. I've got the SE (without traction control...), so I'm looking for 245/45/18's.

I've kind of narrowed my search to the following 2 tires:

1. Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60

2. Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3

I'm leaning towards the Blizzaks. Anyone have any recommendations or have experience with these tires?

I've also given some thought to getting smaller/narrower wheels and tired (while still maintaining correct loading and safety factors) for winter. Has anyone done this? How small of a wheel can we go with and still clear the brake assembly? I'm thinking that smaller tires will be cheaper and also perhaps get better traction with a narrower width. Anyone have any experience in this area?

Thanks!

Monotaur

Ah, I'm also considering Pirelli's Winter 240 Sottozero, if I have to stay with 245/45/18's.

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

I have Dunlop Winter Sport 3D's. They're awesome. If I were to do it again, I'd try the Alpins. Those weren't available when I got my 3D's, but are comparable in price to the 3D's.

I would imagine 17 would be the smallest wheel you could use. Although a 16" with the correct offset and spoke design might work too.

KCMAXX

iTrader: (22)

17" is the smallest you can run on a 6th gen. I run 17x7 350Z wheels with 225/55/17 Blizzak WS-50's. AMAZING tire...

I also have a set of 235/50/18 Michelin Pilot Sport Plus A/S's Id like to sell. They have just over 9/32" and have a better rating than the Blizzaks on Tirerack.com. PM for details.





EDIT: A narrower, taller tire will definetly help in snow.

Apollos2

iTrader: (16)

Blizzaks

My Fronts, (FED) grabbed them cheap $60 pair


My rear Continental's


So far so good

RAZ76

iTrader: (8)

#1 all the way.

jspagna

1. Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60

AznRyan

iTrader: (1)

It doesn't snow down here.

I'm kinda sad about that. My damn snowboard bindings are rusted through :/

mrjasonlyrics

You should definitely consider winter tires man.Your tires won't last if you use it all year round.I tried using those stock rims and tires and it was too frustrating especially seeing that I have a 6spd manual and as soon as I raise the clutch the tires would spin. Winter tires would save your car from sliding off the road into the ditch or into someone

Monotaur

Thank you everyone for your feedback. I have decided to go with a 17" wheel/tire combo, and have settled on the Blizzak WS70 in a 225/55/R17.

So, my only concern is finding a decent 17" wheel. Looking around on TireRack, I found these Elbrus I02 wheels. I'm not looking for anything flashy, just a decent wheel. Will these fit the 04 SE? The size is 17x7.5, offset is +35mm, backspacing is 5.66", and the bolt pattern is 5-114.

Thanks again!

Monotaur

Bump?

Apollos2

iTrader: (16)

Nice choice on tire and size, that is the stock SL size. It's what I use. Just make sure you get a painted wheel, or if it's polished it must be clear coated.

A painted wheel is super easy to clean and resists the salt or mag choride or whatever they will put on the road. SL stock wheels, Altima stock wheels also work well.

Monotaur

Thank you. Buying OEM wheels for the SL is a good idea. Any idea on a reputable supplier for these, and how much they "should" cost?

Apollos2

iTrader: (16)

Craigslist or even the Classified section here on the .org. Someone always selling stock wheels

Monotaur

So, I can't find anyone selling 2004-2008 SL OEM's in the classified section, nor on Craigslist in my area. I've posted a WTB in the classifieds, but if I don't get any bites, will the Elbrus I02 wheels I posted from TireRack fit the 2004 SE? Does that look like a decent wheel? I just wonder what the finish is, and if it would be suitable for winter use?

Thanks!

KCMAXX

iTrader: (22)

What is your location?

Monotaur

I'm in the Boulder, CO area.

KCMAXX

iTrader: (22)

http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/2793491982.html

?

I looked around, not a lot of options near you... I'll keep an eye out.

EDIT: These are right down the street from me.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/pts/2785767032.html

Monotaur

Wow, thanks KCMAXX. I've got a few options now to think about. With that first link, the tires are listed as 225 and 245... I know the G35 has different sized tires stock, but are the wheels also wider in the rear? Not sure how 'odd' that would look on a Maxima. I was also looking for 17's, but for the right price I'd jump on that.

Kryogen

Nothing I,ve ever had beats the nokyan hakkapelita 7.

Whatever I do, it wont lose control on ice. They are INCREDIBLE. Best winter tires ive ever had.

Apollos2

iTrader: (16)

Dude, I'm in Lakewood. I'll keep an eye too for some SL rims.

Juke wheels, not 100% sure of offset
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Four-2011-Ni...item5ae148fd69

Monotaur

Thanks everyone. I've got a set of 17 SL OEM's on the way. Now time to go purchase the tires...

Kryogen

im telling you

Nothing on the planet beats the nokyan hakkapelita 7.

They are SO MUCH BETTER than any winter tire I've ever had. I cant lose control on ice. Traction control didnt get on ONCE this winter so far (and were near march).

Studded, very silent on the road. They will grip ice to death. I didnt think they could be that good.

Before ive used toyos, micheling and blizzak. Nokyan beats them all. I'll buy nokyan hakkapelitas for the rest of my life now

Apollos2

iTrader: (16)

I've had Hakkapelita's one one of my cars years ago, they are monsters, no doubt. I actually don't see them around any more though and how much do they run?

Pics on your car?

Monotaur

Wow, I just saw some listed here: https://www.tiresbyweb.com/m-108-nok...FYFgTAod-UI-WQ

They look intriguing, but they are a bit outside of my budget at the moment. I went with the blizzak's, but I will consider the Hakkapelita's next time. Great suggestion, thanks Kryogen!

Apollos2

iTrader: (16)

Wow $294 for the 225/55/17 I am running on my car now. I can get two Blizzaks for that price. Probably a good tire but a little too much $$$ for me

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

A bit pricey there....


The only reason I went with the WS 3D's over the Blizzaks was because of their (WS 3D) V-rating.

Like I said, the Michelin Alpin's look awesome.

Kryogen

Yes, the only downside is the price, they cost me 1350$ can for 17 inch.

Just depends how badly you need the best tires. Here I drive 70km per day, often on icy roads, and at least 20km on ice, all winter. No salt on that road.

Therefore the price difference was worth it. Of course if you dont drive much on icy roads, the proce difference may not be worth it.

Blizzaks and michelins etc, they all work perfectly fine. It's just that the nokyans are definitely superior on ice.