Possible to drive on 18" rims in winter?
#1
Buying new 17" rims for winter, but wondering what do you guys think about using 18" ones.
I don't have the xDrive, rear wheel drive only.
Is it a big difference between driving on 17"s and 18"s on a typical thin sheet of snow and mud?
I don't have the xDrive, rear wheel drive only.
Is it a big difference between driving on 17"s and 18"s on a typical thin sheet of snow and mud?
#2
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You will not notice a difference. Always nice to have a dedicated set of winter tires mounted on rims so you can change the tires yourself, but if you do not mind paying the local tire guy twice per year to change the tires then tires alone will be much less expensive. My local tire shop charges me $70 to balance and mount 4 tires, so $140/year.
#3
I get it, I've been doing it like that on my previous car (about the same labor cost), but I think I was not clear in my initial post. I have 19" rims for summer and buying 17" for winter, but considering 18".
They are more expensive, tires are more expensive as well, but it looks better. Was curious to hear if it's more difficult to drive on +1" inch on snow, or makes no difference. My wife is often afraid of driving in winter so if 18" rims make a notable difference in putting more stress on a less experienced driver, I'd go for 17" rims instead. What do you think?
They are more expensive, tires are more expensive as well, but it looks better. Was curious to hear if it's more difficult to drive on +1" inch on snow, or makes no difference. My wife is often afraid of driving in winter so if 18" rims make a notable difference in putting more stress on a less experienced driver, I'd go for 17" rims instead. What do you think?
#4
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It's less an issue of tire height but more of tire width. Generally, the narrower the tire, the better the traction in snow. You want the narrowest tire your rims will support. Generally speaking, the smaller the tire diameter, the smaller the width you can obtain. Bottom line: Set you wife's mind at ease and go with the 17's.
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I get it, I've been doing it like that on my previous car (about the same labor cost), but I think I was not clear in my initial post. I have 19" rims for summer and buying 17" for winter, but considering 18".
They are more expensive, tires are more expensive as well, but it looks better. Was curious to hear if it's more difficult to drive on +1" inch on snow, or makes no difference. My wife is often afraid of driving in winter so if 18" rims make a notable difference in putting more stress on a less experienced driver, I'd go for 17" rims instead. What do you think?
They are more expensive, tires are more expensive as well, but it looks better. Was curious to hear if it's more difficult to drive on +1" inch on snow, or makes no difference. My wife is often afraid of driving in winter so if 18" rims make a notable difference in putting more stress on a less experienced driver, I'd go for 17" rims instead. What do you think?
#9
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My Ride: 2004 E61 530D - Dynamic Drive - Active Front Steering Sport Seats - Voice Control - Head Up Display - Nav Pro - Bluetooth - Panoramic roof - Front/rear heated seats
Size won't make a difference at all, especially a minor change such as 17" to 18". I coincidentally changed last winter from 18 to 17 with the same brand/model winter tires and there is no difference whatsoever in handling on snow/wet/ice. Only advantage of the 18's was that under dry road consitions they provide a slightly more direct feel to steering when pushed...
So it's basically cost vs. cosmetics for you.
Good luck!
So it's basically cost vs. cosmetics for you.
Good luck!