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Convince me...185/60/15 or 195/60/15 winters

Messages
8
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4
Location
Fort Lauderdale
#1
So I've settled on the Nokian WR-G3 and picked up steelies w/TPMS for $200 off craigslist.

Are 195's worth it for the extra sidewall/better ride/wider contact patch or should I just stick with 185's?
 


Messages
418
Likes
101
Location
Waukesha
#2
185 keeps the stock rolling diameter. Also the narrow footprint does better in snow/ice. I'd say ride quality is going to be more decided on the tire for the little amount that changes.
 


Zissou

Active member
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Location
Charlottesville
#3
I have some 195/60r15 Pirelli P4's as my winter tire on some steelies from an old Focus. I got I enjoy the extra cushioning, but I bought them essentially just because they were a really good deal on closeout; cheaper than the 185's I found. The difference in total diameter should theoretically only be 12 mm. I've had no problems with the 195/60's.

I don't have tpms sensors, but then again the wheels were free. I just suffer the warning light on long trips. The wheels were ugly so I plasti dipped them purple.
 


Plainrt

1000 Post Club
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Location
Sheboygan
#4
I'd do 185. I have 195 and thing rides like a boat. I hate feeling of snows lol
 


M-Sport fan

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Location
Princeton, N.J.
#5
You need a snow/winter setup in southern Florida, or do you live somewhere else now, or travel far north, etc.? [dunno]
 


BRGT350

1000 Post Club
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Location
Grand Haven
#9
narrow is better for winter. You get more pounds per square inch with a narrow tire, so you get better bite in the snow and ice. The force is more concentrated. A wider tire spreads the load out more and the car tends to "float" over the snow. Here is a great example, if you are standing on ice and it starts to crack, do you A) stand on one foot or B) lay down flat on the ice? B of course, you are spreading your weight over a larger area. When it comes to snow and ice traction for tires, you want the opposite; the most force concentrated in the smallest area. In the summer you want the widest tire and opposite for the winter.
 


Zissou

Active member
Messages
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137
Location
Charlottesville
#12
I laughed out loud when I read this. What color is your car?

Nevermind, I saw it on your profile.

Sent using Tapatalk
This is pre mods and window tint and when the purple was the brightest. It's dimmed down a little now entering its 3rd winter.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 


Messages
446
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164
Location
Arlington, VA
#13
Well I just chuckled to myself when you first mentioned it, but I legit LOLed at the pictures. Do you have no shame, sir?!

But to OP's question, I run 195/55/R16 for winter and I think it's ideal for a winter where you don't get a ton of snow, but like to have peace of mind when you do get it. Not sure if 195/60 would be too soft, but it very well could be. If you get a lot of snow and occasional ice, then I would say 185/60 for the reasons Bryan noted.
 


Zissou

Active member
Messages
540
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137
Location
Charlottesville
#15
I'll bet those lavender hoops go over REAL WELL with all them coal rollin' bro good ol' boys down thar! [histerical]
haha well Charlottesville is a college town and doesn't have as many of those coal rolling bros. Just fratty bros haha. But as soon as I get outside of town, yup - coal rolling bros.
I consider my wheels rather rebellious lol
 


M-Sport fan

9000 Post Club
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Location
Princeton, N.J.
#16
haha well Charlottesville is a college town and doesn't have as many of those coal rolling bros. Just fratty bros haha. But as soon as I get outside of town, yup - coal rolling bros.
I consider my wheels rather rebellious lol
I forgot to say that it IS cool that you rebel like that, and have the 'cojones' to roll on those things! [thumb]
 


neeqness

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,398
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166
Location
LA
#17
This is pre mods and window tint and when the purple was the brightest. It's dimmed down a little now entering its 3rd winter.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Lol, I thought you were joking!

Sent using Tapatalk
 




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