I realize that one of the best combinations for winter is 15" wheels and Blizzacks. I have my take-off 17" Mini-lites collecting dust in my garage and wondered if anyone has had experience running 205/45 17 Blizzacks and how they performed. Before I go off and purchase a set of 15' wheels for winter, this option needs review. Besides that, at least my '04 MCS would look halfway decent among the salt and muck with the ML's on it for three god-forsaken months in Ohio winter weather.

 

Buy them, mount them, you'll love them!

 

From my experience, the larger you go the worse it gets...stick to 15's during the winter...and if you have harsh ones, don't bother looking at anything other than 15's. As for the Blizzacks, you will not be disappointed. My MINI wears 15" Blizzacks here in Montreal and they serve me good, real good.

 

As a new MSC owner in Maintoba (I will need winter tires), i am confused as to why the 17 inch tires would not be better than the 15 or 16 inchers?

 

Lower sidewall = stiffer tire = less compliant over icy/snowy roads = less traction.

Lower sidewall = less safety margin when you hit those inevitable winter potholes = bent rims = tears and an empty wallet.

 

I'm running 215/45/17 Blizzak WS-50s. They work perfectly fine.

 

As long as the roads where you live do not develope winter potholes then the 17" wheels will be OK. Potholes and 45% sidewall tires do not mix. One good pothole and you blow a tire and the rim.

15" wheels have 65% sidewall tires, much more forgiving of potholes.

The other thing that makes for a good snow tire is to use a narrower tire. Smaller footprint yields greater pounds per square inch, better ability to dig thru the snow and slush and make contact with the pavement. Contact with the pavement = traction = ability to steer, accelerate, and more importantly, stop.

I am running 15" 7 hole R81 wheels with 185/65-15 Nokian Hakkapeliitta 2 tires. They turn my MCS into a little tractor in the snow, just point and go.

 

Like i said, i live in montreal, Pothole city...thats why the 15" and those Nokians are awsome...used to have them on my GLI...wow...

 

Thanks for the reply's. We have many ruts and potholes in Manitoba so I will source out some 15's.