My '05 MCS has the stock 17 wheels (S Lites) and all season runflats.

My thoughts are to get a set of good snow tires for those wheels now
and then get upgraded wheels and new tires in the spring. Snow is
moderate (Cleveland)

I believe I'd like to stay with runflats, as the idea of driving around
with a can of fix-a-flat and no spares scares me.

Is a good plan or could someone make another suggestion?

Thanks!

 

mdreuben,

Try giving Alex@tirerack a call or email.

If you keep your 17x7" S-lytes then you can add snow tires of stock size-
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/Compare1.jsp&startIndex=0&vehicleSearch=true&width =205/&ratio=45&diameter=17&sortcode=49350&performance=W &minLoad=S&search=true

Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 for $162 each Runflats!
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/tires.jsp&tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Blizzak+L M-25&partnum=045HR7LM25RFT&vehicleSearch=true&fromCo mpare1=yes&place=0

Pirelli Winter 240 Snowsport for $142 each
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/tires.jsp&tireMake=Pirelli&tireModel=Winter+240+Sn owSport&partnum=045R7240SNOWSPRF&vehicleSearch=tru e&fromCompare1=yes&place=1

Later in the spring if you really want to keep using runflats then if you get 17x7 or 17x7.5" aftermarket rims you can get stock sized 205/45-17 replacement tires-
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/Compare1.jsp&width=205%2F&ratio=45&diameter=17&sta rtIndex=0&search=true&pagelen=20&pagenum=1&pagemar k=1&RunFlat=RunFlatOnly&x=77&y=7

 

Here is another thought. Not that you will need them in Cleveland.... but, according to the owner's manual you cannot put snow chains on 17" rims. So, if you are planning a trip anywhere with alot of snow this winter, you may want to think of 175/65-15's and new rims. That way you could use chains is you really need them. Just did this myself using the steel rims from Tire Rack, not too pricey, but the black steel wheels leave something to be desired in the looks department. Oh well it is only winter for 7 months a year around here. There is also a MINI aproved 16" tire size for chains, but I forget what it is, I bet it is an OEM size. You can look in the owner's manual for more info.

Good luck.

 

I just put the Pirelli Snowsport 210 runflats on new R83 wheels (16"). Winter is long up here...might as well look good with an alloy rim. In Calgary, they don't use real salt on the roads, just sand and gravel...so your wheels don't get ruined, but your windshield is toast!! Of course, the weather has now warmed up...no snow in sight!! :smile:

 

I really like the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2. Good snow traction, very nice tire on cold/dry roads.

 

I really like the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 2s with full factory studs in 185/65-15 mounted on "take-off" 7-hole R81 wheels. Very light, easy to clean, fantastic traction.

You can find them here, with free shipping: http://www.tirefactory.net/Hakkapeliitta%202.htm

 

I put a set of Hankook Ice Bear 300's on my factory 16" v-spokes and they performed very well in the 8" snowfall we had at the end of last year.

 

I haven't mounted them yet but I got a set of ASA alloys with 185/65/15" Blizzak REVO 1 tires... $753.00 incl shipping... see my Gallery for what they look like. I'll be curious to see how they look and change the handling characteristics of my MCS... I, too, have the 17" S-Lites /w All Seasons. I don't trust All Season in the snow; I made that mistake with my old front wheel drive Saturn SC-2 with traction control... once I put the SNOWS on, it was night and day for me.


Dave