I have a set of 15" wheels for my 2004 MCS on which to mount winter tires. Unless someone has a demonstrably better idea I am going to order Blizzak Revo snow tires - I live in Northern Virginia. Should I get 195/60, or 185/65? Apparently they don't make (or TireRack doesn't stock) the OE size of 175/65, or 185/60 which is very close in size; i.e., very little speedometer error. 195/60 is also close in overall diameter, but wider than ideal for a snow tire. 185/65 is off by over 2%.

 

I purchased from Tire Rack 175/65 Pirelli snow control...if you can, the narrower the better so 175/65 would be better

 

Talk to Alex@tirerack.com about your options.

Based on what you mentioned I would think that the 185/65-15 is best for the Revo. $75 each

For studless ice and snowtires (in stock) in 175/65-15 are tirerack.com
Michelin X-Ice $73 each
Pirelli Winter 190 Snowcontrol $62 each

See tirerack's test of Revo vs X-ice
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...ay.jsp?ttid=65
It looks like either choice is fine. If you have moderate snow then both will work. If you have severe winters and deep snow the X-Ice might be a better choice due to narrower size.

 

I've got the X-ices on our Honda Odyssey; my father has them on his VR6 Jetta and Camry. Both of us also have experience on the previous Michelin winter tires - they're great. Quiet for a snow tire, handle predictably, wear well. My experience (and his) with Blizzaks is "soft and fuzzy" - great as a stuffed animal, not so much as a handling characteristic. The Revos may be better.

Stay away from Winterforce and the cheapo snow tires you see at Costco, BJs, Sams... they're great in snow but loud in the dry, and squishy.

Also... if you're going to see a LOT of snow, the narrower the better. If you're seeing intermittent snow, a slightly wider tire will give you better dry performance, still good wet, and only give up a little in snow.

Good lucK!

 

I am running the R81 7-hole wheels, that are 15x5.5", with 185/65-15 snow tires. No problems with speedo error at all. They work great. Very light weight combo. I can feel the difference whenever I change to them.

My summer wheels are the stock 16"x6.5" R-84 X-lite/V-Spoke/Monza.

MINI actually makes a 16" wheel specifically for snow tires. It is the R87 Double spoke in 16"x5.5", it is even reasonably light at 16.5lbs.

 

Don't buy Blizzaks for the DC area. While they are the best in the snow, without question... they are terrible on the dry pavement compared to some other snow tires. Also, their rubber compound is extremely soft, so they wear out MUCH faster than they should, since DC has so little snow compared to further up north.

I highly recommend the Pirelli SnowControl, SnowSport and Sottozero lines. They will perform MUCH better on dry pavement, last a lot longer, and still give you 90% of the snow performance of the Blizzaks.

 

175/65 is an optimal size for winter. In your typical snow conditions, any one of the 3 sizes will work.

The advantage the Blizzak offer is packed snow traction. This condition is prevalent at many intersections. Ice is a very similar situation, bet even more slick yet.

This is where Bridgestone's Multi-cell technology becomes a significant advantage. Displacing water into the tires' tread compound allows for more traction, by placing the tire on the condition it's battling.

When a car drives over any condition, brand new snow, packed, or icy conditions - water is generated due to the friction created as the vehicle's weight travels past it. Now rather than hardpack or ice - your dealing with water on top: very slick. In a nutshell, your tires make a tiny film of water as they drive over winter conditions.

The same idea is present when its cold out and the roads are wet, but clear. Your braking lengths increase, and your wheel lock up condition is much easier to achieve. On cold days, their compound stays more compliant, and gripping the road. This is true for any snow tire.

Blizzaks don't wear any quicker in dry cold weather. If your running them above 50-55 F -this is when premature wear begins.

Blizzaks are softer than other snow tires. That is what happens when you add that super soft multi cell compound. Other winter tires may handle better, but the one time you have to: control stop, corner, and even accelerate to avoid an accident, you will wish you had the best grip out there. When a foot or less separates you from a police report, or your deductible for example.

Not that I can advocate doing this for anyone, however I have likely avoided more situations with steering grip and acceleration. You can't control other drivers, control what you can.

I am a Blizzak user, I run them on my family's cars, and buy them for other relatives.

Now that I've stepped down, I am sure I will find differing opinions.

PS - The X ice 3 is also a pretty grippy winter tire. Michelin took a few years, but its here now.