Cainstile

just bought a 2003 s2k and looking to put winter tires on it, are the 205/55r16 blizzak on all 4 wheels still the best bet?

darcyw

I don't think I'd go 205 square. Stick with the OEM staggered set up to maintain the handling "balance". At least, that's what I'd do.

Blizzak's are good.

darcy

Car Analogy

Winter tires are for cold weather traction, as well as for snow and ice. For snow, tires that are thinner tend to have better traction. But then you are sacrificing everything else just for snow traction. Thats fine if where you live you'll drive in snow covered roads more than roads that are merely cold.

Personally I'd imstead just put the money for snow tires and spare wheels into just buying the best winter beater that money could buy. Its not worth subjecting the S to winter conditions that require winter tires. Its a penny wise, pound foolish scenario.

Chuck S

All seasons will work fine. These cars are so low that you'll be stuck in any depth of snow and snow tires will be of minimal help.


-- Chuck

ZDan

I've run Dunlop WinterSports on my '01 for years. Currently with the SP WinterSport 4D the only option for them is indeed 205/55-16 all around. Probably better performance in non snow/ice conditions vs. Blizzaks.
Or you could run Pirelli SottoZero 3 in 215/55-16 all around. Slightly taller than stock, no big deal. I just got these for my BRZ
Both of those appear to perform very well for winter tires:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=181

There don't seem to be many if any good staggered-size options for winter tires for the AP1 any more...

Dedicated winter tires do a lot better in snow and ice than the best all-seasons, and you absolutely CAN drive an S2k in enough snow that it matters..
I've dailied my S2k through 10 New England winters, often on/through as much as 6" of snow, and have never gotten stuck.

There are winter tires that grip a lot better in cold/dry conditions than those tested in the video, see link to tire test above^^^
Pirelli Sottozero 3 braked from 50mph in 85.6 ft (extrapolating to 60mph gives 123 ft.) and pulled 0.90g on the skidpad at 40F.

rpg51

I live in an area where we get a lot of snow. The ground is frozen all winter. Roads are regularly covered in a layer of packed snow for a period of time after every storm. I've been driving in this area for more years than I care to remember. I would not drive my S here in the winter because it would take a major tool on the undercarriage and body. But, my personal opinion is that true snow or winter tires are much better and safer in this climate. All seasons will work, but in my opinion they aren't nearly as good as true winter tires here where I live. Most people here use true winter tires in the winter and either all seasons or summer tires in the summer.

Cainstile

I went with the 205's all around with Blizzaks too due to the lack of a staggered rear size. It's my daily in Seattle and I already got stuck in some pretty easy snow this year after only owning for 3 weeks. Plan on putting 215 in front and 245 in the rear on 17" rims come spring.

THMotorsports

I am an advocate of winter tires. They make a huge difference.

205 square is fine. If you're not lowered, you can also increase the diameter to get more sidewall (which helps) and also more ride height (which also helps). Just remember that you have less grip because of the narrower width and the tall squirmy tread blocks.

All seasons certainly make it fun though.