[NBrehm]

I've made it no secret that I hate the stock goodyears on the ECO, I was going to get a nice set of new tires but with winter coming I think snows are a better idea first. So anyway, my plan since we have such an oddball tire size and now I have a trifecta tune on the way so later on I can adjust tire size, is to switch to a 235/45/17. They are a little less than an inch smaller in overall diameter which is going to hurt gas mileage a little bit but it opens alot of doors for tires instead of the limited choices we have and the reduced weight of the tire may even cancel it out. For tire selection for snows I'll be going Bridgestone Blizzak WS70's and then in the spring will put Nitto Invo's on.

Opinions?

EDIT: BTW if anyone cares the Blizzak's are about $175 each and the Nittos are $135 each. Compared with the only stock sized snow I could find (Michelin Alpin, $200.00) and the stock tire at $138 they are a fair bargain IMO

 

[NBrehm]

Goodyear fuel max (according to discount tire) weighs 19.8 pounds for a 215/55/17, Nitto invo in 235/45/17 weighs 20.6, I can live with 3/4 of a pound per wheel. Nitto's are also exremely light due to their high nylon content. I am not really hugely concerned about the fuel mileage, I can sacrifice a few MPG (especially with the cost savings for the snows being $100.00) for a tire that, IMO, is inadequate in most ways. Dry performance is OK, wet performance is terrible compared to similar tires, they are noisy and only ride "OK". I guess bottom line I'd rather have better ride and handling and the ability to stop short on a wet road with confidence than the added gas mileage. Also having sold tires at the shop for a few years now I have yet to see a set of these go the full 65,000 miles and most people complain the fuel savings is negligible. Food for thought either way. I am curious to see just how much the MPG would go down though.

 

[NBrehm]

Actually on second review if I am doing my math right a 235/45/17 should be on a 7.5" wide wheel, I think we only have 7 inch. I may have to look for a 225/45 or 225/50 tire

 

[NBrehm]

To be honest I didn't look at tire rack, I've bought twice from them and had problems both times so I won't deal with them. I've good luck with the Blizzak's in the past so that is what I am going to stick with. And yes they are an oddball size when you look at the prices they get pretty steep when you get to the better end of the tire (when a 215 series tire costs as much as a 275 series tire, I'd say they are pricey) spectrum because it isn't that common of a size. If I can find a summer tire I like in the stock size it is good to know there are other snows out there but I get such a good discount from Nitto they are gonna be tough to beat.

 

[NBrehm]

Lol, OK "less common" may be a better description. If you buy 4 from Discount tire they don't charge shipping at all now.

 

[NBrehm]

even better, I've never bought less than 4 from them