Which winter tires should I get?

[Typhoon]

Hi,

I drive a 2006 Saturn Ion 3 Quad Coupe and have no idea what size winter tire and rim to get. Can anyone help? My current all season tires at P205/55R16 89H. Are any of those numbers flexible? Tiretrack.com suggested I get 15 inch with 195 mm? Does that make sense to get smaller tires? Also, let's talk about rims. My friend says I need to get the right lug nut pattern. What is that all about? Thanks.

[Whitedart]

I drive a 2006 Saturn Ion Quad Coupe and have no idea what size tire and rim to get. Can anyone help? I believe my all-seasons are 15 inch. Once you give me the number I need, are any of those numbers flexible? Like if you say 195 mm width, can a 210 mm width fit? Can I put 14" onto my car? Etc. Thanks.

Check the sticker on the driver's door post for the recommended and optional tire/rim sizes for your car.

Or check one of the other 134 threads on winter tires from this year.

[mmhassa2]

This site will tell you your tire's size: http://www.tirerack.com/index_w.jsp

[canadien99]

Hi,

I drive a 2006 Saturn Ion Quad Coupe and have no idea what size tire and rim to get. Can anyone help? I believe my all-seasons are 15 inch. Once you give me the number I need, are any of those numbers flexible? Like if you say 195 mm width, can a 210 mm width fit? Can I put 14" onto my car? Etc. Thanks.

I used www.activegreenross.com to get my winter tires and so i recommend it for you too, and assuming yours is as follows cuz there is also ION-3, here is what i found using their "tire selector". Tons of locations across Ontario, call them to see which locations has your desired tire in stock... hopefully, the closest isn't Ottawa.


You have selected the following Vehicle:

Saturn - Ion which was Made in 2006 with Options: ION-2 Quad Coupe & Sedan

The Size Found Was: P205/55R16 89H

We have found 9 different tire options for your vehicle:

Manufacturer Tire Size Price Description Detail
Yokohama P205/55R16 V $178.20 W.DRIVE BTL more information
Bridgestone P205/55R16 V $197.40 Blizzak LM-25 BSW more information
Michelin P205/55R16 H $199.20 Pilot Alpin PA2 BSW more information
Michelin P205/55R16 H $199.20 Pilot Alpin PA2 BSW more information
Michelin P205/55R16 H $200.80 Pilot Alpin PA2 BSW more information
Michelin P205/55R16 V $219.20 Pilot Alpin PA2 BSW more information
Michelin P205/55R16 V $221.60 94V Pilot Alpin PA3 BSW more information
Michelin P205/55R16 H $231.20 Pilot Alpin PA2 BSW more information
Bridgestone P205/55R16 H $247.20 Blizzak LM-22 BSW

**** H,V are the speed ratings (do some research on the net to find out the difference) between the two. usually, for winter, people drop down one speed rating from the all-seasons.

[mangoman]

No offense but those prices suck (I believe installation is included though for Active Green and Ross). Check the clicktire.com prices (and according to other posters, if you call Alex, the prices are a bit better than what's even posted on the website). Add $40 for delivery to Toronto and then about $50 locally to mount the tires onto your existing rims if you're not purchasing a separate set of steel wheels for your winters.

P205/55R16
General - Altimax Arctic
Prix
205/55R16Q
GARRTIC-10019
108.03$

Dunlop - Graspic DS-2
Prix
205/55R16Q
DS2-1019
126.88$

Goodyear - Ultra Grip Ice
Prix
205/55R16Q
UGI-1011
135.58$

Dunlop - SP Winter Sport 3D
Prix
205/55R16 XLV
3D-9003
139.93$

Goodyear - Eagle Ultra Grip GW3
Marque : Goodyear
Modèle : Eagle Ultra Grip GW3
Prix
205/55R16H
GW3-1007
145.73$

Dunlop - SP Winter Sport 3D
Prix
205/55R16H
3D-9004
147.18$

Goodyear - Ultra Grip Performance
Prix
205/55R16 XLV
ULTRAPER-1001
150.08$

Yokohama - IG20
Prix
205/55R16T
IG20-1022
155.88$

Bridgestone - Blizzak WS60
Prix
205/55R16R
WS60-1018
158.78$

Bridgestone - Blizzak LM25
Prix
205/55R16H
LM25-1003
160.23$

Pirelli - Winter Carving Edge
Prix
205/55R16T
CARVING-1007
160.23$

Pirelli - Winter 210 Sottozero
Prix
205/55R16H
SOTTO-1003
161.68$

Continental - ContiWinterContact TS810
Prix
205/55R16H
TS810-4006
167.48$

Michelin - Pilot Alpin PA3
Prix
205/55R16H
PA3-1002
168.50$

Michelin - X-Ice Xi2
Prix
205/55R16T
XI2-1019
170.38$

Pirelli - Winter 210 SnowSport
Prix
205/55R16H
210snow-20032
176.18$

Michelin - Primacy Alpin PA3
Prix
205/55R16H
179.08$

Pirelli - Winter 210 SnowSport
205/55R16H
210snow-20031
184.88$

Pirelli - Winter 210 Sottozero
205/55R16H
SOTTO-1002
190.68$

I used www.activegreenross.com to get my winter tires and so i recommend it for you too, and assuming yours is as follows cuz there is also ION-3, here is what i found using their "tire selector". Tons of locations across Ontario, call them to see which locations has your desired tire in stock... hopefully, the closest isn't Ottawa.


You have selected the following Vehicle:

Saturn - Ion which was Made in 2006 with Options: ION-2 Quad Coupe & Sedan

The Size Found Was: P205/55R16 89H

We have found 9 different tire options for your vehicle:

Manufacturer Tire Size Price Description Detail
Yokohama P205/55R16 V $178.20 W.DRIVE BTL more information
Bridgestone P205/55R16 V $197.40 Blizzak LM-25 BSW more information
Michelin P205/55R16 H $199.20 Pilot Alpin PA2 BSW more information
Michelin P205/55R16 H $199.20 Pilot Alpin PA2 BSW more information
Michelin P205/55R16 H $200.80 Pilot Alpin PA2 BSW more information
Michelin P205/55R16 V $219.20 Pilot Alpin PA2 BSW more information
Michelin P205/55R16 V $221.60 94V Pilot Alpin PA3 BSW more information
Michelin P205/55R16 H $231.20 Pilot Alpin PA2 BSW more information
Bridgestone P205/55R16 H $247.20 Blizzak LM-22 BSW

**** H,V are the speed ratings (do some research on the net to find out the difference) between the two. usually, for winter, people drop down one speed rating from the all-seasons.

[Typhoon]

I have edited my first post with new information I have:
I drive a 2006 Saturn Ion 3 Quad Coupe and have no idea what size winter tire and rim to get. Can anyone help? My current all season tires at P205/55R16 89H. Are any of those numbers flexible? Tiretrack.com suggested I get 15 inch with 195 mm? Does that make sense to get smaller tires? Also, let's talk about rims. My friend says I need to get the right lug nut pattern. What is that all about? Also, tirerack.com appears to be US based and doesn't ship to Canada. It was a useful site for sure, but I can't order from them. Anyone want to suggest the best place in Canada that I can go to to get the tires and rims and have them installed? Thanks.

[mangoman]

Yes, your choices are somewhat flexible - I strongly suggest you try the sites that were recommended above in the replies. They will tell you what optional tire sizes you can use if you are planning on getting a separate set of rims for your winter tires.

If you're using the same wheels that you already have on your car then you will be limited to that wheel diameter (16"). By going down a diameter size (15"), you can better your traction in snow because you will also be recommended to get narrower tires (the 195mm you mentioned). What this does is basically concentrate the weight of the vehicle onto a skinnier patch of rubber which "digs" in more into the snow. This also generally saves you money on the winter tire (and will help to fund getting a set of dedicated winter rims so your summer rims don't get damaged by salt and also saves you time when it comes time to switching over the tires in the Spring/Fall).

The smaller option is to go 195/60R15 for your car but do yourself a favour and give a call to Alex from www.clicktire.com in Quebec. He'll ship you tires or tires mounted/balanced on wheels for your specific car in about 2 days.

I have edited my first post with new information I have:
I drive a 2006 Saturn Ion 3 Quad Coupe and have no idea what size winter tire and rim to get. Can anyone help? My current all season tires at P205/55R16 89H. Are any of those numbers flexible? Tiretrack.com suggested I get 15 inch with 195 mm? Does that make sense to get smaller tires? Also, let's talk about rims. My friend says I need to get the right lug nut pattern. What is that all about? Also, tirerack.com appears to be US based and doesn't ship to Canada. It was a useful site for sure, but I can't order from them. Anyone want to suggest the best place in Canada that I can go to to get the tires and rims and have them installed? Thanks.

[Pete_Coach]

This site will tell you your tire's size: http://www.tirerack.com/index_w.jsp

I have edited my first post with new information I have:
I drive a 2006 Saturn Ion 3 Quad Coupe and have no idea what size winter tire and rim to get. Can anyone help? My current all season tires at P205/55R16 89H. Are any of those numbers flexible? Tiretrack.com suggested I get 15 inch with 195 mm? Does that make sense to get smaller tires? Also, let's talk about rims. My friend says I need to get the right lug nut pattern. What is that all about? Also, tirerack.com appears to be US based and doesn't ship to Canada. It was a useful site for sure, but I can't order from them. Anyone want to suggest the best place in Canada that I can go to to get the tires and rims and have them installed? Thanks.
You are very right about the US based aspect of tire rack. While there is very good information in their site, it can be misleading for many Canadians that are not knowledgeable of the differences in car models and regulatory requirements.
You cannot just go on the site and order tires that are in their list. Many times the wheel size and tire size for your Canadian cars are not even on in their lists. Be careful of the information you get from that site.
I am not saying don't use Tire Rack, I am just saying be careful of the data.

[Typhoon]

Have I mentioned that you guys are awesome! You are such a great aid in finding information on anything! Anyways, I checked clicktire and their site is only in French. Unfortunately I'm a little dull in my French. Are there any other sites that I should check. I'm pretty sure I need 195/60r15 tires. Quick question. My friend is selling used tires for dirt cheap but they are 195/65r15. That should be fine right? I checked Canadian Tire's page and they seem a bit pricy (about 100 per tire plus 90 per alloy rim which is like 800 bucks). Any other suggestions? Thanks so much guys.

[mangoman]

The 195/65R15's should fit if you get a set of 15" wheels (since you said you had 16's on now) but do call up wherever you're planning to buy them from to see if there are any issues with fit (some cars can in theory go down a size but require special rims because they have a car that has large brakes that won't permit generic wheels to fit over them). If you call up Clicktire at the number in the top right corner, you'll be able to ask them in English about the tires/wheel combo you want. (Calling might cost you $2-$5 but you'll probably save $75-100).

Try this post of mine if you want to take a second try at deciphering the website ;)
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7839156&postcount=218

Have I mentioned that you guys are awesome! You are such a great aid in finding information on anything! Anyways, I checked clicktire and their site is only in French. Unfortunately I'm a little dull in my French. Are there any other sites that I should check. I'm pretty sure I need 195/60r15 tires. Quick question. My friend is selling used tires for dirt cheap but they are 195/65r15. That should be fine right? I checked Canadian Tire's page and they seem a bit pricy (about 100 per tire plus 90 per alloy rim which is like 800 bucks). Any other suggestions? Thanks so much guys.

[canadien99]

Prix ? Mama ... is this in Quebec ?
Where were you dude when i wanted tires installed last week !?

I'm going to check out the tires for my car. I hope i didn't lose too much blood ...

Edited:

Checked and those prices were $30 less per tire and they use UPS. Cool. Maybe next time !

No offense but those prices suck (I believe installation is included though for Active Green and Ross). Check the clicktire.com prices (and according to other posters, if you call Alex, the prices are a bit better than what's even posted on the website). Add $40 for delivery to Toronto and then about $50 locally to mount the tires onto your existing rims if you're not purchasing a separate set of steel wheels for your winters.

P205/55R16
General - Altimax Arctic
Prix
205/55R16Q
GARRTIC-10019
108.03$

Dunlop - Graspic DS-2
Prix
205/55R16Q
DS2-1019
126.88$

Goodyear - Ultra Grip Ice
Prix
205/55R16Q
UGI-1011
135.58$

Dunlop - SP Winter Sport 3D
Prix
205/55R16 XLV
3D-9003
139.93$

Goodyear - Eagle Ultra Grip GW3
Marque : Goodyear
Modèle : Eagle Ultra Grip GW3
Prix
205/55R16H
GW3-1007
145.73$

Dunlop - SP Winter Sport 3D
Prix
205/55R16H
3D-9004
147.18$

Goodyear - Ultra Grip Performance
Prix
205/55R16 XLV
ULTRAPER-1001
150.08$

Yokohama - IG20
Prix
205/55R16T
IG20-1022
155.88$

Bridgestone - Blizzak WS60
Prix
205/55R16R
WS60-1018
158.78$

Bridgestone - Blizzak LM25
Prix
205/55R16H
LM25-1003
160.23$

Pirelli - Winter Carving Edge
Prix
205/55R16T
CARVING-1007
160.23$

Pirelli - Winter 210 Sottozero
Prix
205/55R16H
SOTTO-1003
161.68$

Continental - ContiWinterContact TS810
Prix
205/55R16H
TS810-4006
167.48$

Michelin - Pilot Alpin PA3
Prix
205/55R16H
PA3-1002
168.50$

Michelin - X-Ice Xi2
Prix
205/55R16T
XI2-1019
170.38$

Pirelli - Winter 210 SnowSport
Prix
205/55R16H
210snow-20032
176.18$

Michelin - Primacy Alpin PA3
Prix
205/55R16H
179.08$

Pirelli - Winter 210 SnowSport
205/55R16H
210snow-20031
184.88$

Pirelli - Winter 210 Sottozero
205/55R16H
SOTTO-1002
190.68$

[bassman218]

I got the primacy alpin and it works great! no slipping, sliding away. Ok its the beginning of the winter we'll see once the big storm hits. I drove in Toronto on Sat when it was real snowing on the highway and local with no probs. They are a bit pricey, with steel rims and 16' i paid about $1000 taxes and rebate all in, at active green n'ross.

[ticketcombat]

I'm new to this forum so forgive me if I covered something already posted.

Two points: first make sure the tire is actually a winter tire (the ratings were updated Oct 14/08): http://www.betiresmart.ca/buying/winterlist.asp?loc1=buying&loc2=winterList

Second, make sure the tire hasn't expired (they have a shelf life of only 6 years): http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4826897

If it's older than 6 years, it is unsafe regardless of tread depth. The date of manufacture is at the end of the dot code usually facing the underside of the car. The first two numbers are the week it was made, the next one or two numbers is the year. Example "414" means 41st week of 1994. "4902" means the tire was made exactly six years ago this week (49th week, 2002) and therefore is no longer safe to drive.

[mangoman]

Sorry guy - if it's any consolation, I missed out as well as I bought mine a few wks before I heard about clicktire on another thread! I paid more for my tires "on sale" and was denied my rebate submission from General Tire because of that whereas if I had purchased them for less at regular price from clicktire I would have also gotten an extra $20 back! So, I feel it's my duty to point out the potential savings for others to make up for the savings I lost out on ;)

I'll definitely check them out in the spring as I'm looking for some new tires/rims.



Prix ? Mama ... is this in Quebec ?
Where were you dude when i wanted tires installed last week !?

I'm going to check out the tires for my car. I hope i didn't lose too much blood ...

Edited:

Checked and those prices were $30 less per tire and they use UPS. Cool. Maybe next time !

[Lexusfreak]

Does Clicktire.com have feature to switch to English? My French is a little rusty. :?: Like for example I can't tell if the tires they offer are in stock or not in my size.

[rabbit16v]

Give them a call they I think they offer better deals on the phone and they are billingual. (450) 641 2100

[Pavel]

I recently had the the new Michelin X-Ice Xi2 winter ice/snow tire. It's advertised as a studless tire, perhaps implying that it's as good as a studded tire but it's not.

It has good traction on ice but only if you drive very, very slowly...less than 2 mph. It's also a little noisy too on the highway. Reports of it's predecessor indicated that the original wasn't very noisy like the new version.

This tire is not suitable for wet snow or slushy conditions like we have in the Vancouver area.

What I would like to see is more emphasis by the reviewers of tires on what kind of snow the tires were tested on. Each climate is different.

[Anonymouse]

If it's older than 6 years, it is unsafe regardless of tread depth.

I think this rule of thumb applies in Arizona, not necessarily in Ontario. It's heat that kills tires. If the rubber feels soft under your fingernail, it's probably okay.

[Pavel]

I think this rule of thumb applies in Arizona, not necessarily in Ontario. It's heat that kills tires. If the rubber feels soft under your fingernail, it's probably okay.
I doubt 20/20 and in Europe where they have to disclose the age of the tires considered Arizona. Rubber degrades over time. Besides, who would knowingly want to buy a 6 year old tire, or even get it for free, considering it's your life you're talking about?

[Anonymouse]

Sorry, I didn't mean to say that you should accept tires from the dealer that are already 6 years old. But there is no reason to throw out tires unless the rubber has hardened to the point where it's not resilient under your fingernail.

[mangoman]

Wow - quite surprising!! I would have thought this would have been the Xi2's ideal conditions! Glad I didn't buy them (my General Tire Altimax Arctics have been great so far - very predictable handling if you respect the weather conditions).

I recently had the the new Michelin X-Ice Xi2 winter ice/snow tire. It's advertised as a studless tire, perhaps implying that it's as good as a studded tire but it's not.

It has good traction on ice but only if you drive very, very slowly...less than 2 mph. It's also a little noisy too on the highway. Reports of it's predecessor indicated that the original wasn't very noisy like the new version.

This tire is not suitable for wet snow or slushy conditions like we have in the Vancouver area.

What I would like to see is more emphasis by the reviewers of tires on what kind of snow the tires were tested on. Each climate is different.

[Pavel]

Wow - quite surprising!! I would have thought this would have been the Xi2's ideal conditions! Glad I didn't buy them (my General Tire Altimax Arctics have been great so far - very predictable handling if you respect the weather conditions).

That's just my opinion though and it really comes down to your area where you live and where you drive. No doubt someone will drop by and flame me. ;)

In retrospect, I think any (new) snow tire with the Canada severe winter rating will do just fine and maybe add some cables or chains if necessary. One could even skip the winters but ensure u have good all season tires with chains or cables.

[new_vr]

not flaming u, its good to know all opinions, but now I am getting a bit worried>:(. I have not gotten a good chance to test them in the deep white stuff just yet.

If you are that worried, don't drive when it's that bad out.
I am a believer that snow tires make a huge difference, but I still think the most important aspect of winter driving is the driver.

[mlc2000]

I'll be surprised if they have any stock left on most of the brands mentioned.
My tire guy said his winter tire sales were up 70% in September and he expects to run out by January.

He owns an OK Tire, which is a pretty big chain.
He is installing 200 tires daily.

[ac328]

I have the Micehlin Xi2's on my ACura TL. Just put them on last week.

We have had crappy weather in Calgary for the past week (ultra cold temps, lots of snow) and I think they're pretty good. My girlfriend's Mazda 3 has Michelin X-Ices, which are also good.

I think the Xi2s are much, much better than my standard all seasons on snow and ice. I went for a narrower, taller size than my my regular set.

The Xi2's are especially good when it comes to braking on snow. There is still some slippage when I pull away from a dead stop in snow, but nothing short of AWD will eliminate that. I know because my last car was a Subaru which was a beast in winter.

Just my 2 cents, sorry to hear Pavel's experience wasn't so good.

[mohitk]

Was going to recommend Semperit Speed grip for bang for the buck but am not sure after a little scary incident today morning.

Stopping on a light for a left turn resulted in the tires locking and ABS kicking in big time. That helped avoid the car in front though. I was able to drive to the side.

But in hind sight, maybe I was a wee bit fast for that much snow on the intersection :D

[redac]

Dropping to a 15" tire on steel wheels will likely be the cheapest long term solution.

There are a lot of threads here with deals on tires -- though winter tires might be getting harder to get with the excess demand from Quebec.

[redac]

Was going to recommend Semperit Speed grip for bang for the buck but am not sure after a little scary incident today morning.

Stopping on a light for a left turn resulted in the tires locking and ABS kicking in big time. That helped avoid the car in front though. I was able to drive to the side.

But in hind sight, maybe I was a wee bit fast for that much snow on the intersection :D

You compare the Semperits to anything else?

[mohitk]

You compare the Semperits to anything else?

Just my all seasons. Generally they have a very good wet and dry performance and hold up well on ice if the speeds are low (read going down an incline where people walking were slipping).

No other winter tire reference though. Maybe I will try my friend's car with XIce2 over the weekend as we are going to get enough snow to play in!

[Pavel]

No other winter tire reference though. Maybe I will try my friend's car with XIce2 over the weekend as we are going to get enough snow to play in!
I got stuck a few times during our major dump of snow in Vancouver over the last few days. Fortunately, I was able to get out of my predicament, but I likely wouldn't have ended up in it if the X-Ice i2s had even a slightly aggressive tread. The original X-Ice has a much more aggressive tread and maybe that's the tire for you as it's been discontinued and can be had cheap(er).

[look30]

clicktire.com are such a ripoff, $89 to ship to Waterloo !!!
And they ask you the sex and birthdate !!!! What the hell do they want to date you ?!

[evoviii]

nice dead thread revival