Basic Tire question!

[Amos]

Hey there, I'm wondering if a festy can fit 175/70R13 wheels on 'em without any rubbing or any issues... I need to get a set of studded snow tires... and any rubbing with studs would not be very good.

I know you guys don't deal with studded tires very much in the states... But what would you suggest for a size for studded tires?

(For the record my car has an Aspire Swap with stock struts and springs)

Also, for winter tires... Is it better to go thin or thick?

My teal-green festy had really thin (stock thickness I think) winter tires last year and preformed awesomely.... What's your thoughts on thin vs thick tires? (We get ALOT of snow here)

[TominMO]

Hey there, I'm wondering if a festy can fit 175/70R13 wheels on 'em without any rubbing or any issues... I need to get a set of studded snow tires... and any rubbing with studs would not be very good.

I know you guys don't deal with studded tires very much in the states... But what would you suggest for a size for studded tires?

(For the record my car has an Aspire Swap with stock struts and springs)

Also, for winter tires... Is it better to go thin or thick?

My teal-green festy had really thin (stock thickness I think) winter tires last year and preformed awesomely.... What's your thoughts on thin vs thick tires? (We get ALOT of snow here)

They should fit no problem. I am planning on doing the same thing with 13" Metro wheels. If you are still worried about it, have them mount one and try it on the rear. The front will be no problem for sure.

Better to go thin, technically, because this gives you more pressure per square inch. So really according to this logic we should try to find 155/80x13 tires. But I want the better handling of 175/70; and tires are so good now that the old rule of "thinner is better" may not be so important any more. Do the research and get the best tires available; this is no place to skimp.

[Festiva_Fred]

I have 175/70/13's on my festiva, haven't got to take it for a drive yet though..

[Amos]

They should fit no problem. I am planning on doing the same thing with 13" Metro wheels. If you are still worried about it, have them mount one and try it on the rear. The front will be no problem for sure.

Better to go thin, technically, because this gives you more pressure per square inch. So really according to this logic we should try to find 155/80x13 tires. But I want the better handling of 175/70; and tires are so good now that the old rule of "thinner is better" may not be so important any more. Do the research and get the best tires available; this is no place to skimp.

Yea, the only decent studded winter tire I can find is 175/70R13

I'm thinking either the Firestone Windforce


Or the General Altimax Artic


I'm leaning more towards the General Altimax Artic because they've got more studs per tire as well as having better reviews.

[lessersivad]

I just purchased a set of 4 studded winterforce in the 155/80-13. My opinion is of the "thinner is better" but then again I'm getting to be considered an old fart but I'd rather cut thru the snow than push it. Plus the narrower the tire the more weight per square inch when it comes to the contact patch. Just my opinion.

[TominMO]

Yea, the only decent studded winter tire I can find is 175/70R13

I'm thinking either the Firestone Windforce or the General Altimax Artic

I'm leaning more towards the General Altimax Artic because they've got more studs per tire as well as having better reviews.

Coincidentally I just did a comparison on winter tires earlier this morning, and these are the two I narrowed it down to. I like the Generals better too, although I won't be studding them. Either should do well.

[ejp2fast]

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

your diameter will increase 1.5 inches... shouldn't be an issue with stock suspension.

[Amos]

Excellent thank you

Now to look into those tiny donut winter tires!