Snow (hopefully studded) tires

[HatchbackMama]

Hello there,


I just got a 2008 yaris sedan. It has 195/50R16 size tires, but so far all the websites I've searched say those are "performance" tires....whatever that may mean. Do these tires come with winter treading? I live in an area with permanent snow & ice for a few months out of the year and most people get their winter tires studded here. Any help would be appreciated.

[CTScott]

Chances are that it either has the stock Bridgestone or Good Year tires, which are "all-season", but by no means snow tires. Many of us run two separate sets of tires/wheels to have a good set of snows.

[HatchbackMama]

CTScott, would a 185/50R16 fit my car?

[CTScott]

CTScott, would a 185/50R16 fit my car?

Yes. I was going to say not on your existing rims, but then noticed that in your initial post you mentioned that it has 16" rims.

[baseballfan416]

You're almost better getting a set of 14 or 15 inch steelies for the winter. That way, if you have a set of wheels you can just switch instead of having to pay to have the tires switched. Plus, 14/15inch tires are cheaper and you can get a shorter width (175 or 185 ideally for winter). I have 15's with general altimax arctic hp's (not studded). South of nokian's they're about the best bang for the buck (a little mushy but hey, it's a snow tire).

If you're looking at wheel/tires, look up a guy on here named 33OH, he used to be a vendor at one time. Between my brother getting 16inch steelies for his rsx, and my used 15inch steelies, the guy's saved us a pretty good chunk of change.

[HatchbackMama]

The next question is in regards to insurance coverage. Someone told me today that if I don't use factory recommended wheels, my insurance can/will refuse to pay in case of an accident? Are the current wheels I have "factory approved"? I have 195/50R16.

[CTScott]

The next question is in regards to insurance coverage. Someone told me today that if I don't use factory recommended wheels, my insurance can/will refuse to pay in case of an accident? Are the current wheels I have "factory approved"? I have 195/50R16.

I've never heard that and that would pretty much kill the aftermarket wheel market if it was actually true.

Your wheels are definitely aftermarket, as the Yaris only came with 14" or 15" wheels from the factory.

[nookandcrannycar]

You're almost better getting a set of 14 or 15 inch steelies for the winter. That way, if you have a set of wheels you can just switch instead of having to pay to have the tires switched. Plus, 14/15inch tires are cheaper and you can get a shorter width (175 or 185 ideally for winter). I have 15's with general altimax arctic hp's (not studded). South of nokian's they're about the best bang for the buck (a little mushy but hey, it's a snow tire).

If you're looking at wheel/tires, look up a guy on here named 33OH, he used to be a vendor at one time. Between my brother getting 16inch steelies for his rsx, and my used 15inch steelies, the guy's saved us a pretty good chunk of change.

I have a question re steelies. How would I best go about getting (best match at the best price) a 5th steelie 'companion' for my 4 OEM 15" steelies? I want to have a full size spare mounted on it.

[Scubaru Steve]

performance winter tires mean something thats going to give the most grip on pavement with minor snow and ice grip, if you want studded go with the nokian hakka 7's and you will never look back! im about to buy another set for my new car!
http://www.nokiantires.com/tyre?id=131172&group=1.01&name=Nokian+Hakkapeliitta+7