Hankook winter tires
 

I don't want to ruin everyone's summer driving fun, but since I'm picking up my GS next week, it's time for me to think about snow tires if I want to drive it in the winters.

I've browsed around this forum as well as some online tire dealers, and found the Hankook's to be a good value winter tire. It seems many people have used (and liked) the Icebear 300's. My question is whether anyone has tried the Hankook W400's? The price is a little less than the Icebear 300's since it's only H rated, but perhaps it provides slightly better traction as well? My GS won't have traction control so I'm willing to trade in performance for a little more grip in winter conditions.

Also I've read conflicting opinions on whether the RX8 can use 17" steel rims. I know I'm being cheap but since I'm only leasing this car for a few years, I can live with steel rims during the winter months.

And what's a good place to get winter tires + rims in the GTA? Any recommendations? Thanks!!

I can speak to the Icebear W300 and find that they work great. Couple of situations here in Calgary where we had black ice combined with flurries --> got out of that no problems. Not certain about the 400's but I'm sure if you are careful, any winter tire will do you good. Especially since you have a GS, you'll probably be more careful anyways.

The rx8 CAN accept 17" steelies. A few fellows here in Calgary have them, and I think they went to the dealership for them. I believe there were pics in a previous thread of winter rims.

OK thanks BlueFrenzy. I'll inquire at the dealership when I pick up the car then. It should give me a good idea of the total cost I'm looking at. Given what others have paid for Icebear 300's, I think $1000 (incl. steel rims) should be enough.