I am wondering what I should get for winter tires, what brand, should I go with a 18" rim or a 17".

When I bought my RX 8 I thought I could park it for the winter.......but I can't I'm going to have to take it for the odd cruise this winter there is just no way I could stand not driving it for 5 months.

 

We had a recent post like this.
Start by reading here: https://www.rx8club.com/canada-forum-35/winter-tires-what-size-best-185693/

And for a brand, I always personally go with Nokian if the pocket book can handle. Can't go wrong with them.

 

Bridgestone Blizzak
Dunlop M3 Wintersport
Michelin Alpin

Dedicated 17" steel rims and 215x50 typical.

 

Thanks

 

We should have asked where you live first. If you're further north (assuming you're from Canada since you post in the Canada section) you may be allowed a studded tire.

 

Too funny! When I bought mine in 04, I originally thought I was definitely going to drive it in the winter, but then after having it a few weeks I thought to myself there's no way I can subject this car to the winter. Then after having it all prepped for the winter and under a car cover in my garage, I went out and had winter tires installed, had it Krowned and I'm now going into my 6th winter. Your flip-flop brings back memories. Btw I went with Pirelli Sotozero on 17" rims but do your research on here. There's lots and lots of info.

 

I just got my Rx-8 last friday, I have some winter tires and rims that should fit from my previous car - Seeing how beautiful the car is I was tempted to store it and find another way around in the snow. Glad to hear it survives winters well and is drivable =)

 

I just want to take it out for the odd cruise on a cold clear day, when the roads are clear, but I still want the best for tires, as you never know when you may hit a patch of Ice.

It would be for Alberta winters

 

Nokian is probably the best there is for winter tires, but they're the most expensive. I believe when I was looking at winter tires this year, for 225/45/18 was about $350 a tire.

The dealerships sell Michelin X-Ice and Bridgestone Blizzaks (at least in Lethbridge) and can usually give a small discount. They saved me $40 a tire on my X-Ice.

But like everyone else will probably tell you: Blizzak, X-Ice, or Nokian are your best bets for winter tires. Keep them thiner (215/50) and do 17's if you can.

 

Where are you located? I've got some freaking nice winters mounted on stock rx-8 rims.. They were $250 a pc brand new, and I bought them 2 years ago.. Been used for 3 months MAX. If you're interested I can drag em out and take some pics etc.. They're great tires.

 

I believe they are Nokians..

 

I'm in alberta, a little far.....unless you know of reasonable way to ship.

 

+1 to this... Nokians Hakka R are the best winter tires I have ever run. I own 3 sets for 3 cars and have no reason to go buy anything else. They last forever too! The higher initial price will pay itself off very quickly.