Wasy

These tires are slightly less high than the original wheels by about 5%. Does anyone see an issue with the tire sensors or use of these snow tires?

With the non-availability from Dunlop of the 225/45/R18 these look like a viable substitute. Any comments? Thanks

Rotary Nut

Well I do not think it will bother the tire pressure sensors as much as it affecting the ECU/speedometer/odometer accuracy. How about going for 235/45wr18's?

Wasy

Agreed. The 225/40's will revolve 829 times per mile versus 800 times for the 225/45's.

Bear in mind, these are SNOW tires and they will go on my Rex late and come off as early as possible in the Spring. I love my 225/45/18's and will not drive on the snows longer than necessary.

On the other hand, I have located these 225/40/18 snow tires from a Florida dealer, they are brand new, and the four cost $380.00 versus $800.00-$1500.00 for the set. Our local dealer tells me they just sold their first set of Blizzacks for $1500.00 plus they figure another $20.00 per wheel for balancing and mounting.

Speed Racer

Wasy,
I would suggest looking for a narrower tire for winter use such as 215/45r18 or even 205/50r17. I went with Pirelli Winter SnowSport 240 in 205/50r17 because I wanted the wheels to be as narrow as possible but the odd size adds 5 MPH of error to the speedo at 75 MPH.

Tire Rack is selling them for $138/tire but you will also have to pick up 17" rims if you want to go this route. The whole package with alloy wheels, mounting/balancing, lug nuts, and shipping set me back $1,150 which is a lot less than what your dealer is asking for the Blizzaks.

You may also want to do a search for winter tires because there have been some great discussions about tire model and size.

Wasy

I don't think this price includes the tire pressure sensors which are now federally mandated to remain a capability of any car that has them as of 11/01/03. These would add $100.00 per tire and get me over the current dealer $1500.00 cost (with a lot less work putting together - finding - the tire rims and parts mentioned.)

I also understand your suggestion to go with the narrower tires for better traction. Makes good sense... what I haven't told you is that I'll be driving my AWD SUV on those days.

P.S. See you back up north in the Spring with your original 225/45/18's!

Speed Racer

Wasy,
If that's the case I'd try to find winter tires in either 215/45r18 or 225/45r18 so you can use the stock wheels.

From the previous discussions it seemed like people were leaning more towards Dunlop, Pirelli, and Garrett a little more than the Blizzaks. I haven't had any personal experience with them so it is hard for me to comment one way or another on them.

We will definitely have to meet up again. I've got some ideas kicking around for our next meet to make it even better than the last one.

Wasy

Thanks for your input Speed Racer.

Oldsnwbrdr

First winter season in Columbus Ohio with the new baby, and I'm going to try it without snow tires. Snow-covered streets aren't that regular an occurrence here. Am I crazy?

rx8daniel

sounds like the set I saw on Ebay!

Nubo

Seriously? I gotta think this would be very low on the list of priorities for highway patrol, but maybe I'm wrong. Or maybe the Federal Troopers will bust me?

Wonder what the reasoning is? Maybe these low-profile tires with their ultra-low air volume have such a narrow operating range and tolerance of heat that the sensors are considered necessary?

Gord96BRG

Are you crazy? YES. Have you ever tried to drive on high-performance summer tires in winter before?

If it gets cold there (ie below freezing), then even on bare pavement you will have seriously reduced grip - the tire compound hardens, and it will seem like driving on ice. If you ever get real snow or ice, then be prepared to leave the car parked where it is until the snow/ice is completely gone and take a bus/taxi home.

The RX-8 can do very well in snow or on ice - but only if you put on proper winter tires. Summer performance tires are very dangerous in cold weather, on any car (including AWD vehicles like Audis). It's all about the tires.

Regards,
Gordon

Wasy

Yup, you will agree that not putting on a set of proper snow tires was a bad idea when you hit your first snow. All it will take is a quarter inch of snow or a coating of "black" ice. Your tires are too flat and too wide and you will start hydroplaning all over the place. Don't say you weren't warned.

Wasy

Here you go...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2443843374

I understand there are a few sets available here. What would a Florida tire dealer be doing with sets of these snows I can't guess. On the other hand that is probably the reason for the low price.

Wasy

Safety. The Feds feel that since these safety devices have been implemented it does not make sense to dis-enable them. If you have them you are expected to use them and service them so they stay in good order. The risk is not with a state cop inspecting them - but if an accident is caused due to a low tire pressure situation this may make your insurance company question liability/responsibility for payment - especially if the sensors have been removed. I have not heard of a test case yet but you know the federal statute will be used when the situation is right. Beware!

hfm

Don't have an 8 yet, but I'm thinking about getting one maybe in late Dec or January. I'm from WI and I figure a so called "summer car" can be had for a lot less during this time period. I've never driven a car with high performance tires before or had one that I had to switch to winter tires. I'm wondering what your thoughts would be on only getting snow tires for the rear? If I did get snow tires, I would like something that could be put on the stock rims. I have read through the other posts, but I'm pretty much totally unfamiliar with all the possible options for tires.

rx8cited

The RX-8 user's manual and what I've read on www.tirerack.com recommend using 4 show tires. See http://www.tirerack.com/winter/tech/faqs.html#y4 .

Snow tires are made in sizes that fit stock rims. Check www.tirerack.com (which at the moment is sold out of 225/45R18 size snow tires which would fit the GT stock rims.)

best wishes,
rx8cited

Gord96BRG

That would help you get moving, all right. What are you going to do when it's time to stop or turn?

Seriously, there's the problem - traction for the front wheels is probably more important than for the rear! Get all 4, it's really the only way to go.

Regards,
Gordon

RPIRX-8

I agree, you MUST get snow tires and MUST get 4. If you head to tirerack and read the reviews of the stocks (Bridgestone RE040) you will see some unfortunate situations from people who tried to drive them through the winter.

As for the type of winter tire... Due to the new laws and not wanting to upset the components of the car, I went with the Dunlop Winter Sport M3s in the stock tire size (225/45/18). They are H rated so they should ride nice, and also only cost $154 per tire (compared to $215 for the Blizzak LM-22s). I will be posting some sort of mini-review after the first big snow here in Boston to let everyone know how they did. Now this being siad, the dunlops are not the most aggresive winter tire. I've seen SpeedRacer's setup and his are definitely more aggressive than mine. It's up to you.

carnut

I agree with the others. 4 snows are a must. I did my first snow and ice driving today with 18" Blizzak LM 22's. Lots of slipping and sliding by the cars around me, but I did fine. I used to have a Volvo 740T without snows, and I would even get stuck going downhill. I should have bitten the bullet and bought a set back then.