I have been looking around for winter tires but I am pretty clueless when it comes to tires and sizes. I don't want to spend a ton of money on tires I am only going to use for 3 months so I was wondering what size tires will fit on the stock 18 rims. I have the 225/45/18's on now but will 225/40/18's fit for example. Basically I want to find a cheap set of winter tires or see if it is more cost effective to go buy a cheap POS winter car.

 

last winter the general consensus was buy 17" wheels and tires, it'll run you cheaper or about the same amount for rubber on 18"s

this is what i've done, its nice to just jack the car up myself and put these one, not have to switch rubber for the seasons, etc.

searching the board for threads and whatnot would be the wisest idea, as for me, i'm too lazy atm to do that for you.

.02$

 

There has been a lot of discussion in this forum about sizes for rims and winter tires. A search will give you more answers, but the consensus seems to be that you should by rims and tires to avoid the trauma and potential damage and sealing problems which can result from constantly putting tires on rims. The consensus seems to be that the way to go is with 17-inch rims and tires to save money. If you do this, you will need a higher profile tire, like a 225/50/17.

 

The difference between 17 and 18 tires practically pays the rims.

In my case the offer was 260€ per 18 tire (Blizzak LM 25) or 290€ per 17 rim (see picture) and tire (Blizzak LM 25 too). Both prices include wheel balancing and mounting. I chose 18 because the dealer couldn't get the rims in time and because I own a second set of stock rims anyway. But in general you're better off with 17, because you get two complete sets of wheels this way and face no cost for re-fitting the summer tires.

 

Yes! What he said. Down size to 17 and get better perfomance for a lower price. I have the LM-22's and am happy.