124Spider

Hi,

We just bought a new 2004 RX-8. With the stock 18" wheels and RE040 tires, it won't move if there's even a dusting of snow, so we realize that it would be a good idea to get snow tires. Rather than go to the trouble and expense of paying someone to change tires twice a year, we just want to get an extra set of wheels with the snow tires mounted on them, so the changeover is quick and easy.

The least expensive decent wheels would be to get a used set of the OEM 18" wheels, which seem to go for about $400 for a set of four. I wonder, however, if 18" wheels are the best idea for snow tires.

My question, then, is whether we should get 17" wheels or 18" wheels for the snow tires; if 17", what size and offset?

Thanks.

expo1

You will find a larger and cheaper selection of snow tires in the 17” size.

225/50/17 & 225/55/17 are the most popular sizes for snows.

Gord96BRG

Actually, 215/55-17 is the same diameter as the OEM 18s, and 225/50-17 are also OK (but narrower is better for winter tires). For wheels, 17x7 works fine, and the stock offset is 50mm, so anywhere from 42 to 50 mm offset is good.

Yes, using 17" wheels/tires makes more sense - the wheels are cheaper than 18s, the tires are cheaper than 18s. Check out the sticky threads about winter tires to see what wheels people are using.

Regards,
Gordon