What do you think of the Blizzak LM22 - 215/45R18 XL?

[Fishman]

Hi folks,

First, please note that I know next ton othing about tires...

It will be my first winter with my new love (2007 MS3).

The tire shop around the corner (the guy, I suspect, knows what he is doing) recommends putting-on Blizzaks LM22 - 215/45R18 XL this winter. Anyone have any experience with them? (see: http://www.tiretrends.com/tire_info.php3?detailID=23335)

I notice that a lot of people are using 17 inch rims in winter, will I be ok with 18 inch? Will I be spinning all over the place?

If price was not an issue, what would you recommend I put on my Speed this winter (brand, size, etc.)?

Many thanks

Fishman

[Fobio]

for about the price you pay for just a set of 18" low profile winter tires, you can likely get a set of 16" steelies with comparable snows...in that case, if you slide off due to icy conditions, you'll still have a decent set of OEM street rims and you avoid the hassle of swapping tires in between seasons...

esp if price is no issue, then you really should get a separate set of winter rims/tires...and try and find a set of Nokian's as well...those Blizzaks are really good, but who really needs low profile winters?

[stormin84]

I found when I had blizzaks I wore them down to fast they where to soft they need to be in snow all the time. I had really good results with michelin tires x ice and alpines

[oneurt]

I used Blizzaks last year on my MS3, they were 16s, and I had no problems at all in the winter. But like the other guy said Blizzaks are really soft and wear down very fast if you aren't driving on snow/ice. nokian's are wicked tires so if you can afford a set I would suggest those.

I have blizzak WS60s I think? I can't remember.

[MSMitch]

I went down to 17's (only!) - I have Dunlop Wintersport M3 - LOVE them. Go for 17's (partially because I have a set of 17" Mazda rims for sale!! :chuckle)
There are MANY who say don't put 16's, or 16's won't fit - but as you can see, A LOT of folks have 16's on there Speed 3's - even better in the snow, and cheaper too (see, I'm not ALL about self-gain here) :)
My experience, as already stated by others - Blizz's wear out too quickly (especially for the price)

[Wild Weasel]

I run the Blizzak WS-50's on 17's and I love them.

As mentioned above, it's a huge waste to buy winter tires for the 18's. Get some 17's or find a set of 16's that fit (not all do) and go that route.

The guy at the tire shop isn't giving the best advise if he didn't suggest this.

[Fishman]

Ok, thanks guys for the advice. I will look for 17's and for some rims then.

A+

Fishman

[RX9]

i got WS60 last winter in 17" alloy. they are the best winter i have used so far, but as everyone said, blizzak is too soft and love to be on snow/ice all the time....