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Old 12-31-2022, 03:49 PM   #1
striktlysubie
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Question Dedicated "winter" versus "all weather" tires...?

2015 WRX. I have swapped between dedicated summers and winters for the last 7 years, with Bridgestone Blizzack WS-80s on the stock rims for winter (235/45/17). The tires are now toast, so looking for a new winter purchase. Live in Rhode Island, so mild winters lately, with occasional ski runs up to NH/ME. I was leaning towards dedicated "winter" tires again, but a local shop suggested "all weather" tires for better price, tread life, and mild weather stretches above 40 degrees, yet I've never used them before. They also suggested that size 225/45/17 has more options to choose from than 235/45/17. Thoughts and experiences regarding the tire type, as well as the size suggestions? Thanks in advance.
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Old 12-31-2022, 04:55 PM   #2
K3rm1tth3fr0g
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If you don't mind swapping tires, running dedicated summers and winters will provide by far the best performance.

All seasons are the worst of both worlds.

Lots of folks run winters all year round too without issue, just wears them down a bit faster and you of course lose some performance using winters - but it is very doable.

You want wider tires almost always unless you are buying snow tires (then you want taller and skinnier) so while 225 may have more options, you really want a 235+ on a car like the WRX/STi, it needs the grip.

Last edited by K3rm1tth3fr0g; 12-31-2022 at 09:12 PM.
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Old 12-31-2022, 05:17 PM   #3
Dave D.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by K3rm1tth3fr0g View Post
All seasons are the worst of both worlds.
+1234
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Old 01-01-2023, 08:09 PM   #4
Fendyman
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Quote:
Originally Posted by K3rm1tth3fr0g View Post
All seasons are the worst of both worlds.
Agree but OP is asking about All-Weather tire which isn't the same as All-Season. All-Weather tires have 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating, which qualifies as winter tire for mountain pass restrictions. I have All-Weather tires on my wife's CX-5 which we use to drive up to Reno/Tahoe from SF/Bay Area few times in winter, but only about less than 20% of the drive encounter snow. They're ok on interstate but we haven't driven on heavy/deep snow though. I think they're similar to Performance Winter tires.

I think if OP has space for storage & already has separate set winter wheels, get winter tires. If not, then get All-Weather tires for year around.

As for size, check HERE. 225/45R17 is acceptable for alternative size, but I think 215/50R17 is better/popular option.
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Old 01-01-2023, 09:07 PM   #5
K3rm1tth3fr0g
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Quote:
All-Weather tire which isn't the same as All-Season
Good distinction to make.

Running either an all weather or all season in the summer both offer similar drawbacks as far as performance is concerned.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fendyman View Post
I think if OP has space for storage & already has separate set winter wheels, get winter tires. If not, then get All-Weather tires for year around.
OP has been swapping sets seasonally as stated in his post - unless you're strapped for cash, keep doing that.

Last edited by K3rm1tth3fr0g; 01-02-2023 at 12:18 PM.
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Old 01-09-2023, 12:47 AM   #6
striktlysubie
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I ended up going with winter tires - Continental Viking Contact 7's. Impressions pending once temps are more consistently cold and there's snow on the ground. They should still be an upgrade from my previous Blizzaks, however, since those were almost bald when they came off.
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