OEM Rims Winter Tires

[87jkhockey]

Hello all, I am currently trying to find winter tires for my 2025 fl5. I read on forums that people have run 245/35R19 winter tire. However, all of the tire shops that I have talked to have told me to downsize to an 18 in wheel. I was wondering if anyone has had success with running winter tires on the OEM wheels without rubbing or if buying 18s is truly the best option?

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[coolnick]

The problem is finding a true winter tire that fits the stock wheel. You also stand a higher risk of damage when you hit a blind pothole. I ended up ordering some Enkei 18x9.5 +45 wheels with Michelin Alpin 265/35 18s from tire rack and they have been fantastic so far.

 

[2fast916]

I echo coolnick...

Very similar set up except I decided to try 255/35R18 Michelin Alpin PA4's

 

[CleanTypeR]

I don't drive my Type R in the winter

 

[CleanTypeR]

I don't drive my Type R in the winter, r

 

[J_D]

I run a 255/35/19 Viking Contact 7. No issues in snow and pothole country up here in the great white north.

get the same size in the VikingContact 8

 

[J_D]

I don't drive my Type R in the winter

Very helpful to the OP. Thank you

 

[k20.dennis]

I run 255/35/19 Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive. No issues with fitment on stock wheels lowered on H&R springs.

 

[coolnick]

These cars rip in the winter a little salt won't spoil the fun.

 

[2fast916]

I echo coolnick...

Very similar set up except I decided to try 255/35R18 Michelin Alpin PA4's

Today was the day I decided winter may actually be in the air…

 

[Spart]

The only size of winter tire I find on TireRack in the OEM 265/30R19 size is the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5. They're quite expensive in that size at $400/tire.

255/35R19 has more options, but still spendy.

I would echo others regarding going to a different wheel. With a dedicated winter wheel, you just slap them on yourself rather than going to a tire shop 2x a year to give them an opportunity to scuff your wheels.

It wouldn't even be that much more expensive, considering a Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 in 235/40R18 is $256/tire. So if you can find wheels that are $144/ea, it's a wash.

The benefit of going narrower is that you'll have slightly better grip in snow and much better hydroplaning resistance. With as little as these cars weigh, a 265mm wide tire is going to make hydroplaning on slushy snow very easy. Going down in width to 235 or 225 is safer when you're in those conditions.

I posted my winter setup here: https://www.integraforums.com/forum/threads/winter-wheels-bbs-sr-18x8-44.58346/#post-938868

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