[Jeff Taylor]

I have the Blizzak LM-25s. I think they have been discontinued and replaced by a newer model. They are the European touring style winter tires.

They do okay in the snow, but aren't spectacular. If we have more than an inch of snow, I can't make it up the driveway without shoveling a bit. Also, they don't seem to like really deep slush.

However, in dry/wet conditions they handle pretty well for winter tires. Certainly better than I remembered with older snow tires.

Jeff
08 Smoky Granite Mica IS-F

 

[Jeff Taylor]

After pricing these out and then asking the dealer about installing them, the service rep honestly admitted the rims will likely get scarred taking the tires on and off. So it looks like a new set of wheels is needed for winter.

Problem: the options available are only in 38mm offset 19 8.5. Will these rub the fenders or wheel wells? Stock offset is 45 and 55 I think.

Other cheap wheel options? So far I've only been looking at tire rack.

You might want to check into 18" wheels for winter. I got some MSW 18" wheels for $125 each for my winter tires.

Jeff
08 Smoky Granite Mica IS-F

 

[Jeff Taylor]

I used the MSW Type 14 18" wheels. I talked to a salesperson at the Tire Rack and he assured me that the wheels would fit. They do require an adapter ring on the wheel itself as well as a different set of lug nuts.

If you want to see a picture of them on the car, I can try and post one tonight when I get home.

Jeff
08 Smoky Granite Mica IS-F

 

[Jeff Taylor]

Was tire rack able to provide all the hardware? I'm curious how he knew what would fit.


Which shop in Cambridge? I'd certainly look into it for replacement summer tires.

Tire Rack provided everything including TPMS. The dealer didn't report any fitment issues in the three years (fall 08, 09 and 10) that I've had them mounted on the car.

It is pretty tight around the front rotors, but isn't a problem. There is no way 17s would fit on there.

Jeff
08 Smoky Granite Mica IS-F