Trying to buy Winter tires — OK to mix speed ratings & run-flats?
#1
11-02-17, 08:30 AM
Trying to buy Winter tires — OK to mix speed ratings & run-flats?
I’m looking to buy some Winter tires. I’ve only been able to find Winter tires in the needed sizes on one or two websites. I entered the make, model, and wheel size on the website and filtered results by “Winter” and it automatically matched me up with the following:
Front: Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3, 86V run-flats
Rear: Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3, 91W standards
Is it ok to have run-flats in the front and standards in the back? I always thought that was a no-no. Or is it just bad to mix them from one side to the other? What about having different speed ratings in the front and back?
Front: Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3, 86V run-flats
Rear: Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3, 91W standards
Is it ok to have run-flats in the front and standards in the back? I always thought that was a no-no. Or is it just bad to mix them from one side to the other? What about having different speed ratings in the front and back?
#2
11-02-17, 08:35 AM
Group Moderator
I would see what size tires you need and search that way instead of letting the website determine the size by your vehicle model and year. That might present you with more options.
I would avoid run flats if possible as they have a slightly harsher ride. It is OK if you want to mix run flats and different speed ratings front to back. Several of my cars have even used different sizes front and rear. But in general I like to have all my tires match.
I would avoid run flats if possible as they have a slightly harsher ride. It is OK if you want to mix run flats and different speed ratings front to back. Several of my cars have even used different sizes front and rear. But in general I like to have all my tires match.
#3
11-02-17, 08:41 AM
Member
I tried the select by vehicle option and it was useless, go with the desired size.
Sort of defeats the advantage of having run flat on half the vehicle, should be one or the other!
Sort of defeats the advantage of having run flat on half the vehicle, should be one or the other!
#4
11-02-17, 09:15 AM
i should note that the fronts are 205/40/18 and the rears are 235/35/19. The only fronts I’ve beem]n able to find are the run-flats, but I can’t find rear run-flats anywhere.
I’m debating just buying all-seasons since they’re way cheaper and I don’t intentionally plan on driving in snow and ice too often. My car is a daily driver, but I work from home and don’t NEED to drive much in the Winter months. It’s just that I have 3-season high performance tires and figured I’d go for straight-up Winter tires rather than go middle-of-the-road with the all-seasons (unintentional pun).
I’m debating just buying all-seasons since they’re way cheaper and I don’t intentionally plan on driving in snow and ice too often. My car is a daily driver, but I work from home and don’t NEED to drive much in the Winter months. It’s just that I have 3-season high performance tires and figured I’d go for straight-up Winter tires rather than go middle-of-the-road with the all-seasons (unintentional pun).
#5
11-02-17, 11:16 AM
Group Moderator
Personally, I would not buy winter tires without also buying rims for them. With only one set of rims, I would stick to quality all season tires. That said, the sizes you listed make me think you have a bit of a performance car, which might make the selection slimmer since many of the choices would be dry weather performance tires.
#6
11-02-17, 01:20 PM
I've heard tell that the Run Flats will need new rims when they finally wear out . . . . is that true ?
I recall my Mechanic saying that a Honda Van/SUV with Run-Flats needed nearly $500 per wheel to repair a flat.!
I recall my Mechanic saying that a Honda Van/SUV with Run-Flats needed nearly $500 per wheel to repair a flat.!
#7
11-02-17, 02:21 PM
Our '02 'vette has run flats, and does not require wheel replacement with new tires, but I don't know about other vehicles. (nor have I ever searched for winter tires for it.)
#8
11-02-17, 02:57 PM
Member
What kind of car are we talking about.
Winter tires are not good for driving in non winter weather, that is why people usually put them on cheap rims to swap them out.
Run flats do not take anything special as far as tires, it's the construction of the tire that is unique.
Winter tires are not good for driving in non winter weather, that is why people usually put them on cheap rims to swap them out.
Run flats do not take anything special as far as tires, it's the construction of the tire that is unique.
#9
11-02-17, 07:49 PM
It’s an Alfa Romeo 4C. I’m in the process of ordering another set of wheels so they can be swapped out easily. The tires I have on there now turn into banana peels below 40*. Just trying to get my ducks in a row for Winter.
#10
11-02-17, 10:48 PM
Super Moderator
For winter tires...you don't have to stay with the exact same size. I see it in the long term car reviews all the time. They often go with a taller tire/different aspect ratio to give a bit more sidewall. there are any number of tire size calculators you can use to keep the numbers within reasonable ranges. Here's one....https://tiresize.com/calculator/
#11
11-06-17, 08:32 AM
Group Moderator
For winter tires...you don't have to stay with the exact same size.
#12
11-08-17, 04:41 PM
Sizes
This manufacturers site indicates the non run flats are available in the stock sizes you mentioned. https://www.pirelli.com/tires/en-us/...ter-sottozero3 They do not come up on their car configurator. Apparently not readily available on line but the dealers can get them.
Going to separate rims and smaller tires is a good idea, changing a tire can damage the bead after a few changes. The size used for the coupes (17/18) are Front: 205/45ZR17 BSW, Rear: 235/40ZR18 BSW
Some people like these smaller rims as a dedicated winter choice...
Alfa 4cBraid Fullrace A 17/18" ? Alfa9 Supply
Bottom line is do something, performance tires can be deadly at low temperatures, they literally can be rock hard with no traction. It is not just snow traction, it is better expressed as low temperature traction. High performance tires are designed to deal with heat, not cold. Very different rubber compounding is used.
Going to separate rims and smaller tires is a good idea, changing a tire can damage the bead after a few changes. The size used for the coupes (17/18) are Front: 205/45ZR17 BSW, Rear: 235/40ZR18 BSW
Some people like these smaller rims as a dedicated winter choice...
Alfa 4cBraid Fullrace A 17/18" ? Alfa9 Supply
Bottom line is do something, performance tires can be deadly at low temperatures, they literally can be rock hard with no traction. It is not just snow traction, it is better expressed as low temperature traction. High performance tires are designed to deal with heat, not cold. Very different rubber compounding is used.
