[Rock077]

I'm thinking of buying some snow tires for my rims and making them my permanent winter rims, then buying some new 17 or 18" this summer.

My question: can I take my stock tires that have about 70% tread left (235/70/R16) and put them on my gf's Hyundai Santa Fe that currently has size 225/70/R16 tires? I realize they will be 10 mm wider but I assume this should be ok?

Additionally, has anyone had any experience with any of the following tires:

Michelin X-Ice xi2
Bridgestone Blizzak
General Altimax Arctic

Obviously the General's price point is attractive, but I am definitely considering all three. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[tang]

I can answer the first question. I'll be asking the second set sometime in October for myself as I'm looking for a winter set of shoes soon.

The difference is more than just width. The 235 tires are also a little taller. First number is the width. The 70-part of the wheel info tells you how tall the sidewall is relative to the width. 0.70 x 235 = 164.5mm or around 6.48 inches. 0.70 x 225 = 157.5mm or 6.2 inches.

This translates into a taller ride and also some speed reading changes.

Total height
6.5 x 2 = 13 + 16" wheel = 29" wheel and tire
6.2 x 2 = 12.4 + 16" wheel = 28.4" wheel and tire

Speed is based on circumference
29*pi = 91.11inch/rotation
28.4*pi = 89.22inch/rotation

Resulting in a 2% difference in your speedometer... so in your instance, a little faster... I think.

Hope this helps!

P.S. I think someone on here uses the Mich ice tires.

 

[christophera]

I've always found this calculator to be very handy:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

 

[Rock077]

Thank you both very much for the info! Good to know about the speedometer reading and that tire calculator is super handy. I just bought a used 07 escape less than a month ago and I love it, the all wheel drive is awesome and I'm looking forward to throwing some high performance snow tires on!

Oh, and this forum rocks.

 

[jkdubz]

So I have s tire swap question as well. When it comes time to trade in for a new Escape (or Mariner...either one), I am gonna put my current Pro Comp rims on it. However, my current rums have no TPMS in them, and I know new Escapes/Mariners have that system. Does it matter whether or not I run wheels without TPMS?(other than I won't get a warning on my dash when the tires are low on air)

 

[theescaperoute]

I run 255 55 r18 with no clearance issues at all, and could probably go wider if I really wanted to.
And I don't have sensors either, and I've had no issues in the year on the wheels.

 

[jonas1022]

I think the TPMS can be added to aftermarket wheels. I have been looking (casually of course) and can not find where I read that. Maybe in a magazine. I at first thought it was on another Ford site...now I don't know. :shrug: :doh: If I find it, I'll post it up. As for what it does...turns on your dash light.

 

[theescaperoute]

The lack of TPMS just makes my light stay on for a few seconds after startup. No big deal, really. I check my pressure regularly, so I'm not worried about sensors.