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15" or 17" snow tires

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SammyJr

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I have a Scion tC with stock 17" rims. Even with M+S tires, this car is not all that fun in the snow and ice, so I'm looking at snow tires. I would prefer to stick with the stock 17" rims because I can buy Toyota OEM rims instead of cheap crappy Chinese-made 15" rims or pricey, theft-risk high quality rims. I also have to pick up TPMS sensors ($90 each) for a 3rd party rim, but possibly not with the Toyota OEM part.

I have read things that suggest that standard profile snow tires outperform low profile snow tires tires in the snow. Is this true? What are your experiences with each?

Just trying to learn a few things so I don't end up making a quick stupid decision come fall.
 
Cheap 15" steel wheels for when your car slides into a curb or you hit that hidden pothole or have to drive over frost heaves.
 
Any recommendations on where to find 15" steel wheels? Tire rack only has alloy...

Guess I could just call the dealer. lol.
 
Generally it makes sense to buy the smallest wheels possible with snow tires, to get as much tire between you and the road as you can, as long as you maintain the same outer rolling diameter as your OEM wheels. There is no particular benefit to having Toyota/Scion branded wheels, and that should not be a factor in your decision. I myself use 17" Rota Torques for my snow tires, but only because my brakes are so big that nothing 16" or smaller will fit. Personally I don't feel strongly about alloy vs. steel for winter wheels - I have alloys because I couldn't find 17" steelies.

It's a pain that you need TPMS sensors - this will create an additional hassle factor because they may not fit in every wheel. I would consult with the nice folks at Tire Rack - they have the best selection of tires, plenty of wheels, and they stock many TPMS sensors at reduced prices (I have no idea if they have yours, but I know they stock the BMW ones). They will ensure you get a great package for your needs at the lowest possible price.
 
You can get steel wheels everywhere. Issue is finding good steel wheels. Op check with your local tireshops. Hell, maybe even walmart.

Trust me you don't want alloy winters, they get chipped up real fast. Replacing hubcaps is cheap in comparison.

Do not buy performance winter, it is just marginally better than all weather and it defeats the purpose of buying a second set of tires. You should get dedicated winters and smaller rims.

There is really no reason for a tC to have 17" other than for looks.
 
I've run the nice and cheap firestone winterforce directional studdable tires (with no studs) on my old volvos and my current jeep and they rock in VT. I attack snowbanks in the jeep with 4WD and crawl over them. 15" wheels for me.
 
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