18" wheels

[Darth Fedor]

Hi everyone. I'm looking to install 18" wheels on my MS for the winter. Not really to save on cost, but more to have a higher profile tire, better driving in the snow. HAs anyone every installed 18" on their MS?

Cheers

 

[VCanucks]

I don't know anything about getting 18" on a MS but if you're looking for better traction in the snow, a narrower tire will perform better than one with thicker rubber. This is because it will cut to the bottom rather than sit on top of snow and this can be achieved with 19" wheels.

 

[jerry33]

Unfortunately, no one has found an off-the-shelf 18" wheel that will clear the brakes (other than temporary spare wheels). I'm guessing you could get one custom made for a few thousand dollars per wheel. However, there are many posts showing that 19" wheels with good snow tires, such as Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 or Michelin X-Ice Xi3, work very well in winter conditions.

 

[agloutney]

I was wondering the same thing. 18" would definitely be handy on Quebec roads. Canadian Tire lists some when you search by car type but I have no idea how accurate their info is.

 

[PaulusdB]

Unfortunately, no one has found an off-the-shelf 18" wheel that will clear the brakes (other than temporary spare wheels). I'm guessing you could get one custom made for a few thousand dollars per wheel. However, there are many posts showing that 19" wheels with good snow tires, such as Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 or Michelin X-Ice Xi3, work very well in winter conditions.

Alternatively one could mount 225/50-19 snow tyres on 8Jx19 rims, to obtain a more narrow contactpatch with the road/snow. If so desired.

 

[Johan]

From Norway winter experiences no-one found an 18" wheel that works. But as Jerry says many nice winter tires come in 19" and work well. I really doubt 18" would make a diffrence. I was happy with Hakkapelitta R2s, but they are soft with a "mushy" feel compared with summer tires.