Tires, 215/50-16. Discuss!

[m1lgram]

So, I've trudged around in the OEM Firestones (look nice, not condusive for driving), and I'm about 25,000 miles into my BF Goodrich Traction T/A's (darty, refuse to stay balanced, not surefooted whatsoever at this point). Now, I've spotted some BF Goodrich Comp T/A VR4 tires for less than a hundred dollars apiece. Does anybody have any experience with these tires in comparison to the others? Disappointed in the selection at this size, it looks like I'm stuck between the two BFG's, living in a snowy area (Maine). What should I purchase next?

[getsum111]

You may be able to get a wider selection by changing the size of the tire. I'm running a 225/50/16, Falken Ziex 512's. A bit wider than stock, but not too tall either. That is the size tire I'm going to stick with when I get my next set. I doesn't seem to throw the speedo off too much, either. Maybe 2-3 mph.

[TheMexicanJob]

225/50/16 ftw.

[Fmr12B]

Best tire in that size is either the BFG KDW which was OEM on the SVT or the Avon's.

Both sold at TireRack.

DiscountTireDirect is cheaper for the KDW though. $123/tire shipped.

[m1lgram]

Here's a stupid question for you. I've never bought anything *but* the manufacturer's recommended tire size. Can I put 225's on the stock rims? Money is a huge deciding factor here, so new rims are out of the question at the moment.

Another question: Don't the 225's plow quite a bit of snow? Winter traction is also paramount.

Any advise is welcome. Thanks!

[TheMexicanJob]

you'll be fine running a 225, i had a different set of wheels and tires for winter, but i'm sure some 225 all seasons will do just fine.

[2000SilverSVT]

I am running 225/50/16 Khumo SPT's on factory rims with no problem at all.

If you are looking for good snow traction the BFG KDW's are not you and neither are the SPT's.

Inquire about the Khumo ESCTA AST. They are $59 a tire from Tire Rack.

[redneckboarder]

i have continental conit extreme contacts, i was driving in 3 inches of new snow ona don some nasty roads yesterday and they proved theyre waight in gold, not a bit of slippage unless i wated them too... even on a few uphill starts. i love them, theyre an all season from tirerack
-Jon

[m1lgram]

Excellent, everybody. It looks like 225 is the way to go. I'll check out the tirerack reviews, and update and inquire further if necessary.

Thanks, all

[Big Jim]

When my original tires needed replacing, I went to 225/50ZR16 and have had them ever since. During that time I have had Continental 4000H, BFG KDWS (truly a junk tire, but it is a four season tire), and Dayton Daytona ZR tires on it. By far, the Daytons have been the best tire. It is a Bridgestone brand and is very similar to their 070. It is also very similar or perhaps identical to another Bridgestone brand, the Fuzion. The tread pattern looks identical. I don't know if it is an all season tire though, but it does handle very well in the rain.