I have a 2012 Sport with 185/55/16 stock tires. I wanna run studded snow tires for the winter. The shops are telling me there is nothing available. Is there a 15" tire that will fit? I dont mind buying a set of steel 15" wheels for the winter. I just wanna run studded tires. I live in Montana and out roads can get pretty icey.

HELP.

What are my options?

 

A General Arctic Altimax (highly rated) can be studded and shipped to you by Tire Rack. In a 15" you would require a 195/60/15, which has the same overall diameter (or very close to) a 185/55/16, but are slightly wider. The wheels may be tough to find though. Most "aftermarket" steelies are 14", and the 15" steelies are snapped up quickly by others it seems. Go to Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels and check it out. Even if you don't buy from them, they have alot of information to help you out.

 

My local tire shop said 15" wont fit around the brakes. Is this correct?

 

No, they are NOT correct. I wish we had big front brakes, but we do not. Both 15" and 14" rims/tires will fit. I have 14's on my '12 sport. I am surprised your shop said that, considering a base Fit comes with 15 inch tires, and the base has the indentical brakes front and rear as a sport.

 

Well, Im going to look for 14" or 15" studded tires and steel wheels.

 

I am on 15's for the Winter. Tire size is

185/65R15 BFG Winter Slalom

 

If you want to keep your 16" wheels, you can use 195/50R16. Pirelli makes them in that size. Or, you can go with 175/65R15s. I just bought a set of Michelins from Tirerack.com in that size for $66 ea with shipping after the $70 mail in rebate. Also, I saw a set of OE steel wheels on sale for $150 on ebay. You might check it out.

 

I want studded snow tires.

 

Tirerack has them too for the 15".

 

Two(ish) things

1. Black3sr, your car looks sweet with that set-up. I stole the center cap from you I think.

2. To the OP, you will prob end up with studded Generals. They are the only readily available ones I have seen in our sizes. If you are resourceful you may be able to find some 15" 4x100 wheels locally, but you will need to verify offset/width etc. You will also have to decide about TPMS, and if you want to keep it active with new sensors.

Peace out

 

Generals? They don't come in a 185/55/16.

I found Coopers Weather Master in a 185/65/15 for $75 each and steel wheels for $55 each. $577 total delivered. Not bad. Discount Tires.

 

I'm running Generals on Acura integra Alloys that I got from Craigslist for $50 + a Strut tower brace for a 10 yr old civic. the generals are 185/65/15 so i sit about 1/4" higher on my snows in the winter (which works great for me) The Generals were about $80 each mounted & Balanced and $50 for the rims at a total under $400. Studding will cost about $10 extra per tire but still not a bad deal at all for me.

~SB

 

No. I don't mean that Generals come in the 185/55/16 OEM size. I don't think any Fit OEM size 16" tires come in a studdable snow/winter tire.

Your research on Discount Tire Direct's site was insightful. I haven't been on their site forever as it always sucked compared to Tire Rack. It has def improved. I was surprised to see the 15" steelies! I would say these Cooper Weathermasters since they accept studs are the ticket for you. Question though, do they do the studding like for you like Tire Rack? If not I'm sure they do that in a state like Montana. Let us know how it works out.

 

Have you ever tried studless ice and snow tires? They are quite exceptional on ice and packed snow. And much better on bare pavement than studded tires. Talking about Nokian Hakkapeliitta r and Michelin Ice Xi2 and Xi3 along with Bridgestone Bllizzak WS60. The Michelin Ice Xi2 is rated at the top of the bunch right up with the Nokian Hakka r, and TireRack.com has the Michelin Ice Xi2 on sale as a closeout. They are being replaced by the Ice Xi3 tire. Here is a review of the Michelin Ice Xi2: http://tires.about.com/od/Tire_Revie...-X-Ice-Xi2.htm

 

I've got a set of aluminum 5-star wheels that came off an A3 VW Jetta that fit on my 2012 Fit, no problem clearing the brake calipers or drums. I've just ordered up a set of General Altimax Arctics in 185/70R14 from TireBuyer.com. They're taking $15.00 off this weekend (use coupon code WKEND15 ) which covered almost all of the sales tax and shipping is free. They end up being $240.88 before tax, delivered - cheaper than TireRack or anyone I found locally.

Here's a link to the site: General Altimax Arctic at TireBuyer.com

These tires are studable and have gotten fantastic reviews.

Fortunately, I am married to a mechanic who has access to a tire machine and can reset TPMSs, so I'll be buying a second set of sensors for my winter wheels.

 

I called around for our ridgeline tires and found that a few places would match tire rack and mount/balance for free. They also do lifetime rotations every 6K miles for free.

I got our General tires at sears as they were the cheapest after all costs were addressed (Mounting/balancing, shipping, tax, etc...)

~SB