With winter fast approaching (Yes, I know that fall hasn't arrived yet.), I ordered a set of Michelin X-Ice Xi3 185/60R 15 and wheels. From everything I've read online, getting a narrower snow tire is a good idea. The diameter is the same as the 16" tires on my EX, and the tires and wheels cost less in the smaller size. Tirerack is offering a $50 rebate, but Michelin if offering $70 - just till the end of September.

These are for my son's car. I'll wait till next year to get them for mine.

These are the wheels.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...91560434100BML

 

Why not steel wheels for snow tires? Would that not cut your costs?

 

That was a tough call. I've used them in the past, but the cost wasn't that much lower, they look lousy, and they rust. They're heavier, too, so the shipping cost is higher. This way, I'll have two sets of nice wheels, and when I buy new tires, I can put them on the wheels without having to wait for the old ones to wear out. They'll be ready to go right away. I just have to be careful not to scratch the wheels when working on the tires.

 

Thanks for the link - a set of winter tires was on my list, too, and I decided to go with the same wheel you got as well (I like the black with machined lip look), but with Winterforce tires instead.

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I don't live in the snow country (Tennessee has mild winters), but I was thinking the extra weight of the Steel, would improve handling in adverse conditions, due to the fact wheels and tires are "unsprung weight". Or, am I wrong? I do agree they rust, as my 2008 Fit steel wheels were starting to rust by the time we sold the car. I also hated the fact you could hit a pot hole and watch your hubcap roll away. I was thinking they were a bunch cheaper, but from what you said they are not. I suppose I would pass on the steel as well then.

 

Are those cast wheels lighter than steel? You usually don't get lighter alloy wheels until you start spending $$$ for forged.

 

The shipping charge is lower for the alloys, and since it generally goes by weight, I assumed that they are lighter. Either way, I prefer the alloy wheels.

EDIT: The tires have been shipped already. I'll probably get them tomorrow. I'll post pictures.

 

Congrats on the tires. I also just bit the bullet with the same sizes as you Silver. I went the cheap(er) route and got the Blizzak WS70's on clearance and the MSW type 25 MG wheels. Wondering what you paid including shipping? I paid $640 (w/ shipping) from TireRack not including the $50 dollar pre-paid card. Net I paid $590 which I feel is a good deal. Wondering everyone's thoughts. Thanks!