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Old 09-10-2012, 01:39 PM   #1
JayBoogs
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Default Tires and my 08' WRX

So I've had my 08' WRX since end of 09'. I currently have 38k miles on her and have no major issues thus far and have been extremely pleased with everything.

I have the stock tires on it, 205/50r17 Bridgestone Potenza re92a. I can't really say I've had nearly as many problems that I have heard others have with these. Expecting to get new tires for the upcoming winter, I have been doing extensive research on tires. People have really thrown these stock tires down as really bad. Not going to say they are the best but personally, I've had no issues other than a slow leak on one. Dry, wet & snow have been decent here in Westchester County, NY. We have had our fare share of snow and my local city is very hilly. No issues what so ever. As much as it is the tires, it is also the driver [mindset>skillset>toolset]. And yes, these are the stock tires and they have lasted with rotations to 38k.

Nevertheless, with a new addition to my family, I will be much more careful (even more so than normal) driving this winter. I am set on upping the the width from 205 to 215 or 225 for more traction. I know the 215&225/45r17 will work plus will go for some good rubber too. Seems mighty odd 205 were put on stock. Kinda pew-ney. Thought I'd share.
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Old 09-10-2012, 01:45 PM   #2
krzyss
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Hmm, 205/50R17 were never OE size on WRX.
I may be wrong but never uncertain.

Krzys
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Old 09-10-2012, 01:53 PM   #3
JayBoogs
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Quote:
Originally Posted by krzyss View Post
Hmm, 205/50R17 were never OE size on WRX.
I may be wrong but never uncertain.

Krzys
Yup. Stock on 08's. Changed to 225 for 09's & 10's. I guess 08' was the test year. They changed so much the next yr (turbo, timing, wheels, seats, etc.) ah well.. I digress.
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Old 09-10-2012, 02:42 PM   #4
MNGman
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The narrower the tire, the better traction for deeper snow. If you are looking at staying with an all season, I would think you could bump up to a 225/45/17. This should give you better dry traction, maybe better wet, and not much of a difference in deep snow. That should keep you close to the same overall height to keep your speedometer on track.

With all of that, I run a dedicated winter wheel/tire combination here in Minnesota. All seasons tend to be ok for everything but aren't really good at anything. I like the outstanding performance a dedicated winter tire provides, and also upgrade in summer handling a dedicated summer set up has. More of a cost up front, but I am just know having to replace my winter tires, (i purchased them used from Craig's list in 2008) and my summer set is still going strong.
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Old 09-10-2012, 03:02 PM   #5
JayBoogs
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MNGman View Post
The narrower the tire, the better traction for deeper snow. If you are looking at staying with an all season, I would think you could bump up to a 225/45/17. This should give you better dry traction, maybe better wet, and not much of a difference in deep snow. That should keep you close to the same overall height to keep your speedometer on track.

With all of that, I run a dedicated winter wheel/tire combination here in Minnesota. All seasons tend to be ok for everything but aren't really good at anything. I like the outstanding performance a dedicated winter tire provides, and also upgrade in summer handling a dedicated summer set up has. More of a cost up front, but I am just know having to replace my winter tires, (i purchased them used from Craig's list in 2008) and my summer set is still going strong.
I'd like to go this route maybe at a later date but right now I have no storage space for tires/wheels. I own a condo with outdoor garage spaces. Good to know though. Maybe in the future when my family moves.

I'm leaning on 225s. Especially since 09-10 have same wheel just 225 tires. I know there are no issues with fitment. We have snow but none like where you reside. Not much deep snow typically.
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Old 09-11-2012, 08:20 AM   #6
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My friend has some 10' Legacy wheels with snow tires on it for sale. They are 215/60r16. Will these work? I used the calc {here} and they seem to work. I'm not sure though.
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Old 09-11-2012, 03:00 PM   #7
vtdave
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MNGman View Post
The narrower the tire, the better traction for deeper snow.
+1

A narrower tire with greater sidewall flex will yield better all-around winter performance. It's basically the opposite of summer tires.
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Old 09-12-2012, 08:45 AM   #8
JayBoogs
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vtdave View Post
+1

A narrower tire with greater sidewall flex will yield better all-around winter performance. It's basically the opposite of summer tires.
Xed the winter tires on the legacy wheels.

I get your guys point. But that would be more of a dedicated winter setup which I am not going for. I am trying to compromise with a good performer in an A/S for all year round. The ratings on the 225s have been better in the snow than 205 A/S. I can understand if I compared 225 to 205 in winter tires, that may be different. Also, I don't foresee being in much deep snow.

Though they may be summer tires on some, the 09-10s come stock with 225s. Their A/S' should be good performers. Are you guys suggesting staying in 205 for A/S??
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Old 09-12-2012, 11:25 AM   #9
gsrcrxsi
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i think most people will suggest getting summer tires for summer, and winter tires for winter. its the best way, A/Ss suck for everything.
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Old 09-12-2012, 11:41 AM   #10
JayBoogs
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Originally Posted by gsrcrxsi View Post
i think most people will suggest getting summer tires for summer, and winter tires for winter. its the best way, A/Ss suck for everything.
I understand the premise. I really do. BUT that is not nearly practical for 100% of the US. You are in Baltimore Maryland. I highly doubt, unless you are taking your car to track events, that you'd need a seasonal setup. Everyone is recommending this, but how many ppl actually have this setup?

Not that I wouldn't enjoy the benefits of a seasonal setup but my typical DD style and locale doesn't necessarily lend itself to need a seasonal setup. More confused on which route I will choose. ::research::
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Old 09-12-2012, 01:01 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JayBoogs

I understand the premise. I really do. BUT that is not nearly practical for 100% of the US. You are in Baltimore Maryland. I highly doubt, unless you are taking your car to track events, that you'd need a seasonal setup. Everyone is recommending this, but how many ppl actually have this setup?

Not that I wouldn't enjoy the benefits of a seasonal setup but my typical DD style and locale doesn't necessarily lend itself to need a seasonal setup. More confused on which route I will choose. ::research::
Actually the vast majority of Subaru enthusiasts.

I have summer and winter setups for all 3 of my subarus.
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