Why do we go with 18" wheels instead of 20" for winter?
 

I was read tirerack.com's Winter Tech article (Winter Tech - Size Selection of Winter Tires / Snow Tires) and never gave it much thought, even after owning 18" winter wheels since last winter, why we get 18" instead of 20". With the 19" Rays, I can clear my driveway if I go slow enough, but now on the 18s I can't clear no matter what. I'm having small scraps on roads that I frequent a lot that I didn't before. My traction is obviously better for the winter/snow but I'll be plowing much easier with the lower clearance. Why wouldn't it be better to have 20s instead so there's even more clearance than the Rays.
Btw, I'm not lowered.

You must put the correct size tires on your wheels. The 18" and 19" are pretty close to the same diameter with the correct size tires.

1) You must keep overall diameter (O.D.) the same as OEM +/-0.6" no matter what size rims you get. O.D. of OEM 19" setup is 26.5-26.8" otherwise your speedometer will be out and your ride height/ground clearance will change.

2) For winter, you want a tire with either a slightly larger aspect ratio (ie. sidewall) or equivalent to your OEMs...therefore, 18" or 19" wheels, to allow for more tire and thus better winter grip. No need to go with 20" rims.

In terms of section width, go no wider than OEM (245/275). In fact it's OK to go with slightly narrower width tires, because they will handle icy roads better...think of maneuvering on ice with snow shoes vs. ice skates.

:iagree: +1 he saying you're doing it wrong. :icon17:

Agreed. Hell, even increase the od if you want.

I get fatter in the winter. That's why mine scrapes more.

the tires i have on aren't the correct sidewall size but i bought this set off the forum. i'm probably 1" lower with these rims on. i understand why it's better to have thinner tires but in terms of height clearance, that can change with running 20" wheels and higher profile tires.

oh dear... :facepalm:

Just buy the right tires for your 18" rims.

:iagree: Listen to this advice. exactly right.

you better check the load rating on those tires.

Most go with 18's b/c of more tire options, and obviously its cheaper since alot of people are getting it for a second set. I dont envy places with snow, I am not a man who enjoys the cold weather lol.

i got the winter tires and rims as a set, and i don't feel like going through the headache of buying/selling/trading wheels right now. sucks the sidewall size isn't right but the load rating should be fine. we have 2 seaters, and i keep my trunk empty.