very basic questions on snow tire size

[cpv204]

I have a 97 740iL. I currently have Continental all-season 235/60 R 16 tires. I'm planning on driving in a lot of snow this year and want tires that are safe in snow and willing to sacrifice performance.

I'm shopping for winter tires at Tire Rack by year/make/model and I'm given two choices: Recommended tires in the original size as above, but also Alternate size tires that are 215/65 R 16.

So the Alternate winter tires are a little narrower and taller profile than the all-seasons I have now. My question is, is there any reason to prefer one size of tire to the other when considering winter use? Would wider tires with a lower profile handle snow better or would I be better off with the narrower, taller 215/65's?

Or is the brand/model of tire that is available for a given size the more important factor? For example, if Goodyear Ultra Ice Grips are available in 215/65 but not in the other size, while the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 is available in the 235/60 size but not in the other.

So basically, should I choose a brand/model and buy whatever size works, or first choose the size and then pick a brand/model?

Lastly, what latitude do I have in my choice of width and profile, in case the tires I want aren't available in a given size? I don't think I would have ever guessed I could use 215/65's until they were recommended.

[edgar620]

Narrower means you don't plow as much snow. usually better for winter.

[Orient330iNYC]

I have a 97 740iL. I currently have Continental all-season 235/60 R 16 tires. I'm planning on driving in a lot of snow this year and want tires that are safe in snow and willing to sacrifice performance.

I'm shopping for winter tires at Tire Rack by year/make/model and I'm given two choices: Recommended tires in the original size as above, but also Alternate size tires that are 215/65 R 16.

So the Alternate winter tires are a little narrower and taller profile than the all-seasons I have now. My question is, is there any reason to prefer one size of tire to the other when considering winter use? Would wider tires with a lower profile handle snow better or would I be better off with the narrower, taller 215/65's?

Or is the brand/model of tire that is available for a given size the more important factor? For example, if Goodyear Ultra Ice Grips are available in 215/65 but not in the other size, while the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 is available in the 235/60 size but not in the other.

So basically, should I choose a brand/model and buy whatever size works, or first choose the size and then pick a brand/model?

Lastly, what latitude do I have in my choice of width and profile, in case the tires I want aren't available in a given size? I don't think I would have ever guessed I could use 215/65's until they were recommended.

for NYC i would recommend the 235s as its more dry than snow here.

narrower tires are better for fresh snow. wider is better for packed snow.
you're more likely to find packed snow in NYC following any storm

[cpv204]

for NYC i would recommend the 235s as its more dry than snow here.

narrower tires are better for fresh snow. wider is better for packed snow.
you're more likely to find packed snow in NYC following any storm

That's good to know. I'm planning to spend a lot of time in VT skiing this winter, so I want something for a climate that often sees fresh snow.

Can you recommend a shop in the city to change the tires?

[Orient330iNYC]

That's good to know. I'm planning to spend a lot of time in VT skiing this winter, so I want something for a climate that often sees fresh snow.

Can you recommend a shop in the city to change the tires?

major tire in brooklyn is where i've gone for the past 8 years.

they're a tirerack installer.
http://www.tirerack.com/installer/InstallerDetail.jsp?index=0&installermiles=0&zipCode=11223&place=0

i live in the financial district but drive out to brooklyn to get tire work done.

where in NYC are you?

if in queens, i would recommend al's hubcaps in mineola.

[cpv204]

I'm just a little north of you, in Tribeca.

I'm curious, what do you do with the tires that come off when the winter tires go on? I don't have anywhere to store them.

[Orient330iNYC]

I'm just a little north of you, in Tribeca.

I'm curious, what do you do with the tires that come off when the winter tires go on? I don't have anywhere to store them.

i have a pretty big walk in closet, this year i've been storing them at my parents house in brooklyn.

they take up a 25X25" by about 42" high corner. you can get storage covers, or even the tire garage to keep things tidy:
http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/category.jsp?category=Tire+Storage

howdy neighbor:D

[cpv204]

Always good to have a local opinion. Thanks for all the advice. :thumbup: