Looking to put some better rubber on the 2013 Clubman S for the winter. My SSR run-flats are downright dangerous. I found a couple of off-brand deals and both are considered performance winter tires. Nexen WinGuard Sport is a Korean brand and the other is a Dutch manufactured euro tire Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme S.

Tirerack options for winter performance are expensive and way more than I want to spend. With low clearance and front drive, the Clubby is not my first choice for winter vehicle anyway and I will likely not take it out in deep snow. I'm in Eastern PA and we have had some bad winters with lingering cold temps and snow that tends to stick around for the season.

Anyone have experience with either of these tires? They aren't Blizzaks, but gotta' be better than any all season choices.


Thanks

 

If you select a slightly wider tire size (or narrower) and adjust the aspect ratio, you'll get a whole lot more options than the slightly oddball factory tire size. If you go to 16" wheels your options expand even more.

17" 215/45, Blizzak WS-80 are about $120 each; Yokohama Iceguard about the same.

16" 195/55, Dunlop Winter Maxx are $95 each; Yokohama are $97.

Anyway, good luck!

 

Outside of getting studded tires, the phrase "performance winter tires" is a contradiction in terms. What's most important is obtaining excellent traction on icy/snow-covered roads.

Experience a set of Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2s, and you'll never look back at any of the other options...

 

Thanks and yes I am actually looking at 215/45/17's on any replacement tires to give me just a little more rubber on the sidewall and the tread. Blizzaks are great for grip not too good for handling in the dry of course. The Nexen Winguard are half that cost, the Vredesteins are $102 plus tax (PA) and shipping. These would both be less grippy but better handling in the dry.

 

I have the "performance" winter tires on my S and "studless ice and snow" tires on our Cooper, both are Bridgstones. The performance winter tires are a trade off with less snow and ice traction and maybe a bit better dry handling than the studless ice and snow tires. The better tire for the snow are the studless ice and snow snow tire.

As for tire size you want the smallest width you can put on the car. I am running the 195-55x16s on my S. this gives a much taller side wall than the 215-45x16. You can buy use wheels on NAM here for not too much money.

I know it adds cost, but there is a benefit to having run flat snow tires. I found a nail in one of mine on a cold (10 deg) snowy morning. With the RFTs I didn't even think of changing it. I just added air to it every day until I could get it into a shop.