I found a deal on some nokian nrw's for $19 each here. They only have one size: 185/55R15. My question is, would that be too small for my 97 impreza? (stock size 195/60r15) I've read that you can go smaller for winter tires, but how small is too small?

I found a deal on some nokian nrw's for $19 each here. They only have one size: 185/55R15. My question is, would that be too small for my 97 impreza? (stock size 195/60r15) I've read that you can go smaller for winter tires, but how small is too small?

It doesn't matter how small if all you can get is 185/55R-15. It should be just fine unless you have oversize wheels; 185's should fit fine on stock wheels.

thanks!

and if your getting four it wont matter at all.

 

 

nipper

You are loosing ground clearance than can be handy in deeper snow though.

so he does belly slides

 

:-p

 

(sorry getting our first snow now, couldnt resist)

 

 

nipper

If you don't have deep snow, it shouldn't be a problem.

 

Narrower tires will give you better traction and make the car more stable.

Isn't the nrw an allseason tire, somewhat crappier predecessor of wr? And not produced for like 6 years...

You are loosing ground clearance than can be handy in deeper snow though.

You would lose .6 inches in ground clearance and have a 5% error in the speedometer. Doesn't sound like much difference in a snowstorm. Check out the tire size calculator:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

I found a deal on some nokian nrw's for $19 each here. They only have one size: 185/55R15. My question is, would that be too small for my 97 impreza? (stock size 195/60r15) I've read that you can go smaller for winter tires, but how small is too small?

 

you get what you pay for. I would think your winter tires should be stock size or 195/65/q15 (slightly narrower). this will help you cut through snow better but also provide an increase in pressure (lbs per sq inch) on the footprint. 185s might be okay but provide less protection for your rims-and of course your ground clearance is lower if only slightly. don't cheap out on winter tires-winter is the time when your tires are your best defense against the elements. good luck-jon

 

also, consider the size of your spare, could you get home without killing your tranny?