Author Topic: 2003 Ford Focus ZTS - winter tires (Read 3016 times)

js2k6 · « **on:** November 23, 2004, 12:54:28 am »

My Focus ZTS is using all seasons that are P205/50R16 87H. Does it matter (assuming I get new rims too) if I get winter tires that are smaller than 16"? Or is that a bad idea? What should I look in regards to the specs (P rating, aspect ratio, and load index, and speed rating) for winter tires that will be fine with my car?}

morty · « **Reply #1 on:** November 23, 2004, 02:27:01 am »

You can defintely downsize on your Focus ZTS. You can go with 15" or even down to 14". Obviously the 14" will offer you the lowest cost, but will be the biggest change in handling. You will have to decide if the tradeoff is worth it.

Follow this link for some options:

TireTrends - 2003 Ford Focus ZTS Winter Packages

TireTrends - Get ready for winter!

js2k6 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 23, 2004, 04:07:05 pm »

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm thinking of getting the 15" tires. Do I need tires with the "H" speed rating? Or would the "T" and "Q" tires advertised on your website be acceptable?

morty · « **Reply #3 on:** November 24, 2004, 12:52:46 am »

They are all good winter tires just minor differences. Depends on what you do with your car and where you drive.

TireTrends - Get ready for winter!

js2k6 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 05, 2004, 01:16:19 pm »

Hey Morty,
I ended up getting the Kumho KW19s on a set of black steelies. The weather is still pretty good so I can't say much about them yet, but we'll see when the winter comes... thanks again.

morty · « **Reply #5 on:** December 06, 2004, 12:02:44 am »

Looking forward to your impressions....

TireTrends - Get ready for winter!

js2k6 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 06, 2004, 06:54:13 pm »

So far so good. They did a good job on the road after the light snow/freezing rain that we had in London last night. At no point did I feel like I was sliding at all, nor did my ABS or traction control ever need to come on. I'm sure the weather will get worse later, so I'll get back to the message board with how things go.

sp161 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 06, 2004, 11:50:54 pm »

Js2k6 Did you go with 15" or 14" rims and tires?

js2k6 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 07, 2004, 02:27:07 pm »

Ended up getting the 14" rims and tires. Haven't noticed any problems.

sp161 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 07, 2004, 05:02:37 pm »

Js2k6
Where did you get your rims from? I purchased 14" Steel rims from Canadain Tire, they seem to fit but I'm wondering if the front brake calipers will be affected as they are quite close to the rim.

js2k6 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 08, 2004, 01:38:47 am »

I bought the rims and tires together from tires23.com in Mississauga. The rims have the Ford logo on them, so they might be OEMs.

(Message edited by js2k6 on December 08, 2004)

sp161 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 09, 2004, 09:10:31 am »

Morty, You said in an earlier post that the 14" tires would have the biggest change in handling. What should I be expecting? Seems to me that the steering is very touchy now, and sometimes feels like the car sways a little bit from side to side. Is this something that I'll just get use to?
Thanks

morty · « **Reply #12 on:** December 10, 2004, 02:37:05 am »

The swaying is definitely a symptom of 14". You probably wont get used to it if you like the better handling of your larger diameter summers. However, you will hopefully learn to live with it and you will be safer.

TireTrends - Get ready for winter!