Topic: 2003 Altima 3.5 winter tires??

[tmac_99]

Anyone know what winter tires can replace the stock 215/55-17? Can I go to a 205/65-16? Someone told me I'd have to go with a 17' winter tire and another person said I could go 215/65-16 or 225/60-16 but these are the same or bigger then what I'm already on and I was under the impression that I'd want to go smaller for a winter tire. Anyway hopefully Morty or someone can shed some light for me.

[canadianexpress]

If your car does not have clearance issue with the rear calipers then the 205-55-16 would be ideal.

[Titanium48]

If your car does not have clearance issue with the rear calipers then the 205-55-16 would be ideal.

I think canadianexpress meant 205/65R16.
But wouldn't the front brakes be more likely to cause clearance issues than the rear?

[bittermelon]

I have the same car and bought 17 rims and summer performance tires.  I'm using the stock steel 16" rims for winter tires and 205/60 16 is pretty close in diameter as the stock 215/60.  You'd be better off going with a 16 winter combo as it's much cheaper than the 17 option.  No problem clearing brake calipers since 16's are stock for some of the models and there's no upgraded larger brake calipers on the Altima (exception SE-R)
I'm going with Kumho's KW17 as it's probably the best bang for your buck for city winter driving especially if you get it through Tire Trends.  What a steal.  Cheaper or as cheap (in cost) than Crappy tire winter tires/ H rated for better handling and 13/16 tread depth.  The combo of living in high elvevation in Bungcouver, wet snow, long wheelbase, and no ABS (too much of a cheapskate to pay for that $1500 "option")  makes winter tires a necessity for me.  Just  procrastinating until after 3rd snowfall (Since it's already snowed twice where we are)

Stock Tire - 215/60R16           Tire 1 - 205/60R16                           Tire 2 - 205/65R16
                             Speedometer Difference: 1.822% too fast  Speedometer Difference: 1.299% too slow

   
   

[morty]

You can downsize on the Altima. Recommended size is either 205/65/16 or 215/60/16. Size you pick is generally determined by the tire you choose. Most manufacturers do not make both sizes. No problems with caliper clearance issues on 16". If you can find them OE Nissan steels are a perfect fit.