19" winter tyres

[Lyons]

Folks, I was planning on getting a set of smaller wheels to use for the winter, but as my original 19's are sat in the garage and not selling I figure I might as well just put winter tyres on them.

The standard tyres are 255/40/19, what size would be best for winter tyres? 235/50/19?

[HPsauce]

Does it not say in the Drivers Manual? Have a look at the pressures sticker too.

[Lyons]

Sticker in the fuel flap just says 255/40/19 for M&S too.

Manual is at home sadly, will try and remember to check tomorrow.

[HPsauce]

Those will be nearly 5% bigger, what's the thinking behind doing it differently?

My summer and winter tyres on the S8 are exactly the same size, admittedly 18's as it's a D2.
(On my Focus the summer and winter wheels are different sizes - 16" and 15")

[Lyons]

Skinnier tyre is better for ice/snow.

[HPsauce]

I thought that was really just advice for those with the "wrong" tyre compound for the conditions.
With proper winter M&S tyres they should grip fine. Mine certainly do (245's).

[ainarssems]

Skinnier tyres cut through snow or slush better at higher speeds and higher profile will give better ground clearance for winter so 235/50R19 look good to m just keep in mind that speedometer will be reading lower, compare speed on Satnav and speedo to know what is what but should be near correct as most cars overread with stock tyre sizes. Another alternatives would be 225/50R19 or 235/45R19.

[tintin]

Originally Posted by Lyons

Skinnier tyre is better for ice/snow.

Not sure I agree with that - I'd have thought that with the right winter tyres you'd get better grip with wider tyres.

[Lyons]

I don't know the physics behind it, but I always thought skinnier tyres were better in such conditions. It spawns back to my WRC days, the rally cars use narrow tyres in snow/ice stages.

[HPsauce]

The rally cars will have studded tyres, whole different ball game.