[OttoSS]

I live in Central Ohio and need winter tires for my new SS. I’ve talked to four different local sources and have heard from each of them that due to the unique wheel sizes the only options I have are either the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 (a true winter tire) and the Continental Extreme Contact DWS (an All Season tire with above average winter capabilities). I was also told by one source that the Blizzaks LM-32s were being discontinued and I should just go with the Continentals. Has anyone found other winter tire options? Is anyone familiar with either of these tires? Also, everyone out here has recommended forgetting about getting a set of steel wheels for my winter tires. What I’m hearing is “the SSs are too new, we don’t have any idea what will work and you don’t need them anyway.” Any thoughts?

 

[PRLx1967]

There is another topic on writer tires take a look and ask the user what tire he went with. I don't have the issue since Las Vegas is dry most of the time, except for today...


Sent from AutoGuide.com App

 

[SpectroBR]

Using the G8 GXP as reference, I found several options on Tire Rack or Discount Tire. I don't know if 18s will clear the Brembos, though. You can even pick between performance winters (better dry/wet traction) or studless ice & snow.

 

[rjandern]

I have the same issue in Michigan. I can search for winter tires on Tire Rack but not wheels. You can search for G8 GXP wheels, so I used that as a reference to find wheels that could fit properly. Jackie from Chevy customer service forwarded this message that I had to Chevy's technical assistance team. I'll let you know what I hear back from them.

Tech Assistance Team,

I am trying to find an appropriate winter wheel and tire combination. I live in West Michigan and we get a considerable amount of lake effect snow every winter. So I am looking for a Minus One sized tire and wheel combination for the winter (at least relative to the rear wheels). I have been using the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP, due to its similar configuration for an approximate when browsing for wheels. Could you please confirm that the following is an appropriate set up for my 2014 Chevrolet SS.

Enkei PF01 wheels 460-880-1242SP
18" x 8"
5 x 120
Offset 42 mm (35 mm is available too)
Measurements are based on the size chart on the linked page

Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4
245/45R18

I appreciate your help with my issue and want to let you know that there is probably some other people in my situation due to the timing of the delivery and summer tires. I contacted tire rack and they have not measured an SS to update their database so this process would be easier for others in my situation. If you have the information that they would need, I would appreciate you forwarding this information to Nick at Tire Rack (800) 428-8355

 

[MyBlkSS]

Well the snow is already on the ground here and Ohio but it hasn't gotten too bad yet.

 

[MyBlkSS]

I went on Tire Rack today and they now currently have listed 7 different Winter Tire and All Season tire combos for purchase.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?tireIndex=0&autoMake=Chevrolet&autoYear=2014&autoModel=SS+Sports+Sedan&autoModClar=&frontWidth=245%2F&frontRatio=40&frontDiameter=19&frontSortCode=57375&rearWidth=275%2F&rearRatio=35&rearDiameter=19&rearSortCode=57751&tab=All

 

[brianch]

Whats the difference between the LM60 and the LM32

 

[OttoSS]

When I called and talked to a rep at the Tire Rack, they told me the LM-60 and 32 were very similar tires but that the LM-60 was an older model that was being discontinued (hence the lower price) and that it may get harder to find a single replacement tire. They recommended going with the LM-32.

 

[SpectroBR]

Whats the difference between the LM60 and the LM32

Apart from the tread pattern, LM60 is H-rated (below 210 km/h) and LM32 is V-rated (below 240km/h).

 

[JimArneson]

Have you guys heard anything from the Tire Rack folks about winter wheel/tire combinations?

 

[brianch]

What you mean?
Just go with the wheel you like and find the tire to match. Personally I wouldn't get a rim from tirerack

Just buy it locally used - much cheaper

Or get like used G8 rims.

 

[2074]

watch the load rating .... the factory tires are extra load and in an all weather only continental and general make a matching extra load for both front and rear. The difference is like 200 lbs. per tire. If you understand tires, MGVW, load shifting dynamics and tire safety margins this is an important consideration that should not be ignored.

 

[JimArneson]

I visited with the folks at Samaritan Tire in Minnetonka this morning. I brought along the spare from the SS so they could read the numbers stamped in the wheel. Chris is having an 18" American Racing AR 887 wheel delivered this afternoon for me to test fit it on the SS. They think it should clear the front brakes. I'm not exactly sure it is the wheel I want but their supplier has them in stock.

The SS Spare...

The American Racing wheel...
American Racing - Wheels

SS with the AR 887 wheel...

I'm still undecided on tires. The Samaritan folks suggest either the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 or a Nitto NT SN2. They like the Nitto on ice but prefer the Bridgestone for winter handling. Do you guys have any experience with the Nitto brand?

Jim

 

[brianch]

I've always been a fan of the Blizzaks.

 

[JimArneson]

Did Not Fit...

Well my first effort did not work. The 18" American Racing (AR 887) wheels run into the clips on the back side of the Brembo Calipers. The interference is on the inside diameter of the wheel. I'll attempt to show it in pictures below.

I'm going to go in tomorrow and pick up different 18" AR wheel the Samaritan guys think might have a little bigger ID.


Put the SS on the lift...

Pulled off the LF wheel...

Tried the AR 887 Wheel...

The clips interfere with the wheel ID...

Both clips hit the wheel...

As a point of reference the SS wheel clears the same clips by about 1/4 inch...

 

[KenzSS]

Dang! Too bad, that's a good looking wheel.

 

[tnt44]

I visited with the folks at Samaritan Tire in Minnetonka this morning. I brought along the spare from the SS so they could read the numbers stamped in the wheel. Chris is having an 18" American Racing AR 887 wheel delivered this afternoon for me to test fit it on the SS. They think it should clear the front brakes. I'm not exactly sure it is the wheel I want but their supplier has them in stock.

The SS Spare...

The American Racing wheel...
American Racing - Wheels

SS with the AR 887 wheel...

I'm still undecided on tires. The Samaritan folks suggest either the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 or a Nitto NT SN2. They like the Nitto on ice but prefer the Bridgestone for winter handling. Do you guys have any experience with the Nitto brand?

Jim

i have the LM-32 on my SS Jim and i love them

 

[JimArneson]

Did you mount them on the 19" wheels that came with the car?

 

[krzemien]

Jim,

I would be VERY interested if any 18" wheel will fit on the SS. I have a set of 18" snow tires that I want to use. Please post and PM me if anyone has found a set.

 

[Slizzo]

Find 18" wheels that fit the G8 GXP as has been suggested, they will fit the SS without issue.