Winter Tires Minus Sizing Pros/Cons?

[i-VTEC]

My Civic LX uses 205/55/16 but 195/65/15 will give the same diameter

http://tires.canadiantire.ca/medias/...plussizing.jpg

Some people say by going down sizing, Minus Sizing Will give better traction in snow but give up on handling..

Is that true and proven?

Any thoughts?

[IMASA]

Down sizing to a narrower tire will give better deep snow traction, however, we rarely get that much snow here, so it's not THAT important. You give up some handling going to a narrower tire (and higer sidewall profile), but during the winter you're not going to be driving that hard, plus winter tires handle like crap, so again, not THAT imporant. It could be said that a wider tire gives better ice traction (Wider tire = more sipes in the tread).

Your car will handle just as well in winter driving conditions with either tire, the difference will be how much it costs you. Most significant pros (at least for me) for down sizing is the cheaper price in smaller, narrower tires.

[i-VTEC]

IMASA: If cost isn't an issue, would you get the 16 or down sizing one to 15 for winter tires?

[SumAznGuy]

I would go down to a 15 just because of cost issue.

If money truely wasn't an issue, then either will be fine. But what wheels do you plan on using? Stock wheels or buying a second set of wheels for winter only?

[i-VTEC]

for wheels, a new set of 4 steel wheels

[IMASA]

If you are going to mount these on another set of wheels and can easily find a set of 15" wheels, I'd go with the 15's. I like higher profile tires in the winter...more tire to abshorb the impact if you spin out and hit a curb

If money isn't an issue, then either is fine for your car. We're not talking about a major difference in tire sizes here.