[Alex]

For next winter i'm starting to weigh out our winter tire (and wheel) options. At the most fundamental level, tire size is 225/55R17, the OEM size you can stick with or use to figure size more preferable to you.

Historically, I would always run Blizzak's from Bridgestone and X-ICE from Michelin but i'm open to hearing what the men and women here have to suggest.

For now either Blizzak's or X-ICE XI3's will be my default.

 

[Broncos]

Definitely, I always go for winter tires. I don't trust and/or believe in all-seasons as they just aren't good for any season directly lol. Don't provide enough grip in the summer or winter. WS80 are the winter tires I'll be shooting for, for the winter however. One of the best tires produced for winter time (that aren't studded)

 

[bhrm]

Are 16" wheels the smallest that will fit the niro and clear the brakes?

What about skinnier tires?

 

[Neo]

I will be putting on snows. Waiting for a closeout deal from Tire Rack to appear.


I have an LX and will be sticking with the 16 in. wheels. I think I read on the Kia Forum that the rim width is 6.5 in., you should double check that. I would check with Tire Rack to see how skinny you can go with that rim.


The Blizzak and X-ice are very nice. I am hoping to try out the contentials (sp?) this time. Check the Tire Tack test reports.


Neo

 

[lightingman]

I'm trying to figure this one out as well...visited TireRack and PMCTire...both don't offer tire/wheel packages yet for the Niro....I'm running the Touring model, but won't replace the the 18" wheels and rims "one for one"...but thought moving down to the smaller 205/60-16's would be the way to go....

The tires won't be a problem (I run Blizzaks as well) but the wheels are so far a concern...

Also...Weathertech doesn't make the laser fitted floor mates for the Niro yet....which is disappointing....

 

[Neo]

Speaking of 16 in. wheels, I hear that the FE and LX OEM wheel is very nice alloy wheel. I am hoping to find a set of those for the snow tires.


Neo

 

[BlueEX]

As far as I can find out the Niro is 5 studs at 114 pitch circle with 40 mm offset for the 16 inch wheels. I am not sure about the center hole diameter and wonder if that has to be correct for the wheels I am going to buy for winter tires. I also do not plan on installing TPM sensors since they will only be on the car for 3-4 months and they are very expensive. Does anyone know if the tire monitor light will just come on (not a problem) or will it come on and flash continuously ( a problem for me)????

 

[Neuron]

Can't really help since winter is over already, but you could try asking your local dealership and see what they say. Maybe try more than one so they aren't giving you a biased answer in order to sell you something.

 

[Stang]

I am starting to look for winter tires. Anyone have any luck with sizing that might be irregular? I am running th 16? version. Just wondering if I can gain some clearance with a different size of winter tire. What might be a good method of measuring this. Or Is there a sizing chart somewhere that any of you know about?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jjhbiz]

Just looked at TR and priced the Michelin X-Ice with rims ~ $800+

Wondering whether I can get by without adding the TPMS to these for an extra $50 per tire.

Anyone know what happens if you just omit TPMS for the winter if swapping rims?

 

[Griswald]

Don't really worry about it here!

You could always make what is called a pipe bomb for the tpms. You make a pipe with threaded on ends and a air valve. Put the tpms inside the pipe and inflate the pipe to 35 psi. Your car won't know the difference.

 

[Neo]

In regards to the TPMS, I went without for the snow tires. An annoying message comes up to check the sensor. I plan to just ignore it for winter.

Also, went with a Tire Rack recommendation of a smaller wheel, taller tire which saved a bit was well. So far so good.

 

[Snowtires1]

Floor mats

Hi, I ordered and received my front floor mats this week from my online purchase at Weathertech. They are now making them for the Niro, at $180. For my Niro and free delivery.
Also do you have any recommendations for winter tires for driving in Ontario winters?

 

[Neo]

Floor mats, I bought them for $15. It's all about priorities.

Snow tires, go to Tirerack.com. Research which ones are rated the best and then look at price. I went with Michelin Xice in a 205/65-15. I love them. The taller tire gives a softer ride which is a nice improvement when the tires are cold and rock hard and the road is less than perfect. The 15 inch steel wheels fit with just enough clearance.

 

[NJ Niro]

Hi, I ordered and received my front floor mats this week from my online purchase at Weathertech. They are now making them for the Niro, at $180. For my Niro and free delivery.
Also do you have any recommendations for winter tires for driving in Ontario winters?

I got the all weather mats from the dealer for around $100.

 

[Alex]

I got the all weather mats from the dealer for around $100.

Not bad, at that price I would forget having mats from any brand like Weather Tech. I think they would want at least a couple hundred.

 

[eddarrah]

Getting installed on our 2017 Kia Niro EX tomorrow afternoon:
Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter - 205/60R16 92T

$336.56 > 4 tires, includes lifetime rotation & balancing, lifetime tire roadside assistance. Had these on our Honda Civic for 2 years, year round use, great tire. WILL remove these in spring and re-install the Michelin energy saver/hybrid tires that came with the Niro.

 

[Congee]

Steel rims?

Hi all. Putting on a set of X-Ice on steel rims. Thinking of not putting the wheel covers on. Think it'll hurt the fuel economy?

 

[hyperbnx]

I've put on Blizzacks .. no snow yet in Ottawa Canada but I got the TPMS light .Dealer told me to ignore it or pay $200 for sensors

 

[eddarrah]

I had 4 Goodyear Wintergrip tires installed last week at Sam's Club, $369.00 complete with lifetime balance/rotation service. The TPMS was all set to go and set to Kia Niro specs, not the tire specs, and NO TPMS lights, all works great. Also, NO noticeable reduction in MPG which I was surprised to see.