215-65-17 tire size for winter

[drakulina]

Hello,
I browsed pretty much all the posts regarding the winter tires for Sienna. The stock size is 235/60R17.
I found a pretty good deal (tires+steel rims) for Michelin XI2 but it comes in 215/65R17.
Any thoughts about the size? I know that most of the manufacturers recommend a narrower tire for winter, but for Sienna, I could not find anything.
Thank you.

[skinny2]

No reason it won't work. They're pretty close in overall diameter but much narrower. So keep in mind the handling on dry roads will not be as impressive (or safe). I would never do this in my climate where we have a lot dry days throughout the winter. But if you rarely see dry roads it may not be as much of an issue for you. Make sure you get something with an equal load rating as the OEM.

[Scott O'Kashan]

Originally Posted by drakulina

Hello,
I browsed pretty much all the posts regarding the winter tires for Sienna. The stock size is 235/60R17.
I found a pretty good deal (tires+steel rims) for Michelin XI2 but it comes in 215/65R17.
Any thoughts about the size? I know that most of the manufacturers recommend a narrower tire for winter, but for Sienna, I could not find anything.
Thank you.

I wouldn't recommend using a narrower tire, as the reduction in handling, braking and safety I don't feel is worth the trade-off for a slight improvement in snow traction, if any at all. Also, the P235/60R-17 has a maximum load carrying capacity of 1,874 lbs. per tire, whereas the P215/65R-17 size only has a maximum load carrying capacity of 1,709 lbs. per tire, which is a 165 lbs. reduction in load carrying capacity X 4 = a whopping 660 lb. load carrying capacity loss! That's the weight of the engine and transmission! That's significant.

With a good set of four winter tires, you'll be fine anyway. No need to agonize about a slight difference in traction. Focus on the performance of the winter tire in the correct size and you'll be fine. Purchase the absolute best winter tires you can find, instead of just a, "good deal", because if a set of good winter tires saves you from just one hit with the guardrail, (or worse), they've paid for themselves many times over. Safety first.

- B.F.Goodrich T/A Certified Tire Specialist