Winter Tires and Rims

[Otter]

Hi,

 

I have a 2001 Carrera 4 Coupe and I want to put winter tires on it in the late fall this year.  What size rims should I buy, 18 inch or 19 inch?  What type of tires do you suggest?  

[Otter]

Also, does it matter how many mm offset I get?  When ordering 18 inch rims I can choose an offset of 40 mm, 50 mm, or 53 mm for the front wheels, and 63 mm or 65 mm for the rear wheels.  What does this refer to and is there a specific offset I need to order to fit my car?  

[DBJoe996]

Here are the original specifications.  I would suggest not deviating from these for winter wheels and tires.

 

[Loren]

1 hour ago, DBJoe996 said:

Here are the original specifications.  I would suggest not deviating from these for winter wheels and tires.

 

 

Plus -- no room for chains on 18 inch wheels.

[Otter]

Thanks very much DBJoe996 and Loren!

[DK570]

I have a used set of Bridgestone Blizzaks for 18" wheels I'd like to get rid of.  Let me know if you want more details.  

[Otter]

Hi DK570, how many miles do they have on them?  

[Kevin Bryck]

The 17" rims are listed in my manual for winter use, perhaps to leave room for cable chains?

My 17" rims are listed as 1/2" narrower in front and 1" narrower in rear.

Edited June 24, 2019 by Kevin Bryck

[DK570]

On 5/25/2019 at 11:53 AM, Otter said:

Hi DK570, how many miles do they have on them?  

Sorry, totally missed this post.  I can look it up in my log book when I get home.  

[Andy Ericksen]

If I have 18" wheels, can I still use 17" for winter tires or do I need to stick with 18"?

[Kevin Bryck]

Both 17" and 18" wheels will fit your car.  

Factory 17" rims are easier to find since most owners seem to want to go up in wheel size and have fitted 19" and even 20" wheels to a 996.

 

My 17" Carrera2 wheels are listed as 1/2" narrower in front and 1" narrower in rear than my 18" Carrera wheels, presumably for clearance to fit cable chains.

Many of the factory wheels floating around are from Boxters and are even narrower so beware of sellers saying that they are a correct fit your 996.  Check the width.

 

Given the current state of the pavement in this country I fit the 17" rims with the taller sidewall tires year round. Quieter, more comfort, less worries.

I only keep the 18" wheels if I ever go to the track for some autocross?

[Loren]

RE: Winter wheels - No room for chains on 18 inch wheels.