Hello all. I am a new Hyundai Santa Fe owner (23/09/2010) and am happy to have found this site. Before joining I looked around but could not find an answer to the following issue and hope you can help. I need to get winter tires for the new vehicle and I have to say I am a bit lost. I thought I had a bit of a clue about tires, but that was before all the options I have been given. Do I go OE 235/60-18 (102H), -1 fitment 235/65-17 (103T) stock on Santa Fe GL or -2 fitment 235/70-16 the old Santa Fe size? They will all work, or so I am told. Thanks for any advise you can give. By the way tpms is not an issue.
Winter Tire Help
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QUOTE (Craigr1 @ Sep 27 2010, 07:54 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=359284
General rule of thumb ... wider is not better when dealing with snow. So while each of the tires you mention above will arrive with approximately the correct O.D. to keep your speedo correct, the widths vary considerably. If you're prepared to come up with some new rims, you'll find that the 16" (70 series) size you've picked will have a narrower tread width and bite a bit better in the snow.
We've got quite the thread (threads?) going here if you can search for them. One recent example: http://www.hyundai-forums.com/t53118-which...es-you-like.htm
General rule of thumb ... wider is not better when dealing with snow. So while each of the tires you mention above will arrive with approximately the correct O.D. to keep your speedo correct, the widths vary considerably. If you're prepared to come up with some new rims, you'll find that the 16" (70 series) size you've picked will have a narrower tread width and bite a bit better in the snow.
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+1 on the 16"
I run the 18's with the shiny wheels spring summer and fall and then swap out to 16" with steel rims. I'm not sure about the 2010 models, but when I bought mine in 08, only the Limited came with 18's All others had 16's so you know they will run fine and you're not losing any ground clearance
I run the 18's with the shiny wheels spring summer and fall and then swap out to 16" with steel rims. I'm not sure about the 2010 models, but when I bought mine in 08, only the Limited came with 18's All others had 16's so you know they will run fine and you're not losing any ground clearance
I don’t think my concerns are really with the tire size as so much as with the ride. The math is easy in the sense of same tire height and smaller rim mean more sidewall. Here I will defer to experience and I guess ask my question in a different way. How will the 16” 70 series affect the ride? My guess is a looser ride, as the tire will work more. We average about 84” (that’s 2.25 meters for my fellow canucks) of snow over the winter season.
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QUOTE (Craigr1 @ Sep 28 2010, 06:22 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=359331
Of course, that assumes a direct replacement of tire for tire from 18" to 16". The differing constructions of tires provide different feel in the seat. When you get down to your "short list", let us know and we'll talk snow handling, ride, etc.
Our last "big" snow year here in the Denver area was 2006~2007 when we had about 73", but we're more likely to see 45" in a season. During 2006~2007 I got around in my Chrysler 300M with zilch for ground clearance and a set of decent all season tires on the front. I'm still waiting for a real dump to seriously test the Santa Fe.
The 16" tires should actually improve the ride a bit - you've got a bit more buffer between the tread and the rims. The downside is that if you plan to run your Santa Fe in any gymkhanas, you'll find it doesn't corner quite as nimbly as it might on your 18" tires.
Of course, that assumes a direct replacement of tire for tire from 18" to 16". The differing constructions of tires provide different feel in the seat. When you get down to your "short list", let us know and we'll talk snow handling, ride, etc.Our last "big" snow year here in the Denver area was 2006~2007 when we had about 73", but we're more likely to see 45" in a season. During 2006~2007 I got around in my Chrysler 300M with zilch for ground clearance and a set of decent all season tires on the front. I'm still waiting for a real dump to seriously test the Santa Fe.
In addition to the valid reasons already mentioned, looks and cost are major factors. If you love the looks of your vehicle with the factory 18" rims, putting 16" black steel wheels on will be a huge disappointment.
And, how much are you willing to spend? Get prices for all your options.
And, how much are you willing to spend? Get prices for all your options.
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I bought 18" Borbet wheels that look very similar to the OEM wheels our vehicle came with and Blizzak's from Tirerack for a decent price. Depending on how long your winter season is (mine is Oct-Apr) getting wheels/tires that perform and look good is a good purchase in my book.
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QUOTE (trucker @ Sep 28 2010, 07:53 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=359346
One thing for sure -- more rubber = less money (too strange), so the OP should find 16" tires at a better price than 18".
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QUOTE (trucker @ Sep 28 2010, 10:53 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=359346
pfffft.. all about safety not looks for a few months
pfffft.. all about safety not looks for a few months
The look factor is not an issue in my choice. I do agree mags look better than steel, but I live in the land of road salt and potholes. As far as the cost breakdown goes 18” tires only $1000, 17” package (steel) $1250 and 16” package $1000. Give or take depending on the make of tire.
QUOTE (Pinto_Siftbean @ Sep 28 2010, 03:12 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=359404
All about safety? That's the reason for winter tires. Now what's the difference in safety between 16 / 17 / 18" rims? That was the question, wasn't it? 16, 17 or 18?
Maybe looks are not important to you, but it is to a lot of people. Including me. And of course I use winter tires and wheels. My vehicles look good no matter what the time of the year is.pfffft.. all about safety not looks for a few months
All about safety? That's the reason for winter tires. Now what's the difference in safety between 16 / 17 / 18" rims? That was the question, wasn't it? 16, 17 or 18?
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QUOTE (trucker @ Sep 28 2010, 01:38 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=359420
Speaking of odd sizes ... the OP was talking about 235/60-18. Maybe they've changed sizes, <strike>but my OEM tires were 235/65-18</strike>. Changes the equation (and the specifics of the answers) a bit.
Edit. Geez -- I've been staring at 255/55-18 tires all day (option to replace my 235/60-18) and totally crossed THAT up...
If you're a believer that more pounds per square inch (or kilos per square centimeter, if that trips your trigger) is an advantage in foul winter weather, amongst the OPs choices, the vote remains 16" for the narrower tread width he'll achieve using that particular tire. Nobody makes a 185/75-18, or even a 205/70-18 :grin:
Speaking of odd sizes ... the OP was talking about 235/60-18. Maybe they've changed sizes, <strike>but my OEM tires were 235/65-18</strike>. Changes the equation (and the specifics of the answers) a bit.
Edit. Geez -- I've been staring at 255/55-18 tires all day (option to replace my 235/60-18) and totally crossed THAT up...
OEM for the 2010 Santa Fe is 235/65-17 for the GL and 235/60-18 for the Sport and Limited models. I went to a couple of my local tire shops earlier and received some strange news from one. They would not sell me 16” tires for legal reasons. In their “tire bible” there was not a 16” option given so they would not put that tire on the vehicle, as they did not want to be liable. They also said to be careful for insurance reasons if I went with this option. The other place said that if the rim fit…, but there would be an adjustment period as the handling would be different. I think a call into my dealer is in order.
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QUOTE (Craigr1 @ Sep 28 2010, 07:32 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=359496
That really surprises me. Providing that the rim offset is as before, and the service class of the tire (load range) is correct, I'm surprised they'd think twice about it -- especially as Hyundai had been offering 16" on the CM class Santa Fe right up until the 2010. I'll bet he wouldn't put a 20" on that vehicle, either (I wouldn't either, but not for his reasons) -- it sounds as if it's OEM size or nothing.
The saga continues and I am pining for the days when the only choice you had was black walls or white walls. I spoke to the service department and here is what they had to say. Yes I can put 16’s on the Santa Fe as that was what was originally on the vehicle, and do we have a deal for you. But, (there is always a but), you will loose a little in handling and you should be able to adapt after a day or two. Now here is the “deal”, they are giving away winter tires with the Sport edition, and would give me a great price on a set of four, Champiro GT Radial winter tires (235/70-16). The only problem I have is I have never heard of these tires, and hope I can get some feedback on them.
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The Champiro series is made by GT-Tires in Indonesia, manufactured in China. They make 4 VERY different winter tires, 3 in the Champiro line (Ice Pro, WT-70 and WT-AX). Given the recent import tariff levied against the Chinese made tires, they're blowing them out at bargain prices.
The WT-70 has a low UTQG tread wear rating for an all season. So even if cheap, the value might not be there.
Here's some survey results for the WT-AX: http://www.tyretest.com/pkw_winterreifen/g...t_ax/index.html
None of these tires is anything close to a top performer in its class.
The WT-70 has a low UTQG tread wear rating for an all season. So even if cheap, the value might not be there.
Here's some survey results for the WT-AX: http://www.tyretest.com/pkw_winterreifen/g...t_ax/index.html
None of these tires is anything close to a top performer in its class.
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QUOTE (Craigr1 @ Sep 28 2010, 11:32 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=359496
Tirerack online also quotes these as the recommended options.
I have the 23/65-17 on mine (GL version) and when I asked at the dealer parts desk (while waiting for them to install my replacement tire from a flat), he quoted me 6" rims and 235/70-16 tires.
Tirerack online also quotes these as the recommended options.
If your on the highway alot I would go with the Blizzaks. If you get alot of snow I would go with something more agressive. We get alot of snow here and I run the Mastercraft MSR on my wifes Santa Fe and love them - http://www.mastercrafttires.com/html/produ...suv_courser_MSR . They are made in the US and Mastercraft is an offshot of Cooper Tire. Canadian Tire started to sell the same pattern under Motomaster Total Terrain W/T. As to the size question I would go 16" with black steel. I know the black wheels aren't the nicest to look at, but atleast you will remember to take your winters off :grin: . And always remember "the bigger the wheel, the bigger the price"
Oh and the 16" wheels aren't listed for the 2010's, but I know that they fit.
Oh and the 16" wheels aren't listed for the 2010's, but I know that they fit.
After absorbing all the information out there I will more than likely go the 16” route. With that out of the way here is my short list of tires, in no particular order. I don’t think I can go wrong with any of them, and I know each has their pluses and minuses.
Thanks again for your help and input.
BFGoodrich Winter Slalom KSI
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1
Hankook I*Pike RW11
TOYO Open Country G-02 Plus
Yokohama GEOLANDAR I/T
Thanks again for your help and input.
BFGoodrich Winter Slalom KSI
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1
Hankook I*Pike RW11
TOYO Open Country G-02 Plus
Yokohama GEOLANDAR I/T
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