2014 Qashqai Affordable Winter Tyres

n_s_simpson

Hi

I'm considering buying the 2014 Qashqai, which comes with 19" alloys and very expensive tyre size 225 45R 19W. To replace these it will cost around £200 per tyre!!!


I'm thinking of getting a winter set of tyres and saving these for just Summer use. The problem is, they don't seem to make winter tyres of this size and they'd probably be too expensive anyway.

If I put different size tyres/hubs on the car I assume that'll work. So I'm thinking of getting a set of cheap steel hubs and a set of Winter tyres I can keep in my garage in Summer.


I don't care in Winter what it'll look like as long as it drives okay in bad winter conditions. So what size of hub/tyre should I get for this type of car with affordably in mind?

Cheers

Nick

jimbo_the_jetset

If you are considering buying from new (private?) then why not ask the dealer to throw in a set of winter tyres & wheels as a sweetener? Many dealerships now offer a store and swap service on summer/winter tyres.

n_s_simpson

Ooo, not heard of that before. Problem is, Westway Nissan may no longer be getting my business because even with their friends and family discount I've still found it far cheaper from an online PCP company.


Also, I don't think they do the size in a winter tyre (225 45R 19W).

Mark_Mark

Have a play round on my tyres they do steel rims but only 16" so you'll have to adjust tyre size. You won't want low profiles in winter anyway. Not sure if 3" is too much to make up on the tyre.

n_s_simpson

I can probably find cheap 2nd hand rims on eBay but it's the size that I'm struggling with. It baffles me why manufacturers choose uncommon tyre sizes.

It seems to be that Nissan reserve the stupid sizes for their Tekna models because I had a Nissan Note Tekna and those also had stupid size tyres that only 3 manufacturers made (not Michelin so couldn't go to Costco like I normally do).

Weird_Nev

Work out what smaller alloys will fit the car, and the correct tyre size to retain the rolling radius: Checking the bog standard models with smaller rims would be a good starting point.

Winter tyres actually need more flex and compliance in the sidewall to work effectively, low profile tyres are terrible in poor conditions anyway (well, way worse than tyres with a bit more compliance in them).

So by getting winter tyres in a smaller rim size, you'll be getting cheaper tyres and better traction in poor conditions. Win/win.

neilmcl

OP, you need to find out what the minimum size wheel you can fit on your car, ask the service dept at the dealership. BTW, which part of the country are you based and is it rural or town?

n_s_simpson

I know the lower end model comes with 18" tyres so perhaps they are better priced and will work better too.


I was hoping that there was a formula I could use to work this out myself. Also wondering if a narrow tyre would work assuming that would be cheaper without impacting on grip.


Thx, Nick.

Mark_Mark

neilmcl wrote: »

OP, you need to find out what the minimum size wheel you can fit on your car, ask the service dept at the dealership.

Didn't think of that one, if his spec of car, think it's the sports model had bigger callipers the steel rims may not fit.

n_s_simpson

Great. So I'm getting a 4WD car that has no winter tyres available for the rim they supply with the vehicle. Great forward thinking Nissan!

neilmcl

n_s_simpson wrote: »

Great. So I'm getting a 4WD car that has no winter tyres available for the rim they supply with the vehicle. Great forward thinking Nissan!

Do you really think you'll need winter tyres? Will you actually get the car this year before you need them or are you thinking about next year?