Gents,

I am shopping for snow tires for my '00 XJR and am able to get one of my favorite winter brands (Gislaved...a little known brand from Sweden who make AMAZING snow tires, much like Nokian). Anyhow, the only size they offer close to what I need for my car is a 245/40-18 and I'm curious as to if this size can safely be run on my stock Asteroid wheels. Thanks in advance for any input!

 

winter tires become more effective the narrower they are, but if that is the only size available then i guess you have no choice, as for that tire size with the Asteroids, not sure, dont know what the normal size for Asteroids are

 

I've run 245/40x18, 245/45x18 Conti-WinterContacs, Michelen Blizzaks on the 7.5" wide (if memory serves me correctly) Asteroids. Then I bought a set of after-market rims that equaled my Asteroids specs so I could have a second set of rims/tires to be beat up by the harsh road conditions vs. my pristine Asteroids. Never had a problem with either of those tire sizes on the Asteroids.

The concept that narrower snow tires would be better than the large footprint of the 245's is correct as the tire wouldn't have to move as much snow/slush out of the tire path if it is narrower than 245's.

All this said, my Jags usually haven't see deep snow as I have a 4wd vehicle for that, but the limited times I've been forced to use the Jags in the snow, I really haven't had a problem with the 245's tracking well. It's really been more of an excessive torque problem to the rear wheels in slippery conditions.

If you want narrower tires that fit the Asteroids, you'll need to research the minimum tire width size that will fit the 7.5" Asteroids. Be careful of an increase in aspect as taller tires (50's or 60's) may cause wheel well problems. The best solution would be to buy a second set of rims that fit your desired tire width and make a total switch fall & spring. That will also keep your Asteroids in better shape and make sure you get the best winter traction.

Next replacement for the Conti WinterContacts are some SottoZeros. Good luck.

 

I used Blizzaks on my 2000 XJ8 with that wheel and they worked great. I highly recommend those tires. Good luck!