Winter Tires and Rims

[Krow]

I recently bought a new 2013 Edge Limited AWD. This car, according to what I can find, comes stock with P245/60R18 tires. My vehicle has the optional 20" chrome rims with P245/50R20 rubber. I'm looking to buy rims and mount winter tires on them to save the chome from the salt and ice we get here as well as give me better snow and ice performance. I assumed I would need 18" rims with the above18" tires but the parts guy at my dealer is telling me to put P235/65R17 tires on (with 17"rims of course). Almost all the tire manufacturers advise only 18" or 20" tires/wheels are spec'd for this model of Edge.

 

The 17"s are cheaper but I don't want to sacrifice safety or performance for the sake of a few bucks. I know the 17" will read about 2 km/h (1 mph) lower at 100 km/h (60 mph). Not a big deal. Any experts out there that can give informed advice on any other effects the 17s will provide? Will there be any noticeable difference in handling or ride other than what winter tread would give anyway?

[krazykanuck]

I have the same Edge as you do and I will be swapping my 20" summers out for 17" winter tires. Just remember this, the Edge does also come with 17" wheels in other trims - so there should be no problem at all.

 

This is the one time I would say listen to your parts guy. He's saving you money.

 

As for rims, try your luck on ebay. I was able to pick up some 2012 17" Edge rims for 300$+100$ shipping to Montreal.

Edited September 6, 2013 by krazykanuck

[Krow]

Thanks for your reply, Krazykanuck. I knew other Edge trims took 17" wheels but didn't know if AWD would make the vehicle sit higher and therefore make18 more suitable. Our local dealer has a special with winter tires (BF Goodrich), rims (steel), and sensors for $1255.00 + tax. I'd rather alloy wheels but don't want to pay much more than that. Maybe if I can find cheap wheels on Kijiji and can get the tires w/sensors mounted on my rims for about $900.....

[tmbubell]

See this link for more info on winter tires

 

http://www.fordedgeforum.com/topic/11499-17s-or-18s-for-snow-tires/

 

I have a post in there giving info on my 17" tire package

 

 

 

[Krow]

Read your link tmbubell. With that and other things I've read, I had just about decided with going with 17" over 18s then I got this from Ford Canada in response to an email i sent them the other day (emphasis mine)...

 

Hi Keith,

My name is Xxxxxx and I am with the Ford of Canada Customer Relationship Centre.

I had the opportunity to read your email regarding your 2013 Ford Edge Limited.

I appreciate the time you have taken to write us and consider our assistance regarding this matter. First, allow me to congratulate you on your purchase of a new vehicle. I understand that you are planning to replace your vehicle’s rims and tires and would like to know if the 17" rims and tires will meet the safety requirements. Rest assured that I have looked into this for you.

Ford of Canada will not replace factory supplied all-season tires with snow tires, as snow tires are not an orderable option for the vehicle. Vehicle handling characteristics, tire load index and speed rating on non-factory installed snow tires may not be the same as factory supplied all-season tires. Snow tires are meant to be operated during winter conditions and may require a higher cold inflation pressure than all-season tires.

In order to meet the safety requirements, snow tires must be the same size, load index, speed rating as those originally provided by Ford. Use of any tire or wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Additionally, the use of non-recommended tires and wheels could cause steering, suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit failure. Please consult your Ford dealer for details.

Thank you for contacting Ford of Canada,

 

Sounds like a dance around the subject to me. Do snow tires have as high a speed rating as OEM All Seasons? Are they saying I can't put snow tires on the car???!!! What about provinces like Quebec where snow tires are mandatory? What does Ford put on a car that's sold in Quebec in Dec or Jan to make it legal when you drive it off of the lot? Are they saying (last bold portion) that if I put anything other than OEM spec'd tires on the car and then have problems with the 'steering, suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit' that I may have problems with warranty?

 

I've written back to them asking for clarification and to tell me what winter tires will meet their specs.

[tmbubell]

My Ford Dealers Service Manager is the one that recommended 17" for my Edge Sport.

 

I have run my 17" snow tires for 2 seasons now with no issues. ( Season 3 coming soon)

 

Knock on wood, the only issues with my Edge since new is MFT Apin Failures, problems, glitches

 

I have the 17" snow tires on the Edge ( Mid November to end of March Approx 10,000KM ) with no changes in driving style.

 

 

Tire Rack also has the 17" as an option

http://www.tirerack.com/snow/WinterPackageMain.jsp?autoMake=Ford&autoModel=Edge+Sport&autoYear=2011&autoModClar=AWD

 

 

 

 

Priorities for Sizing Winter Tires Are Different

Original Equipment tire and wheel sizing has evolved over the years to where yesterday's typical 13", 14" and 15" sizes have been replaced with today's 16", 17", 18" and larger sizes. For that matter, many current cars, vans and light trucks now feature wide, low profile tires mounted on large diameter wheels as standard equipment or factory options.

Unfortunately wide, low profile tires have to "plow" a wide path through deep snow, where narrower tires have an easier time. So if you're likely to drive through deep snow this year, you'll want winter / snow tires and wheels in sizes that help put the laws of physics on your side.

Save Money While Enhancing Your Vehicle's Deep Snow Traction

Tire Rack's Preferred Winter Packages* often feature alternate sizes that combine smaller diameter wheels (that fit over the vehicle's Original Equipment brakes and within its wheelwell) with narrower, higher profile tires (that have equivalent load capacities and overall diameters). This not only promotes better deep snow traction, but also results in less expensive Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Packages. An additional advantage higher profile tire sizes offer is they feature taller sidewalls and smaller diameter wheels that more easily resist damage associated with winter road hazards and early spring potholes.

Winter Tire and Wheel Packages are available for many vehicles. Select our Preferred Package* for your vehicle or build your own package today.

Winter tire sizes should be based on one of the following:

Your Vehicle's Original Equipment Tire and Wheel Size

While not offering a dimensional advantage, choosing winter tires and wheels in the Original Equipment size to seasonally replace the vehicle's Summer or All-Season tires will offer more traction in cold temperatures, slush, snow and ice thanks to the winter tire's tread design and compound that remains pliable in below-freezing and sub-zero temperatures.

The Tire and Wheel Size From Your Vehicle's Base Model

This is often an easy way to select an appropriate narrow tire for your car, van or truck. For example, a 2012 Honda Accord EX Sedan would store its original 225/50R17-sized tires in favor of the 2012 Honda Accord SE Sedan's 215/60R16-sized winter tires on 16" wheels. While only a small dimensional difference, this combination will reduce your cost while increasing your vehicle's wintertime traction.

A Minus Size Tire and Wheel

Minus Sizing uses traditional Plus Sizing techniques in reverse. It combines taller profile tires with smaller diameter wheels. For example, the owner of a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SEL would store the original 225/45HR17-sized tires in favor of a Minus One 205/55R16-size on 16" wheels (where the wheel diameter is 1" smaller and the tire's sidewalls are ½" taller) or Minus Two 195/65R15-size on 15" wheels (where the wheel diameter is 2" smaller and the tire's sidewalls are 1" taller).

When choosing base model sizing or minus sizing, not only would deep snow traction be enhanced, but the cost of a base model or minus sized Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package is usually lower than a package maintaining your vehicle's original size tires and wheels.

You can use our Winter Shop by Vehicle link or speak with one of our sales specialists to find tires that are right for you and the winter roads you drive on.

*Preferred Packages available for most vehicles. Most feature minus sizing for cost-effective winter traction.

Edited September 8, 2013 by tmbubell

[Krow]

Did you order your winter tires and rims fromTire Rack. If so, were the TPMSs installed? Do you also have to order the $45 programming tool?

[tmbubell]

Did you order your winter tires and rims fromTire Rack. If so, were the TPMSs installed? Do you also have to order the $45 programming tool?

 

No,

 

My Ford Service Dept. brought them in from their supplier

Ford Service Dept took care of everything. Steel rims, Sensors,Mounting, Installing - Reprogramming

 

I have no programming tools as I take the Edge into the dealer and they put the 17" snows on and off each season and reprogram everything for me including the MFT so that the speedo is always correct.

 

I have gotten to know the Service Dept team very well over the years from vehicle servicings, Show and shines and track days with my Roush Mustang

 

They take total care of all my Vehicle needs, They are the main reason my Vehicles are Fords

[Krow]

I'd rather change them over each fall/spring myself to prevent damage and overtorquing. My dealer has a reasonalbe price on a tire/TPM/rim package but I'll have to check to see how much they will charge twice/yr to set the TPMs - a 2 minute job if I do the install. For about the same price as the dealer package I can get slightly upgraded tires and better looking rims with TPMs and a TPM calibrator from Tire Rack (thanks for the link). I'm only an hour from the border so I can save on shipping if not taxes.

 

I appreciate your advice. Think I'll take it and go with the 17s.

[richy]

Just an FYI for Canadians who live close to the border: if you get them at Belle Tire, they'll store your off seasons for you. Customs can't charge what they don't know.

[krazykanuck]

Before buying the programming tool, I would try this approach first:

 

 

1) Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended psi. Mine is 40psi.

2) Turn ignition to the on position. If you have a push button start, push the start button without pressing the brake pedal.

3) Push the hazard light button 6 times. The horn should honk and you should see "Train left front tire" in the LCD display between the tach and speedo.

4) Release air pressure in the front left tire until you hear the horn honk. The LCD display should now read "Train right front tire".

5) Release air pressure in the right front tire until you hear the horn honk.

6) Repeat for the the right rear tire, and then the left rear tire.

7) You should now see "Training Complete" in the LCD display.

8) Fill your tires back up to the recommended pressure.

 

Source:
http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=301692

 

 

And here's a great set of 17" Ford wheels for winter: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SET-OF-4-FORD-EDGE-FLEX-17-INCH-FACTORY-OEM-WHEEL-RIMS-244-/261267872043?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Wheels&hash=item3cd4c7592b&vxp=mtr (No worries about offset, bore size, etc..)

Edited September 10, 2013 by krazykanuck