[PeterS]

Hello everyone,
Im pretty excited in getting my new forte SX and im wondering if its a better move to go down to the 16's or even the 15's. Just because Im looking at some winter tires (maybe for next year) and theyre pretty expensive for the 17's and the prices drop considerably for 16's and the 15's (about $100 CDN per tire difference from 17's to 15's; just looking at costco)

What are the benefits in these large wheels and tires? Is it worth the size difference? Is bigger better or the smaller ones better? Can I swap the 17's for 15/16's in the winter (obviously new wheels and tires)? Will it interfere with the brakes or the body?

I drive 70% city and 30% highway in Ontario (GTA=Go Leafs!). Even with my current car, Im pretty aggressive and its a midsize with 16's.

Thanks in advance!

 

[roknrolr]

Go Leafs!

Woot!

 

[Matemorh]

Put mine on 16" steelies wrap with IG-20. Way cheaper than 17", Awsomw grip on hard snow/icy road. Not that good in 6" of snow but I drive mostly in city!
My main reason was to prevent salt from damaging the stock mag and save on tires and install/uninstall twice a year!
The 16" tires are a bit narrower so it should help traction in snow.
Overall it's only a matter of saving some money (here, winter tires are required by law) if you can change then by yourself!

 

[yllrshark]

I went to 16's for winter tires . The ride is better because of the 55 series aspect versus the 45's stock . The SX front brakes are too big for 15's .

 

[PeterS]

Thanks for the advice.

Once thing I noticed, I posted this in the wrong forum! Im getting the sedan, not the Koup. LOL.

I dont think theres a difference though between the Koup and the Sedan for tire sizes, just the trim levels?

 

[D113]

I'm running 15" snows on steelies this winter . 15's were from my Rio .

 

[KiaTech]

As stated above, the only problem is SX's can only go down to a 16", not a 15". I ran Hankook IceBear tires this year and am completely thrilled with them. Both my suv and Forte stuck to the road like I have not done in a long time. Cost was less than most other tires, and they are VERY quiet on the dry road days, as well.

 

[Ris]

Hi all~ Still waiting for my Koup SX to come and searching about winter rim+tires right now.

I know nothing about cars so I am a bit confused on what exact info I should be paying attention to when looking for winter steel rims. Do I just have to make sure that it is a 16" steel rim with 5x114.3 or (5x4 1/2) bolt pattern? is there anything else that i should pay attention to such as the centre bore size or offset?

Also, what winter tires would you guys recommand?

sooooooooooooo excited to get my Koup SX~~~ =)

 

[KiaTech]

Center bore on the Forte is 'standard' so any steely should be fine. Offset is also not a concern as they are all around the 40ish mark. Where ever you buy them from should have a compatibility listing, and if they don't have the Forte, then use "2008/9 Magentis" as the rim specs are identical.

As for tires, avoid Federal and Pirelli - they have been constant sources of headache at our shop all winter long. Bad balancing, weak sidewalls, just terrible crappy tires (and Pirelli used to be a "great" brand... they have dropped the ball). I am in love with Hankook, lately. Their winter products are fantastic and we're getting a LOT of great feedback from people who have ran them all season now. The IceBear is a touring/ice tread and the iPike is a more aggressive snow-clearing pattern. Choose based on your locale. 1010tires.com has prices and specs so you can research before you buy in Canadian dollars, even!

 

[Ris]

Thanks KiaTech!

Should I consider to get hub centric rings to avoid vibration?

 

[KiaTech]

I've never seen a ring for a steel wheel (although they may be out there). The bevel on the nuts do that job for you, usually. Most steels are built to be 'lug centric' and not hub centric.

 

[Ris]

Thanks KiaTech, that makes sense...(Just that it sounds more accurate when you say it..haha)

I was trying to ask my dealership and they said they don't know abou the wheel info, they can only click on the 'order' button in the system to order some in -_-!

I saw 16" steelies with the right bolt pattern onsale at canadian tire for $50, maybe I should go grab a set after work!

 

[KoupEB]

Ris, thats exactly how much I spent on my 16" steelies ($50) I thinks its a pretty good price. I have a Koup SX and I can tell you that 15" would not fit! I'm surprised actually at how little space is left between the rim and the calipers!!!

 

[ile2010]

I got cheap Nexen WinGuards at Wal-Mart with 15" steelies for a grand total of C$690 after all taxes (free install). I'm thrilled with their performance. If you were to get the same brand, I'd imagine you'd spend maybe $50 more, because 16"s are the smallest you can go for the SX.

 

[JoeCraig]

I have a Forte SX and have just fitted winter tires. I fitted X42655 multi-fit steel rims in a 16". Then for tires I went with Toyo (only because I have had them before and have got on well with them) Observe Garit KX. The whole set was not cheap but with winters up here in Canada I think it is worth the investment.

 

[JoeCraig]

Anyone put locking wheel (lug) nuts on their Forte? If so what size should I get?

 

[KoupEB]

Mine actually came with them!
From the package:
Acorn 60o bulge seat
Hex 19/21 mm - 12 X 1.50mm

Hope this helps!

 

[JoeCraig]

KoupEB

Thanks, went to Canadian Tire and bought some McGard M12 x 1.5 wheel locks but they did not thread onto my Forte SX (2.4). They got about 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn on then came to a stop. I didn't want to drive them on as I assumed they were the wrong size!!

I will have to get the gauges out and see what they read or just go buy them from the Kia dealership!

 

[KoupEB]

Sorry to hear that JoeCraig, dang thats what my package said. Wondering if the package has nothing to do with what I have installed??? Checked the manual and nothing in there either...

From the Kia website, the price of the locks aren't too bad ($33.49)

2010 Forte Koup Accessories

 

[TampaBear67]

I'm glad that Winter Tires aren't something I have to worry about here in Florida.