996 C4S winter tires (17 - 18 inches)

I do realise that many posts were made on the subject but for some reason I always see the discussion detailing toward the C4 ;-) often enthousiasm tend to forget that the C4S has the turbo red breaks which come with some limitation on the wheels diameter. so clearly in winter, well at least on snow, one would want narrower tires, the narrower the deeper the tire bite into the snow. another benefit is that with smaller 17 inches we can fit thicker tires allowing for a better grip on our porthole filled road here in Canada ;-) good to go through winter without having to RIP few 18 inches rims. i am in Montreal Canada where we have snow covered roads for a good 3-4 months. Hence the relevance of that question of narrower ;-) Hence I would like to seriously explore that with whoever has done it on 17 inches. i read spacer will be required, found some say 6mm front, 25mm rear some say 31mm rear. i am trying to find out what are my options here ;-) without going to � tires shop and ask them to try as I doubt it will be easy as none would have spare spacer in stock right ? thanks a lot , time is the essence as winter tires are compulsory for Dec 15 here in Quebec Canada , so I have few more weeks to shop around for rims and tires ;-) as yes I am planning to drive it through winter !!

I run 235/40r18 front, 265/35r18 rear on dedicated rims. It is available in several winter tires. Spacers may be required, depending on your wheel choice I don't know of any 17 inch rims that will clear the brake calipers. While narrow tires will cut into the snow better, ask if you are more limited by snow depth than traction. Most of the time you will face icy or bare roads.

I am also in Montreal and had the exact same thought and dilemma. The conclusion of all my research is that we're stuck using 18" tires/wheels. I went with the Kumho WINTERCRAFT WP71 and used the factory winter wheel specs ( 225/40R18 Front and 265/35R18 Rear). I'm just waiting for my winter wheels to arrive as they were on BO. I went with Euro Design EP3 Matte Black from https://www.wheelwiz.ca/

Thanks strathconaman for your reply, good point you have, on whether snow is an issue or a non-issue. I believe on ice, regardless of the tires, we do not stand a chance ;-) On bare road, considering the speed limits on the road, I am sure we can go slightly narrow without endangering the grip. I guess it is all about compromise right? Thanks Coussa for your input on being stuck on 18 inches too ;-( and the slightly narrower dimensions at the front you are using But noted the dimensions you are both running - Front 235/40R18 / Rear 265/35R18 - Front 225/40R18 / Rear 265/35R18 (on Kumho WINTERCRAFT WP71) Just talked to https://www.wheelwiz.ca/ And they are also offering a square set (same tires size front and rear) rather than a staggered set (Larger at the rear) Would you have any opinion on this? In Square set, they are suggesting on all wheels either 225/40R18 or 235/40R18 Any comment?

FYI, here's where I found the specs mentioned: https://www.wheel-size.com/size/pors...ra-4s-eudm-315

I chose 235s on the front to keep the same revolutions per mile (km?) As the summer 225/295 tires. Tire Rack has measured the tires they sell, and I used those numbers. I could not find a 225/265 set where the front was slightly larger than the rear.

Porsche manual calls for 18x10 rear winter rims, NOT the stock 18x11. I have an 03 4s and finally acquired the proper 18x10 rims to run the 265 rear winter tires. They will work on the stock 18x11 rims but will look very stretched. Been there, done that.

I find most 265 tires look stretched on 10 inch rims. I bought 9 inch for my rears and they look perfect. Again, Tire Rack measures the actual tread width, vs the manufacturer's 265 sizing.

I didn�t think to go with a thinner wheel (9� instead of 10�) but that does sound like a good idea. Do you have any pics? I�m curious to see how they look on.

I think I am clear on dimensions, also understand the purpose of going 235 instead of 225 thanks strathconaman

Oh well, covid side effect, super difficult to find tires available here in Montreal ;-) Some supplier have told me that they will get some stock in February ;-) Hilarious ;-) I hope I find some before Dec 15 as I would hate not being to drive it as the law here is that between Dec 15 and Mar 15, all car must have winter tires.

They're a bit pricey but they have these available ATM:

In case anyone else from Montreal area is interested here's the link to where i get my tires from: https://www.pneusarabais.com/ They have been great over the last few years using them.