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you & your car

I have winter tires (Blizzak DMV1) with lots of tread left, but they are five years old. Do I need to change them just because of their age? Made in 2009, they have been stored in bags, in a shed out of the sun, on their own rims. – Tom

They should be okay for at least one more winter because they were stored properly. Look for small cracks.

Used tires

I am looking to buy winter tires on my Mercedes-Benz CLA which comes with run-flats. Three questions:

1. How important is it to get run-flats for winters as well?

2. The quote the dealership gave me took the size down from 225/45 R17 to 205/50 R 17. Can I just get the same size tires so I can just use the same rims?

3. Can I downsize to 16-inch tires to save some money?

– Sam

Three answers:

1. Run-flats not necessary for winter.

2. Both these tire sizes will fit the same rim/wheel.

3. Yes you could go to 206/55/16, which would give you the same height as the other.

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