Winter Tyres, Staggered Or Not?

[Scarabeus]

Hi, I am just about to get new set of winter tyres for IS250 17" with 8" rim width all around. However my summer tyres are staggered in rear 245/45 and 225/45 summer. I red some opinions that equal are better for winter (better handling on the snow) but I assume worse traction on dry or wet road. Have you got any experience with this? I have not found relevant explanation why staggered would handle worse on the snow, could someone explain it? Thanks

[Captain Fizz]

Narrower tyres = More pressure per square inch = penetrates deeper into snow (or mud)

If staggered, rears will have to compact another 1/2 inch of snow instead of driving in the space the front tyres make.

IMHO :)

[johnatg]

Ever driven a 'supercar' in snow? - it's like trying to drive a snowboard! Wider tyres, less pressure per sqare inch = less grip in snow. In wet or dry conditions 225s on the rear are perfectly acceptable unless you're indulging in drag race starts - and probably even then most of the time. Rally cars use very narrow (think Morris Minor 1000 apparent width) tyres on deep snow stages. (But with studs usually - don't try that on British public roads!)

[Captain Fizz]

Heck, the door card on my IS 220D has 205/55/R16 as recommended tyres!

[Scarabeus]

Thank you, that makes sense.