Winter Wheels/tyres

[Richelou]

I have just got an IS220d which I love. From what I've read it'll be rubbish for the winter and I live at he top of a hill which gets it. Can anyone give me advice on what I should do in relation to winter wheels or tyres on a budget. The wheels I have are 18"s so can you tell me what other sizes will fit etc? Clueless.

Thanks in advance

[J Henderson]

The cheapest option would be to pick up a set of 16" IS220d wheels ( http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lexus-Is220-250-alloy-wheels-16-5-blade-/111103352305?pt=UK_CarParts_Acc_Wheels_tyres_Trims_Car_Rims_ET&hash=item19de469df1'>like these ) and wrap them in 205/55R16 tyres.

Those wheels can be bought quite cheaply since many people change them for something bigger, plus 205/55R16 is the most popular winter tyre size so prices are reasonable and there's lots of choice in terms of brands and availability.

If you're prepared to spend a bit more for a better-looking setup (dropping from sporty-looking 18s down to mundane 16" wheels might be a bit visually depressing) then keep an eye out for a set of 17" 220d/250 wheels instead; the 10-spoke ones ( http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-2010-LEXUS-IS-IS220-IS250-17-ALLOY-WHEELS-TYRES-GENUINE-LEXUS-/251282619706?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a819c7d3a'>like these ) as there's always plenty of them about.

The tyre choice for these would be 225/45R17. Again, a very popular size, albeit significantly more expensive than the 16" option.