How is the ride on the 18" wheels?

[paulgj]

Hi there,

will most certainly be buying a 2013 Titanium Hatch soon but can't decide if I want the standard 17" wheels or the 18 inchers included with the handling package. I live in Seattle so don't want the hassle of having to swap out the tires if I don't have to, would the "summer only" tires be OK in normal wet conditions and light snow? I do like the look of both wheels.

Also curious as to how the handling package equipped model and standard titanium compare as far as ride quality, road noise and handling.

If I got the 18" summer tires would it make sense to swap them out for all seasons?

Thanks!

P.S. Just discovered the Google search option so am finding a lot of good info and doesn't look like I can remove this post.

Paul

[Sponsor]

[REK21]

Typically, summer only tires we just that, summer tires. They are made with rubber that is designed to be operated in non-freezing temps. They are usually rated wet/dry and can even lose the wet rating based on tread wear. You will get almost no traction from these tires in light snow or near-freezing temps. If you want to run summer tires in the summer in the northwest, I would suggest getting some winter tires for when the temp drops, even if you may only see a light snow. Typically winter tires are smaller in size and width than summer tires, as a wide summer tire would simply float over the snow and provide you nearly no traction.

EDIT: Tire rack is a great source for any tire/wheel questions... As far as the original question, I don't know, lol. Was looking at getting some 18's and the eibach prokit myself, and was kinda wondering how how much it would stiffen up too!

[VectorZ]

I live in Oregon so we have similar weather. I have run summer only tires all year, and while it can be done, it can be pretty sketchy at times. So I bought a pair of high performance all seasons that will be installed Monday or Tuesday. I love the Michelins, but I don't want to have to deal with swapping them out twice a year and then having to store them, so this compromise is worth it. FWIW I got the Bridgestone 970AS.

[paulgj]

Originally Posted by VectorZ

I live in Oregon so we have similar weather. I have run summer only tires all year, and while it can be done, it can be pretty sketchy at times. So I bought a pair of high performance all seasons that will be installed Monday or Tuesday. I love the Michelins, but I don't want to have to deal with swapping them out twice a year and then having to store them, so this compromise is worth it. FWIW I got the Bridgestone 970AS.

Thanks, I'm leaning towards that option too, maybe immediately getting a full set of all season tires and selling the OEM Michelins, esp if I buy the car soon before the worst of the winter weather sets in.

[Phokus]

I live in the Boston area and I got the 18" wheels.
I love the tires, they've been working pretty well as it's been getting quite nippy here: 38-50 degrees F
It rained a bit this past week and it's been pretty good.

However I have already planned steel wheels and 15" snows for snow.

The ride is firm but not terrible. It compares to my 2009 Focus with FRPP and 17" wheels @ stock size.
I think it actually rides better than that but that's just my opinion.

[jdubhack]

Originally Posted by paulgj

Hi there,

will most certainly be buying a 2013 Titanium Hatch soon but can't decide if I want the standard 17" wheels or the 18 inchers included with the handling package.

Also curious as to how the handling package equipped model and standard titanium compare as far as ride quality, road noise and handling.


Thanks!

Paul

To answer the above question.

I LOVE the 18" handling package and noticed a large enough difference in the two (non & equipped) Foci that I drove. The stock tires stick and stick well to the surface of the road and the stiffer suspension gives the car a firmer and more planted feel.

The only downside, and not a large one IMO, is the reduced turning radius with the handling package.

For the extra $595 you're getting tires that sell brand new for over $800 and wheels that cost over $600. If you want to swap to A/S tires, have the dealership pull the stocks and put on a different set for you. Then go out and sell them on Craigslist for $600 and re-coup the money spent on the handling package.

Either way, I don't think you can go wrong with the handling package. I would have regretted NOT having it.

[FNSMOKE]

Originally Posted by Phokus

However I have already planned steel wheels and 15" snows for snow.
The ride is firm but not terrible.

THIS.
I concur the handling pkg is a justifible option.
Swapping our wheels isn't that much of a hassle if you can accommodate the storage through the winter.

[Brabs_Weather]

The the Package is well worth the upgrade. Price it out separately.

Tires: 800+
Wheel: 800+
Springs ?
Struts ?

[TheAllMightyFocus]

I ended up just getting the SE with no handling package because that was what was closest to my dealership, well the ones on the lot with the handling package were all automatics and you gota' have clutch. but i got a quote on the 17" wheels that come with it..3k no tires...

[Bolto]

Keep in mind that the handling package will not only affect the ride quality and noise, but also increase the turn radius and decrease your trunk space since it will have a full size spare.