mm

...sidewall stiffness, and tire pressure for narrower/higher profile winter tires versus wider/lower profile winter tires in terms of winter driving performance on snow and ice and conversely in the dry and/or wet?

1. I understand that neglecting sidewall stiffness and given the same load and tire pressure, the contact patch area for narrower/higher profile tires will be the same as that for wider/lower profile tires although the shape of the contact patch will differ (i.e. longer and narrower contact patch vs. shorter and wider contact patch). Is this correct?

2. How much of an impact does sidewall stiffness have on contact patch size and available traction practically speaking, and how does this factor into winter tire size selection with regard to narrower/higher profile tires versus wider/lower profile tires?

3. Why are narrower/higher profile winter tires considered "better" than wider/lower profile for winter driving, and to what extent does this really make a difference?

TIA.

Eddie@Tirerack

Prehaps the link below will help you out for a bit more info.
Take a look , or call me to discuss for more info or with any other questions you have!

Thanks!
Eddie<ul><li><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/winter/tech/sizing.html">Winter Sizing 101</a></li></ul>

whitemischief

December 2001 issue has a great article on
winter tires. If you don't/can't get the magazine
try their website. www.europeancarweb.com<ul><li><a href="http://www.europeancarweb.com">http://www.europeancarweb.com</a</li></ul>