Dave Hansford
Forum Member
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2020
- Messages
- 119
- Location
- New Zealand
- Car Year
- 2008
- Car Model
- Outback
- Transmission
- 4EAT
Today I fitted a set of Michelin Cross Climate 2s in 235/55/17. I knew I’d be pushing my luck in that size, and sure enough, there’s barely a millimetre of daylight between the inside rear sidewalls and the coil springs. At the front, things are peachy; no rubbing lock to lock, but my days of using snow chains are probably at an end.
I’ll fit longer wheel studs and 5mm spacers just for peace of mind. I don’t like spacers, but I figure 5mm probably won’t do much harm.
If anyone’s thinking of going to this size, be aware that I’m not running stock wheels… Mine are 17x7.5, which means 235s land smack in the sweet spot in terms of fit. But they’re probably right at the edge of the envelope for the stock 17x7s, though, if not outside it, so check carefully first.
I practically begged Michelin New Zealand to import these tyres, and they wouldn’t, which is nuts because they’d sell thousands here - they either win outright or place highly in every single all-season touring tyre shootout (and I happen to think they look cool, too: I especially like the way they fill out the wheel wells, particularly since I fitted raised springs).
Not only are Cross Climates among the very best wet tyres, they’re also snow-rated and consistently test better even than cheap summer tyres. Michelin seems to have gotten close to the perfect all-rounder - for the South Island of New Zealand at least.
Anyway; I imported them myself from the US through Tire Rack, who were absolutely brilliant. I’ve only driven round the block so far, but they’re definitely quieter than my old Geolanders (but then, so’s a 747). The ride seems firm but not objectionable, and they’re good on gravel, although they do tend to pick up and retain small stones.
I’ll report back again in 5000 kms’ time…
I’ll fit longer wheel studs and 5mm spacers just for peace of mind. I don’t like spacers, but I figure 5mm probably won’t do much harm.
If anyone’s thinking of going to this size, be aware that I’m not running stock wheels… Mine are 17x7.5, which means 235s land smack in the sweet spot in terms of fit. But they’re probably right at the edge of the envelope for the stock 17x7s, though, if not outside it, so check carefully first.
I practically begged Michelin New Zealand to import these tyres, and they wouldn’t, which is nuts because they’d sell thousands here - they either win outright or place highly in every single all-season touring tyre shootout (and I happen to think they look cool, too: I especially like the way they fill out the wheel wells, particularly since I fitted raised springs).
Not only are Cross Climates among the very best wet tyres, they’re also snow-rated and consistently test better even than cheap summer tyres. Michelin seems to have gotten close to the perfect all-rounder - for the South Island of New Zealand at least.
Anyway; I imported them myself from the US through Tire Rack, who were absolutely brilliant. I’ve only driven round the block so far, but they’re definitely quieter than my old Geolanders (but then, so’s a 747). The ride seems firm but not objectionable, and they’re good on gravel, although they do tend to pick up and retain small stones.
I’ll report back again in 5000 kms’ time…