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Infiniti FX35 and FX 45 Tires and Wheels

53 messages,  Last post on Jul 07, 2012 at 11:02 AM

You are in the Infiniti FX35 FX45 FX50 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Infiniti FX45, Infiniti FX35, SUV

Messages Page 2 of 6

#10 of 53 Re: winter driving [jtgrady] by cyrus

Feb 07, 2007 (3:11 pm)

Replying to: jtgrady (Feb 05, 2007 5:11 pm)
How will my FX35 vehicle handle in the snow?
 
I have a 2004 FX35 with 18 inch tires & 34K miles on them (I bought the car new). I live in Chicago Land area where we get snow during winter. Here are my Subjective impressions of FX35 handling in snow as compared to my Wife’s’ Infiniti QX4 (Michelin M+S 16 inch tires, narrower than FX’s 265 mm width Bridgestone Potenza ). Last night I drove both back to back on our 2-3 inch snow covered roads in Antioch Suburbs. The QX4 (on ALL Mode4X drive and NO stability/VDC control) seemed very easy to drive and rapidly accelerated with no drama. FX /35 with "lousy" (for snow) tires was unable to accelerate as fast as that of QX4 (mainly because the FX’s VDC kept kicking in). The limiting factor here is the tire (see below). I will be replacing my tires next year (To my surprise the Infiniti dealer told me I STILL HAVE 40% LIFE LEFT ON THE ORiGINAL TIRES; true I drive very easy, especialy on Take off so as not to stress the tires or else the $1000 replacement cost at a minumum).
Another observation: The FX’s tires also Hydroplane because of their width, mainly when you go through standing water (Has happened to me Twice). In a nut shell, as I noted, the limiting factor on snow are mainly the tires (Not the sophisticated AWD in Infiniti/Nissan SUVs). We all need to get ourselves a new set of better overall tires. Consumer Report had an article on tires a while back. Although the Bridgestone Potenza (on my 04 fx) was good overall, they were rated as sub par on snow and ice. If I recall correctly, Dunlap 5000 (series???) would be a superb choice for the FX (based on overall good scores in virtually all areas, including ice and snow handling). I am posting this here because all of us subjectively rate our tires, but empirical evidence such as those provided by consumer Report can help us choose better tires for our fxs.

#11 of 53 Re: winter driving [cyrus] by dante

Feb 09, 2007 (5:18 am)

Replying to: cyrus (Feb 07, 2007 3:11 pm)
Hi, I too live in Chicago. Own an FX35 AWD with the 20s. Sucks in snow and ice. Otherwise, the car is a blast to drive. If you refine your search for snow tires, please post as would like to piggy back off your research in addition to using my own. Thanks, Jon.

#12 of 53 Re: winter driving [dante] by ffb13

Feb 09, 2007 (7:30 am)

Replying to: dante (Feb 09, 2007 5:18 am)
the widht of the tires affect the snow traction.
 
so far ,i have learned on other sites devoted to infinity and not on this one ,that the best tire for crisp handling is the goodyear rsa.
 
the dunlops are not as sure footed and people ,not all, are getting rid of them.
 
the tdk,s are good also as a handling tire
 
but if you want to drive in snow you must go the 4 wheel snow tire route and a narrower tire .
 
becasue you are not allowed to postother web sites for reference here on this site ,( they are very insecure and thus not as good as the once were ) do a google on the tire that you want or fx 35 tires and follow it.
 
ffb

#13 of 53 Winter Driving Calgary by davej05

Feb 13, 2007 (11:20 pm)

Calgary is somewhat like Denver Weather wise. We get freak storms and long period of warm air then rain then snow. So, there is ice. hard packed snow which often turns wet within a couple days then it repeats.. I bought a set of rims and a set of Blizzaks. My FX35 is almost as much fun as in the summer to drive. The down side is the soft sidewalls, so you have to slow down for the corners ...Seriously, the most control I have had in winter condition ever.

#14 of 53 Air Pressure by lirpa007

Jul 08, 2007 (3:36 pm)

I have the sport with 20" tires and had to put air in all the tires. I have only had the fx for 2 months, is this common even for a new fx? Does the pressure go out that quick?

#15 of 53 Re: Air Pressure [lirpa007] by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Jul 08, 2007 (5:18 pm)

Replying to: lirpa007 (Jul 08, 2007 3:36 pm)
"Tires typically lose air pressure through natural leakage and permeation at a rate of about 1 psi per month." (NHTSA)

#16 of 53 Re: Air Pressure [steve_] by lirpa007

Jul 08, 2007 (6:35 pm)

Replying to: Stever@Edmunds (Jul 08, 2007 5:18 pm)
Thanks for the info. There are no nails or anything in the tires. My tires were at 27psi, I'm suspecting the dealer didn't put enough air in them to begin with. It's a good thing I have an air compressor!

#17 of 53 Blizzak DM-Z3 w/ Sport? by aepheme

Jul 18, 2007 (7:46 am)

I'm about to purchase an Infiniti FX35 and want to make sure it can handle itself in the snow / ice in northern Michigan. Looks like the reviews for the Blizzak DM-Z3 aren't bad... any opinions on the Sport Package?
 
I've heard that 20" tires are bad for snow / ice, but if I'm going to switch to some Blizzak's anyway... does it matter? Any opinions???

#18 of 53 Re: 20 Inch Snow Tires? [bisonte] by dante

Oct 26, 2007 (9:23 am)

Replying to: bisonte (Nov 14, 2006 10:48 am)
Just bought 20 inch Bridstone Blizzaks DM-Z3s from Tire Rack for my 2004 FX35 AWD with Sport Package. Will let you know how they perform. I know I should have bought a wheel and tire combo in the 17 to 18 inch size (skinny is better in snow) but I love the 20 inch look and so am hoping the Blizzaks do the trick... Jon.

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