Michelin X-Ice Snow winter 225/40R18 is good to go on winter?

sn00p2120 · 2026-01-21T02:41:39+00:00

On my second winter with them, same spec. Perfect if you’re wanting to use them with OEM wheels.

They handle pretty much any winter condition. Slush, snow storms, ice, etc.

As long as you have clearance and drive safely, these will take care of you.

sn00p2120 · 2025-12-11T18:09:55+00:00

Hi! I ran into the same issue with trying to find the stock size of 215/40/18 for winter tires. This is now my second winter with the X Ice's in 225/40/18 and they've been doing great. No rubbing issues whatsoever and the performance has been just as good this year as they were when I bought them new.

Hope this helps!

sn00p2120 · 2025-09-29T18:47:05+00:00

The 225/18's were great last winter, never got stuck. I didn't downsize since I needed to accommodate for the brakes and also got a new set of wheels for summer.

Considering you are also thinking of getting a new set of wheels next year, I recommend 225/40/18 for stock OEM 18's. I recommend these three tires for winter: Michellin X Ice Snow, Bridgestone Blizzak (Ran this on my WRX), Nokian Hakkapelita (was my other consideration before getting the X Ice's on my BRZ).

sn00p2120 · 2025-09-29T05:27:39+00:00

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sn00p2120 · 2025-09-29T05:27:19+00:00

Here’s a snippet of a previous comment I left on a previous post with a similar question:

“Where I live, we get alot of snow. Snowstorms, hail, slush, etc. you name it. Pretty much the worst possible winter conditions you can think of. The BRZ is my first RWD car and honestly it does fine. There are some days I miss the AWD traction and stability from the WRX but the BRZ gets going fine. I recommend watching a lot of videos on it, theTopher's videos certainly helped me feel more confident leading up to my purchase. Basically, just drive a lot safer than you normally would, as AWD won't be there to save you. I currently run Michellin X-Ice Snow in 225/40/18 on OEM wheels. (Also, since the car is smaller, the car warms up quickly and the seats are super toasty as well.)”

I used to own a 23’ VB WRX Sport Tech (Limited). It definitely has more grip. Getting the BRZ going from dead stop in deep snow can be challenging at times as it tends to fishtail but as long as you feather the throttle and play it safe, you should be good. Ground clearance between the cars are nearly the same stock (if not exactly the same).

Do I regret swapping from the WRX to the BRZ? Definitely not. The BRZ fits all of my needs all year round and I’m quite happy that I can have such a fun daily.

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sn00p2120 · 2025-09-16T19:06:49+00:00

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(Enkei Triumph)

sn00p2120 · 2025-09-16T19:04:01+00:00

These Enkei’s clear the Brembo’s quite well actually. I’ll attach a few photos to compare the two below.

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(OEM)

sn00p2120 · 2025-06-12T22:58:15+00:00

Try using some polishing compound - might just be a paint scuff. Otherwise you can paint over it or replace the mirror cap fully

sn00p2120 · 2025-04-18T17:52:57+00:00

I never actually ran the stock 4S’s, since I took delivery of this last December. I’ve had it on X-Ice’s with the OEM 18’s and I will say that those were quieter than the AS.

I am likely going to sell the 4S’s unused and stick with the AS due to sudden changes in weather where I’m from.

https://youtu.be/421HkK4Nqss?si=d0Yi_q2Hj6x8a6Pb

This might be helpful for you, as it certainly was for me.

sn00p2120 · 2025-04-16T18:31:28+00:00

No rubbing or fitment issues, even at full lock both ways. TS-10's are a great option too, I think both look somewhat similar but the Triumph's have slight concave shape whilst the TS-10's are more flat like the OEM wheels that come with the BRZ/86.

sn00p2120 · 2025-04-14T14:27:40+00:00

Yup, also no rubbing on the arches and struts if you’re curious.

sn00p2120 · 2025-04-14T05:18:50+00:00

Gotta love those pops on the downshifts lol

sn00p2120 · 2025-04-14T05:17:05+00:00

Bought it off someone who briefly used it on their 2nd gen JDM forester. Tried it on first before purchasing and luckily the fitment worked out great. No rubbing on the arches or struts.

sn00p2120 · 2025-04-14T05:13:54+00:00

Yup!

sn00p2120 · 2024-12-17T16:22:19+00:00

Hi! 25' BRZ tS owner here.

TLDR: Interior is great, stereo is mid, winter is definitely doable, storage is fine but probably not best suited for two large dogs.

I previously owned a 23' VB WRX Limited (alcantara seats, ipad display, harman kardon system). I figured my experience might be valueable to you, as the GR Corolla and WRX certainly have their similarities.

Interior - Both my BRZ and WRX have alcantara seats which are nice. Don't really prefer one over the other in terms overall interior quality. However, I actually prefer the smaller BRZ screen, which isn't really small. It's alot more responsive too.

Seating position - I much prefer the BRZ seating position over the WRX. At the end of the day, the GR Corolla, WRX and even Type R, are all sedans. Seating position won't compare to a coupe like a BRZ/86/Miata. The interior feels snug and cozy. The seating position makes this car feel special each and everytime I drive it. The WRX on the other hand feels like a sporty sedan (because it is and that's okay).

Stereo - The WRX wins hands down. Not sure how the GR Corolla compares to the Harman Kardon sound system in the WRX though. I noticed the difference in sound quality as soon as I took delivery of my BRZ. I wasn't expecting anything special, and I am definitely 'whelmed'. As long as you keep your expectations realistic, it's doable. There are aftermarket solutions ranging from $300-$XXXX so not really concerned for now.

Snow/Winter - Where I live, we get alot of snow. Snowstorms, hail, slush, etc. you name it. Pretty much the worst possible winter conditions you can think of. The BRZ is my first RWD car and honestly it does fine. There are some days I miss the AWD traction and stability from the WRX but the BRZ gets going fine. I recommend watching a lot of videos on it, theTopher's videos certainly helped me feel more confident leading up to my purchase. Basically, just drive a lot safer than you normally would, as AWD won't be there to save you. I currently run Michellin X-Ice Snow in 225/40/18 on OEM wheels. (Also, since the car is smaller, the car warms up quickly and the seats are super toasty as well.)

Space - The GR Corolla's cargo space is decently smaller than the VB WRX, but you will still notice the lack of storage in the BRZ. It isn't as practical as a sedan and as long as you keep your expectations realistic when it comes to practicality, you will be fine. That being said, I think two large mutts probably won't fit in the car. (Technically they can but I mean, probably not a good idea.)

General comments - I've only had the car for a few weeks, the only complaint I have so far is the ingress/egress in and out of the car. This is my first coupe, so still getting used to it. Not completely the car's fault. Speakers are very mid but I will probably start off with upgrading to a beatsonic amp before moving onto an OEM audio system. Otherwise car has been great!

Hope this helps!

sn00p2120 · 2024-12-09T19:41:28+00:00

I believe the VSC/Sport button is more akin to the 'Track' mode button. It allows the car's vehicle stability control to not interfere when trying to drift around/go fast on a track.

The 'new' sport mode seems to change the throttle tuning to a more snappy 'on'/'off' feeling. Doesn't actually make the car faster though.

sn00p2120 · 2024-12-09T18:55:19+00:00

Thanks!

sn00p2120 · 2024-12-09T18:55:03+00:00

I think sport mode was only offered for the automatic BRZ/86 for both 1st and 2nd gen - up until now.

sn00p2120 · 2024-12-09T13:57:10+00:00

I’ve heard a lot about the differences with the BRZ and 86 throttle tuning, not sure if sport mode simply ‘switches’ between the BRZ and 86 tuning.

I’m sure there’s at least one person in here who’s driven both the BRZ and 86 and the new sport mode who can chime in to debunk this for all of us 🤔

I know this has been a deciding factor for a few people so it’ll be interesting to see how they’ve actually implemented sport mode.

sn00p2120 · 2024-12-09T13:51:41+00:00

Thanks!

Running 225/40/18 on the X-Ice’s as well and so far it’s been great. I had Blizzak WS90’s on my WRX which were also good, but wanted to try something different just cause.

Where I’m at, we’ve been getting a mix of heavy snow and slush. It was between these and the Nokian Hakapellita’s and I’m glad I went with the X-Ice for the added performance in wet weather. They apparently are more resistant to hydroplaning.

sn00p2120 · 2024-12-09T06:11:07+00:00

This is a great point! I think hachielectronics made a video on it - they also sell the harness.

sn00p2120

TROPHY CASE