Winter tire and aspect ratio

[tubbyc]

would a 205/50/17 or 215/55/17 winter tire makes much a difference? I saw somewhere that people mentioned about having a higher aspect ratio 55 vs. 50 is better for winter driving. is it really true?

[aris]

215/55/17 is way to big

[distr0]

higher aspect ratio is just more cushioning for the rim. you would want a narrower size for winter apparently is what i've been told.

[Souls]

yes, that's the general consensus, narrower winter tire = better chance of traction. ie: the weight of the car is on a smaller patch, instead of being spread out with a wider tire. I'm running 205/55/16s winters on my 06 GT Sport, while the stockies are 205/50/17, technically not much smaller :chuckle maybe 1/2 inch or so

[Hoodzy]

Does anyone have any actual proof this is the case??
More spread out= more friction yes?

The only argument I find for narrow tire is it digs through the snow to the road.. Well last time I checked my biggest issue with sliding isn't on snow.. its on ice. Or hardened snow which isn't going to be 'dug' through to the road.