Q. I'm a big fan of snow tires. I was amazed at the difference they made on my last vehicle so when I recently purchased a new Acura TL, I planned on putting snow tires on. The Acura comes with P235/45R17 tires. Normally I go down one size for winter tires and use steel rims because it's cheaper and spares my alloy rims.
When I read the owner's manual, it says that you shouldn't use a smaller rim on this car because the VSA (vehicle stability assist) won't work properly. Plus, as of 2006, Acura has put tire pressure sensors on this car. I can't get a straight answer out of Acura on whether I have to stay with the 17-inch rim and if I can use one that doesn't have the sensor in it. Acura, of course, wants to sell me their winter tire package (alloy rims and Blizzaks) for $2,200 + tax.
I have a quote on 16-inch steel rims with P215/55R16 Viking Snowtech tires for $720 installed.
Full info here