Tires: Winter Tires, winter tire, winter tires

Question
Hi, Brett.  I bought a 2009 Lincoln MKS.  It is available with 18", 19", or 20" tires/wheels.  I have P255/45/R19 all-weather tires, which I believe will offer
marginal driveability and safety in the Minnesota ice and snow. I searched for a 19" winter tire to fit, and apparently nobody makes one.  I identified 235/55/R18 as the winter tire replacement, but I can't identify the proper wheel.  The major tire dealers like Tirerack do not have a recoomendation. I spoke with them.  My dealer and the Ford L/M hotline all say the Goodyear RS-A will be fine, and do not have winter tire recommendations, which is upsetting.  I don't think so.  They also say that changing wheel size will screw up the computer, odometer,
speedometer, and drivetrain.  I need to drive safely in the winter.  Short of trading in my 2 month old car (which I love) can you recommend a solution? I am not looking for a brand recommendation, just general advice.  I asked another expert and he declined to answer, except to say contact a tire dealer.

John  

Answer
John,

 You indeed have a dilemma.  If the 18" option you gave is from your owners manual or Lincoln then any 18" wheel that is built to fit your vehicle should work.  I would ask Lincoln about the 18" option if you have not.  The 19" and the 18" option are appx the same diameters.  A tire with a different diameter will indeed affect all that you mentioned.

 I do believe that from what I have in these sizes that an All Season tire is as close as you will get to a winter tire.

 You may want to try Bridgestone and see if your sizes are offered in their Blizzak Line.