looking to reduce tire size

[mrpatel302]

Hello Folks, Its time for me to buy new tires again and my stock tire size is 255/65/R16 but my buddy recommended that I install thinner tires coz they are cheaper and apparently give better fuel mileage.
he says i should put 245/70/R16. I was hoping for some insight into this. I do not want to sacrifice driving safety. the tire im currently looking at is continental cross-contact lx20 and they are $145/tire whereas the same tire in stock size is $166/tire. do you think its worth the few dollars extra to go stock size?

my driving conditions are mostly wet and SNOW. lots of SNOW. i live in the upper peninsula of michigan so Handling is a key.

Thanks for any input!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!

[Rev_D21]

I think you will do fine with that switch but you could do one better by switching to 15 inch wheels, way more affordable tire sizes to chose from. I started with 265/70R16 on my 02 Frontier. I am now running 31's on 15" wheels. So much more affordable. Something about 16" tires that jacks the price to stupid levels, same goes with 18" tires...expensive with limited choices.