Winter tires and wheels, what is your plan?

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by madfast

steelies FTW?



http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...=Car%2FMinivan

The thing about steelies is that used OEM WRX wheels are sooooo cheap you might as well just get those instead.

- andrew

[#87]

Yes and I drive 99% of the time on non snow covered roads. Winter tires have less grip there so I want a little wider to maximize the little grip I will have in those conditions. If it snows more than a few inches I won't be driving this car in it.

[Future]

nevermind

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by #87

Yes and I drive 99% of the time on non snow covered roads. Winter tires have less grip there so I want a little wider to maximize the little grip I will have in those conditions. If it snows more than a few inches I won't be driving this car in it.

so you're going to get winter tires for the 99% of the time when you don't need winter tires, and the 1% of when you'll need winter tires, you wont drive the car.



have fun.

[RaceR]

Originally Posted by #87

Yes and I drive 99% of the time on non snow covered roads. Winter tires have less grip there so I want a little wider to maximize the little grip I will have in those conditions. If it snows more than a few inches I won't be driving this car in it.

Fair enough.
But remember, skinner tires have less chance of hydroplaning.

The car is fairly light. Not the best combination with wide tires in snow. It is in that other 1% you want maximum grip. That is what I am thinking.

Is it not the rule of thumb everywhere to get a little bit skinnier tires on winter compared to OEM summer? Especially not wider...

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

The thing about steelies is that used OEM WRX wheels are sooooo cheap you might as well just get those instead.

- andrew

What he said.... (buy something used)
...or I would just use a little extra and buy some new cheap 80-100 dollar 16" alu wheels that look decent.
If people can afford the car brand new, they should afford putting something nicer than steelies on it.
I would never put steelies on my car... But I would have to look at the wheels for about 5 months a year, so that should explain my point of view.

[RaceR]

Originally Posted by 7thgear

so you're going to get winter tires for the 99% of the time when you don't need winter tires, and the 1% of when you'll need winter tires, you wont drive the car.

If the temperature is about 0 degrees Celsius winter tires are superior compared to summer tires.. Also in low temperature you could risk hitting ice, or that it could snow while your out driving.

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by RaceR

If the temperature is about 0 degrees Celsius winter tires are superior compared to summer tires.. Also in low temperature you could risk hitting ice, or that it could snow while your out driving.

exactly, so if you're gonna buy winter tires you should buy the proper winter tires.

you're not going to miss much lateral grip with 195 or 205 unless you drive well above the posted speed limit on public roads.

ive driven my summer track tires well into november (until first snowfall) and city traction is more than adequate. Same thing for winter tires, i'm still on them! 205's and no problem with grip around town.

*yes i know i'm destroying the compound but the car will be sold soon,i have no summers, and these winters are on their 4th season*

[RaceR]

Originally Posted by 7thgear

exactly, so if you're gonna buy winter tires you should buy the proper winter tires.

you're not going to miss much lateral grip with 195 or 205 unless you drive well above the posted speed limit on public roads.

ive driven my summer track tires well into november (until first snowfall) and city traction is more than adequate. Same thing for winter tires, i'm still on them! 205's and no problem with grip around town.

*yes i know i'm destroying the compound but the car will be sold soon,i have no summers, and these winters are on their 4th season*

I think we both agree 100% 7th gear. And have much of the same experience. And both basically give the same kind of advice.
I was just saying in my previous post that it is smart of him to buy winter tires even tough he is not driving much on snow. I got the impression that you said otherwise in your previous post. Most likely me misunderstanding..

Originally Posted by 7thgear

so you're going to get winter tires for the 99% of the time when you don't need winter tires, and the 1% of when you'll need winter tires, you wont drive the car.



have fun.

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by RaceR

I think we both agree 100% 7th gear. And have much of the same experience. And both basically give the same kind of advice.
I was just saying in my previous post that it is smart of him to buy winter tires even tough he is not driving much on snow. I got the impression that you said otherwise in your previous post. Most likely me misunderstanding..

yes, my mistake. :happy0180:

[RaceR]

:happy0180:

[scmicros]

Is there enough clearance to install chains? If so, cable or linked?

Road conditions here often require chains.

[neutron256]

Originally Posted by scmicros

Is there enough clearance to install chains? If so, cable or linked?

Road conditions here often require chains.

Must be, The JDM catalog offered cable style chains as an option.

[#87]

Originally Posted by 7thgear

so you're going to get winter tires for the 99% of the time when you don't need winter tires, and the 1% of when you'll need winter tires, you wont drive the car.



have fun.

Pretty sure its not a requirement for it to be either 80 degrees or snowing in the winter. When it doesn't snow it is fairly cold here. Many times there is ice or there are cold rains or even freezing rains.

Let's not forget this car comes equipped with summer tires. Having driven all season tires in the snow, even a few inches, I find they are not much better than summers. I will always put a winter tire on my car in the winter.

As far as grip and speed. I am buying this car (as opposed to faster/more powerful cars) because I enjoy driving fast in corners. I know this is the internet, everyone is a saint, and obeys all rules and makes perfect decision in all driving situations. I am not going to lie to you, I drive as hard as my car and ability will allow in most ramps/exits when traffic allows. Driving on a tall skinny winter tire is really not fun, I know because my current car has 205/60/16.

Anyway, I'm going to stop arguing now. We are literally arguing over millimeters. The main point for me is having a winter tire in the winter that will work for what I use it for.

[smbrm]

Originally Posted by scmicros

Is there enough clearance to install chains? If so, cable or linked?

Road conditions here often require chains.

You will only get some joy of clarity on this question,from an owners manual! But don't count on it!

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6974