WINTER tires...too early?

Hey, if Costco can start selling XMAS stuffs before Halloween, I suppose it's OK to think about SNOW...YEECCH, and Snow Tires!

Thankfully it has only snowed 4 times at my home in the last 33 years, snow is why I left Wisconsin!

The price on the tire sounds about right, as long as they have good grip, go for it!

 

I have no experience with that tire but given Hankook's reputation as a great tire, especially in severe weather you might want to consider using this tire:

Hankook Winter I*Pike

Welcome to Hankook Tire International Website

http://www.hankooktireusa.com/Handl...me=PRODUCT/CATALOG/W409_Catalog.pdf&siteCode=

 

I have a set of those tires for my prius and they are wonderful. In fact the tread pattern is exactly like that Hankook and I think Jayman said they were the same.
Great tire though.

 

That's why I stayed in sight of the mechanics at Costco when I had the Michelin Energy Savers installed. There were no problems, but I tend to be proactive when it comes to my ride! It tends to pay off!

 

Regarding the question in the title, I think once temperatures start getting below 10C, consistantly, it's time to put them on. Besides dealing with snow and ice, snow tires tend to stay more flexible and grippy as it gets colder.

On the west coast, that's November through April. Geeze: that's 6 months. I typically try to pull them off earlier in the spring, and once in a while get caught by a late storm.

 

here is review, take a look: General Altimax Arctic

snow? brrrrrr

 

You can get around the worry of the tire-change-over problems, if you have a second set of rims for your winter tires. Then you can change them over yourself, and you'll also be able to make sure the lug-nut torque is correct.

In the case of a second set, you have to also decide about installing a second set of tire-pressure sensors.

Personally, I have loved my Michelin X-Ice XI-2 winter tires, without extra tpms sensors (I live with "the light" in winter). They are quiet tires that have excellent traction in snow.

 

Good points re the tire changing. Last winter I changed them myself - took me about 30-45 mins from the time I started to move the car into position at home. I also took my time because when you rush is typically when you make mistakes (generally speaking).

TPMS isn't necessary (as we all know) and unless one has a tool to update the IDs themselves, just an added expense. I haven't come across any tire shops near me that have a tool to update them in the Prius. Dealerships here wanted $50 to do a 15 min task. If you want to get a set of TPMS and a tool to update the IDs yourself, the sensors you can get for roughly $50/set on ebay or about $400/set at a dealer. Pretty easy decision, IMO. The tool usually over $100. Personally, if I didn't already have a cable to update them myself, I probably wouldn't get them.

I have run Blizzaks for the past 2 winters and they ran great. Quiet, smooth, good grip. I can't say for sure if they caused an MPG hit because it's winter already and the hit is bad for me as it is. That said, I'd rather sacrifice grip in snow over MPG. I've also heard good reviews from a few people on here with the X-Ice tires. I'd recommend looking at TireRack online, as they have some test results and reviews that may be helpful as well.

 

That's more or less our story as well. Even though our stock wheels are the 17", I got the Michelin X-Ice, in 195/65R15. Had them mounted on Corrolla 15" black steel rims (part no: 42611-02471-sw), and got an extra set of plain, open ended lug nuts.

I think the alloy rim lug nuts would work as well, but they would stand out, and look kind of odd.

I didn't bother with tire pressure monitor system either.

If you've got a garage or carport, floor jack, torque wrench and safety stands, you can swap them yourself quite easily.

 

there are programmable TPMS which could mimic existing sensors, like EZ-sensorâ„¢ - Schrader USA - Programmable TPMS Sensors

 

I wonder how much they cost? I didn't see a price in my quick perusal of the website.

A great idea though for a second set with winter tires. Also a good idea for those folks who have a sensor die, battery die, etc and need a replacement. I have an odd feeling they aren't too prevalent in many areas yet. Still, the ability to program the sensor with the ID you want is a good step in the right direction.