Looking for snow ideals
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Yucca Valley
Looking for snow ideals I could use some help. I'm leaving the sunny life of California and heading to Pittsburgh to the snow belt. I was wondering what you have done with your tires, did you go with chains, studs, or get new tires/rims? Also, do I need to get smaller rims vice the 18's already on them? If anyone in the snow areas have any advice, I would appreciate it, thanks.
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: p-town, Il
I'm in Illinois and am using the stock rims and tires and they're doing fine. I only got stuck once when we had 12.5 inches snow but the normal 4-6 inches isn't a problem. After the roads get plowed it's not a problem no matter how much snow we get. I wanted to get some different rims so the stock ones weren't hit with all the salt, but never picked any up... I plan to get some by next winter, maybe stockers off a "regular" Impala if they'll fit. Many areas don't allow studs or chains, so you'll need to check the area you're moving to. Since these are FWD cars, most of the time you'll be fine.
I made it through the winter of '05-'06 here just fine, but it snowed very little overall, so i didn't get to test it all that much. After 16,000mi of hard and fast City driving, i felt the RSA's needed some time off. A couple weeks ago i found (on eBay) a set of Pirelli 240 SnowSports that came off a BMW 7-series that were practically brand new and the same size as our OEMs. After no one bid on them and the auction ended, i offered them $300 + shipping and had them put on when i received them. Ironically, it hasn't snowed since 
, but we're getting some this week.
Although they're a little noisy (you can hear a whirring or humming sound at certain speeds), they're great performers on wet and dry pavement...and they were only $80/ea. Granted, that deal was a steal IMO, investing in some decent winter tires will give your stockers a much needed break. While i was never unhappy with the winter performance of the all-seasons, i feel better having some snows on there.
I did consider grabbing a set of SLP wheels and smaller 225/60/16 snows, or even black steelies and police centercaps, but passed that up when i found the OEM size rubber for the price i got...plus i couldn't stand the thought of spending 5-6 months on 16" wheels
If money is tight, wait until it snows and see how you feel about it...you don't need to jump into anything right now, but if you've never (or not often) driven in snow, you may want to be ready to get some. Nothing is worse in a winter town than inexperience winter drivers.
, but we're getting some this week.Although they're a little noisy (you can hear a whirring or humming sound at certain speeds), they're great performers on wet and dry pavement...and they were only $80/ea. Granted, that deal was a steal IMO, investing in some decent winter tires will give your stockers a much needed break. While i was never unhappy with the winter performance of the all-seasons, i feel better having some snows on there.
I did consider grabbing a set of SLP wheels and smaller 225/60/16 snows, or even black steelies and police centercaps, but passed that up when i found the OEM size rubber for the price i got...plus i couldn't stand the thought of spending 5-6 months on 16" wheels
If money is tight, wait until it snows and see how you feel about it...you don't need to jump into anything right now, but if you've never (or not often) driven in snow, you may want to be ready to get some. Nothing is worse in a winter town than inexperience winter drivers.
They use a lot of salt in the snow belt. The chains and studs are a thing of the past. You'll be fine as long with any all-season tire for winter. Save your money for CARWASHES!
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Launching!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
I thought that was pretty much a given with any vehicle though (on ice that is).
I have only had icy conditions once so far with mine and I had no issues at all. Then again, I did not really try to race or anything at the time. Just normal driving.
I have only had icy conditions once so far with mine and I had no issues at all. Then again, I did not really try to race or anything at the time. Just normal driving.
Well I have had a lot of experience with different vehicles and ice. The only two where it has been a bear to stop have been my 91 Caddy (FWD V8) and my Impala (FWD V8). It has to be something with all the extra weight.
After the snow we got this past week, i'd have to say i'm glad i made the investment. I remember the slipping & sliding i did with the Goodyears last winter while accelerating...not so much while just driving...and with these Pirellis on there i'm quite sure-footed now. Getting off the line with packed snow beneath me is much easier. No more spinning the tires through the intersection.
Hey man.. i live here in Pittsburgh and I wouldn't even think of driving my car in this weather. mine sits in the garage and gets started every once in a while. my problem right now is I have new wheels and want t o get them put on, but the roads are in no condition to have her out and about. What part of Pittsburgh are you moving to?
Russ
Russ