Winter tires in Southeastern MA

[amademan78]

I just recently purchased a 2010 MS3 and I'm trying to decide if I should go with winter tires or just get some all season. Here are the two options I'm considering. I could either get a spare set of used rims with winter tires and spend close to $1K OR just sell the current summer tires and replace them with all-season for around $500-600. I'm really not sure which way I should go. New England weather is hardly predictable and we could get tons of snow or little to no snow. And around here some storms get plowed out greatly or some hardly at all. I'm open to suggestions and opinions, so have at it. What would you guys do? I'd particularly like to hear from those in the southeastern ma area if there are any here.

 

[Reitrof]

It's a tough call. I put 4 snows on but then I ski and drive to Canada in the winter. I am not a big fan of all seasons since after the 1st winter they lose their effectiveness.

 

[ReNaToMS3]

Spent one winter w/ All-seasons and I will be making the change to Winter tires on this one. Just way more safer and you don't have to worry about getting stuck during heavy snowstorms (unless you really want to), or sliding off the road as you do with A/S.

It's not too difficult driving with A/S tires but when you get heavier snow and some hills to go with that, be prepared to slide/get stuck. BUt i drive pretty much everyday to/from work (70 miles) so I don't have a choice in case there's a snowstorm. If you think you won't be do much driving during heavy snowstorms, then i would go with A/S. If you drive a lot everyday, go with Winter Tires.

 

[amademan78]

Thanks guys. Well I just bought a second set up rims earlier today so it looks like I'm going w/ snow tires. I work at a university so if it's really heavy snow I usually have the day off. But that all depends on when it hits. If it hits midday and they didn't call it in the morning, then they close the university in the worst part of the storm. So I'm probably better off.

 

[MaxPower]

There's no way I'd drive in snow with high performance tires, which are usually terrible in snow/slush/ice, even if they claim to be all-season. Driving on these tires in snow/slush/ice is dangerous, foolish, and completely irresponsible.

If you ever plan to drive when there's snow/slush/ice on the ground, snow tires are a very cheap way to prevent an accident. If you park your car on those days, then so-called "all-season" tires might be fine.

Me: after comparing "all-season" and snow tires on snow/slush/ice, I'll only drive in bad weather with snow tires. They truly transform the performance of a car in bad-weather.

 

[Astral]

Thanks guys. Well I just bought a second set up rims earlier today so it looks like I'm going w/ snow tires. I work at a university so if it's really heavy snow I usually have the day off. But that all depends on when it hits. If it hits midday and they didn't call it in the morning, then they close the university in the worst part of the storm. So I'm probably better off.

you are making the right call with dedicated snow tires. it will pay off when you can stop on time!

 

[Glocker23]

I have Bridgestone Blizzaks mounted to a second set of speed 6 wheels. Def wish I had the stock 6 size 17's cuz the rubber is a lot cheaper, but when they r mounted they handle like a tank in the snow. Wont mount them until december or so though. If it is still somewhat warm and you drive on the soft rubber of a winter tire you will go through them quicker than if it is basically constantly cold

 

[telcotech]

Good Move

Thanks guys. Well I just bought a second set up rims earlier today so it looks like I'm going w/ snow tires.

Good Move, you won't be disappointed. My Pirrelli "snows" turn my '06 from an uncontrolable "sled" into the perfecy winter "snowmobile". And I'm in Northern Ma., so our winter's are probably similiar....(drive2)

 

[CheoMSP3-C3]

I also had the same problem.
I decide for new set of wheels and winter tires, thanks to my friends from NEPOC especially Astral.

I ordered Dunlops SP Winter Sport 3D