Richbob

Never live north of the Mason/Dixon Line - problem solved.

kcv442

Nokian Hakkapellitta, best snow tire on the face of the planet! Ask the Finnish people what they use. Here in upstate NY, that's all I recommend to my customers, and the only snow tire I equip my fiance's volvo with. They are a little pricey, but, as most of us know, you get what you pay for. They are only sold through independant repair facilities, no chain stores or internet stores. One of my customers actually did find a set online, and when we found out what he paid, well , he coulda saved some money by just buying them from us. Nokian Hakkapellitta is the only way to go! Buy 'em.

Avusblue

still kicking myself...and looking for a set of 17" winter tires.

J Irwan

oh sure..

I was in the same exact spot as you 13 years ago.
I always thought running all-season is enough. That perspective change ever since I own my very first snow tires . But to each his own.
I didn't however mentioned that with all-season I always feel I am in the border line slipping.

I never said winter tires will perform as good as summer tires on dry tarmac.
Winter tires will always perform less than summer tires.

But to run summer tires on winter/snow situation is foolish. (I don't care how good the driver is).
Think of this analogy. 2 person has to go across 100 meter distance or snow and ice.
One equipped with dress-shoes, and one is equipped with winter shoes.
It doesnt meter if the person who wears the dress-shoes is Olympic champion athelete. You get the picture

If you have multiple cars, thats different story as you can always pick the day and time when to drive the beast out. (so all-season just to overcome cold temp might be sufficient), but when the beast is your main transportation I wouldn't risk it in this time of climate.


Now with regards of over confident, I've seen that much more with AWD car with summer/all-season tires. They always think since they have AWD all is fine and dandy.
Those with winter tires already knew they're vulnerable and know their shortcoming/handicapped of their car in this type of weather.
Based on my observation, people who are care enough to own winter tires will drive more "smartly" and they usually are the car enthusiast.

I don't know in your area, but perhaps this is why I've a lot of SUV(s) got into accidents in winter compare 2WD car, because the drive is over-confident with the car ability in this weather .

just my $0.02

Regardz,

J Irwan

__________________
02 Carbon Black ///M5

DouglasABaker

I don't think someone who is running all seasons can really be arguing that cold weather tires aren't necessary

d-

DouglasABaker

Here are a couple of links - I just got through with this nonsense myself:

17" Wheel
17" Wheel #2

There are also many options on Ebay, but only aftermarket. The biggest issue with OEM wheels is the centering hub - E39's are different than all the other BMW's, so you are left with a choice of 17" Style 49's, or 17" Style 66's. Nothing else fits.

I went aftermarket from my local place and got 4 wheels for $500. They don't look stock, but they get me where I need to go...

d-

TorqueDog

I never said they weren't necessary, but to say that someone is careless for not having them is taking things a bit far, no?

I've had winter tires before (on my company car), and they did make a marked improvement.

I've driven through winter on Z-rated performance tires back in my Camaro days. I was a student, so it's not like I could afford rims and tires for winter. I did just fine. It all starts with the driver. Winter tires just make your job easier.

Then again, most of us aren't your 'average' driver, either.

__________________
-James
- '02 BMW ///M5 - Le Mans Blue
- Factory options: Chromeline trim, Comfort seats, BMW Active Seat, M-Audio w/DSP, Electric rear sunshade, Fold-down seats w/ integrated ski bag
- Aftermarket performance: Straight-pipes and polished staggered tips
- Aftermarket electronics: VSM w/ PS2 and Keyhole Reverse Camera, DICE iPod Kit
- Aftermarket appearance: Angel iBright V3.0, Carbon Fiber Interior Trim (with Nussbaum shifter and e-brake for some contrast), Shadowline exterior door trim, Satin Black Kidney Grilles

DouglasABaker

Personally, Yes, I would say it is a bit careless to take a RWD car out in snow (esp 6") with summer tires.

Summer tires are barely adequate for rain let alone snow.

I'm not saying dedicated snow tires are necessary, mind you - I'd think all seasons or Mud & Snow tires would be adequate. I'm just saying that running summer tires in the snow is a bit silly

d-

TorqueDog

We now see where communications broke down. The difference between "not having winter tires is careless" versus "running summer tires in the winter is careless".

mchin

South Shore -- Nassau County.