Crossing the country in Winter? What tires?

[kevinkris]

I'm planning to go to LA on December. What tires should I put for this extremely different temperature? I read somewhere that hot weather might brake the structure of winter tires and all season wouldn't be a great option for MN winter. I will not ask you the third option though ;)

Thanks for the input.

Btw I'm running this for my winter set up right now. They were doing a good job.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh85/kevinkriz/Mazdaspeed3/DSC_0033.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh85/kevinkriz/Mazdaspeed3/DSC_0034.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh85/kevinkriz/Mazdaspeed3/DSC_0036.jpg

[kevinkris]

about running a chain. I don't have any idea the front fender would fit, so i might still keep this rims.
thx.

[dmention7]

What route are you planning on? If you're thinking about heading across ND, MT, etc, I'd say winter meats no doubt.

But if you were going to take a more southernly route, I'd probably opt for a set of all-seasons with a good snow rating.

[kevinkris]

I might going via SD, how bad is SD compare to MN?

For winter tires, do you pick a wider one so you have more traction, or a narrow one so you have bigger force acting to the ground? (well, I'm having too much sciences thoughts :p)

Thanks

[dmention7]

SD is generally worse. lol

It's so flat that they tend to get a lot of white-out conditions due to blowing snow. But realistically those kind of conditions would only be a concern if you happened to be crossing in the middle of a substantial snowfall.

And you generally want narrower snow tires so they sink into the snow instead of floating across the top of it. Your best bet would be to find a set of 16 or 17" steelies (not all 16s fit tho!) and fit your winter tires on those. I wouldn't be too worried about driving them in warmer weather, so long as you're aware that you'll have reduced traction surface and a much softer sidewall. It's not like they are going to disintegrate as soon as you hit 70 degree weather again ;)

[kevinkris]

alright... thanks so much for the advice :D

[DrWebster]

I'd roll south to Kansas City then start going west. All-seasons should be fine, good ones at least. I have Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S's on my car year-round, and they get me through the MN snow just fine.

[kevinkris]

That might be a good idea too. I was wondering to visit some places such as Mt Rushmore in SD, but let see. Thanks for the input, I'll take it into my consideration.

[dmention7]

Mt Rushmore in the winter might be more trouble than it's worth. It's up in the black hills, so there is several miles of steepish mountain highway and narrow twisty roads to get there. Don't get me wrong, the black hills are gorgeous, but I'm not sure I'd venture up there in the winter. Just my $0.02 ;)

[kevinkris]

lol, I wont try then... I never been there before. Oh yeah, FYI, I'm not a US citizen though, so I might try to visit some gorgeous places in the states during my college time.