Install winter tires yet?

[DrWebster]

My winter wheels are showing up on Thursday, and I'm having Discount mount my new winter tires on them this Saturday. Question is, while I'm there, do I have them install the winter wheels on the car? Is the first week of November too early?

[derrian]

I already have mine on :P I did as soon as they said 'snow' for a Friday back a couple of weeks ago :P

But I worry about those stock tires since I drive 45min-1 hr in traffic to work each day.

[Picklz]

As long as you're there I'd do it. I am probably going to put mine on this coming weekend. And as we know we are at the time of year where any day we could get multiple feet of snow.

[Workdawg]

If you believe the tire hype, summer or even all season tires actually get too cold below 45 degrees to work optimally. If that's true, then might as well mount them now.

[Big Nate]

I swapped out the Denali's last weekend.

Do it.

Do it.

[Picklz]

I wouldn't call it hype, my summer tires make all sorts of freakin noise blasting through corners now that it's cold out, rarely if ever got a peep outta them in the summer. Tis time for winter tires.

[mndsm]

I put mine on last weekend.... I suspect this is the last good week we're going to have this year.

[ZoomZoom Diva]

I figure it's too early to do it myself. I generally swap mid-November. It's a little riskier, but you're wearing the snow tires a lot more running them longer than the summer ones.

My old rule was Thanksgiving and Easter when my wheels were in Northern Wisconsin. Now I try for mid-November and early April.

[AJ]

I've got another year before I pick up a set of winter only tires for the truck but I'm curious if anyone knows a good spot to pick up sand bags for weight? I want to add some to the bed for traction on the rear tires.

[DrWebster]

Yeah, when I called Discount just now to make the installation appointment, I asked the guy and he said they've already started getting busy with snow tire sales. He said that just after the first big snow (which we haven't gotten yet) it gets CRAZY busy there, so I think I might as well get them installed. If anything, it'll give me a chance to get used to how the Primacy Alpin PA3s handle (especially since I'm going down to a smaller wheel size) before I have to start plowing through the white stuff with them.

Also, I just ordered a set of the Tire Rack wheel tote bags; $53 with 2-day shipping. Should help keep my 17's clean and scratch-free, especially since I think the only place I have to store them over the winter is in the closet in our 2nd bedroom, LOL.

[mOjO]

do it.

[Workdawg]

Discount will put the other wheels in plastic bags for ya... works well for me.

[dasmikechen]

Put mine on last weekend once the new wheels were cleaned up. With tire compound that essentially freezes at 30degrees, it just makes sense. Think of it this way, why are you getting them in the first place? For winter driveability (safety) so why not put them on before it is too late? A few days/weeks on the winter tires may mean you go through them faster, but even at 2-3 winters on the tires, you're better off being safe that in a ditch or worse.

[JohnnyT]

BOB DOLE THINKS YOU SHOULD DO IT!

http://www.dickinson.edu/news/features/2007/pas/images/Dole-14.jpg

BOB DOLE BOB DOLE BOB DOLE BOB DOLE!!

[Slim]

I've got another year before I pick up a set of winter only tires for the truck but I'm curious if anyone knows a good spot to pick up sand bags for weight? I want to add some to the bed for traction on the rear tires.

I'm thinking Menards AJ.

[ZoomZoom Diva]

Yeah, Menards and Fleet Farm are good places for sand tubes... Wonder if JT is getting any for the Thunderchicken.

You can always use bags/pails of cat litter in lieu of sand as well.

[dmention7]

Suckas.


I think I'll be mounting mine late next week (since we've still got a solid week of highs in the 50s left) and replacing the tires shortly after thanksgiving.