Hi guys,
I am new here, first post. I have got a 2007 6mt with the summer performance Potenzas.

Am having fun right now, but a little wary about winter. Do I need to get another set of tires and wheels or can I manage driving this around during dec/jan out in Seattle( I can cut down on driving those couple of months)?

Additionally, if I need to purchase winter/all weather tires, I'd prefer not to get a set of wheels. Can I switch the tires only?

Thanks.

 

you absolutely need winter tires if you plan on driving in the snow. The summer tires turn into bricks when cold. You can get a set of tires only, but since you have the 19" wheels, winter tires are very expensive. You can probably buy a set of winter tires and wheels for the price of a set of 19" winter tires. The selection is also limited, and you'll have to constantly get the tires swapped, and that gets expensive by itself, and you risk damage to your wheels each time it you have it done. I had the OEM 19's, and I have a second set of winter tires and wheels I swap to in the winter, cost me ~$1000.

 

Thanks for the reply.
My OEM tires are 18''. From what I have been reading on tirerack, these tires will need to be replaced around 15-18k miles, which I expect to be sometime next year. I will probably get a high performance all-weater tires as its replacement. Hence, dont want to be purchasing wheels. Additionally, the wife is not happy with storing 4 tires at home.

So, want to avoid buying this year. Could you elaborate on what kindof risks I take if I just swap tires rather than get a new set of wheels as well?

 

Look on ebay for a nice used set of winter rims + tires. I got mine for $500 shipped, and they were worth it. IMO if you're going to change the tires on same set of rims for winter, you might as well sell your summer tires now and mount all-seasons on them. You'd make some of your money back on the sale of the tires.

 

Sorry, I assumed you had a coupe. Even with all seasons, the car isn't going to be any good in the snow. A good set of winter tires and wheels will not only reduce wear and tear on your nice OEM's during the winter months, and your summer tires will last you twice as long since you'll have 2 sets of tires to use. Its a very good investment no matter what wheels you have

 

Thanks for the info guys. I was looking over ebay. My current OEM tires are
F: 225/50R-18 95W, R: 245/45R-18 96W
Any disadvantages of getting 4 winter 245/50/18 .

Any problems with keeping the same size for the winter tire set?
Additionally, anything I will need to do to ensure the TPM works?

 

Alternatively, if 245 is too wide, then should I try to get hold of 4 225/50/18?

 

thinner is better for winter. I run 245/285 for my summer wheels, and 225/235 for my winter wheels. I would also look into 17" wheels and tires for winter as they are going to be significantly cheaper and offer a better ride and better traction.