Is it necessary to have one? I live in Northern VA and i have X.... and I'm about to buy new wheels and going to have all season tires on them (this going to be daily wheels)... Do I really need one?

 

In Northern VA? IMO, not necessary. I had no problems getting through the winter in NY/Long Island area on stock all seasons, had no issues and plan to do the same this year. If I was living in New England, Buffalo or Canada that'd be another story In fact, I managed four years in Buffalo in my yonder days in a FWD 1992 Ford Taurus wagon just fine without winter tire setup

 

so.. pretty much i can get any tires on new wheels?

 

Make sure they are decently rated All Season (not summer performance) tires and you are good to go (put on your stocks assuming your winter wheels are that size).

 

Sorry for keep asking questions... lol what's the difference between summer and performance all season?

 

These should shed some light on the subject:

http://www.racerchicks.com/qa/motor_tires.html

“Should I stay with my summer performance tires?”

The short answer is no. Unless you live in a perpetually summery climate such as Florida or southern California where the ambient temperature never drops below 50 degrees F and it never ever snows then summer tires are not a good choice for the winter season.

Summer tires were designed for warmer temperatures and high stress use. Because of this they have very large stable tread blocks that are not good in inclement weather. In addition the rubber compound does not maintain elasticity in cold weather. What this means is that the grip level of the tire degrades drastically in cold temperatures even on dry pavement. In the cold a summer tire becomes unpredictable and feels “slippery” when cornering no matter what the weather. This problem is compounded in wet or snowy conditions.

 

Thanks!

 

Summer tire below 40 degrees = hockey pucks on ice!

I just order Goodyear's new Eagle GT's A/S to put on my stock wheels and use for a few months a year. In two of three years I doubt they'll put 10,000 mile on them. Winter salt, sand and water/ice will beat up your new exotic wheels. I'd suggest a winter set up for your car unless your new wheels are not 100% painted. Winter roads will ruin your new wheels. I know I had a set of Chrome wheels on for 3000 winter miles and the next spring they had 20 pits per wheel it the chrome. I've learn a lesson.

I considered winter tires, which would be awesome in the snow but I only get about 20 snowy/icy days per year and when I sell my car I'll have a good set of tires that will not hurt resell.

 

That's y i'm wondering.. i prob gonna get hyper silver... is that ok w/ winter condition?

 

Sorry to hijack here...

I am about to order those tires for my car. How did you decide on them? Do you know anyone that has them?

 

If your hyper silver wheels are completely clear coated or painted you are probably fine. Any exposed metal (aluminum or chrome) I would not risk it. If you have good rubber on your stock wheels I'd let them ride until spring.

Here is a test, ask the wheel dealer or manufacturer if they unconditionally guarantee the finish no matter what conditions you drive in (salt, sand, icy/wet). If they say yes get it in writing before buying otherwise use your stock wheels.

 

Unnecessary on an X. I live in Minnesota and we have survived the past 5 years in an X with all seasons. The car does great in snow as is. $600 for snow tires is a bit nuts for a place that doesnt even see that much snow...

 

Thanks for the comments guys!! hmm few more questions to dealer i guess...

one more question! if i get 19' w/ 8.5, it should be safe in snow w/ Goodyear Eagle GT 245/40/19?
(btw i changed my driving behavior so i don't drive crazy )

 

I used to live in NoVA, for the winter there, you will not need snow tires; a good set of AS will do fine as you will not see snow that often. You need to be easy on the throttle though and watch your braking distance black ice is always there. As for you wheels, they will be fine, but you should wash them any chance you could once they start salting the roads.

If you feel that you need winter tires, you mount them on some older and smaller wheels just in case you curb them.

 

I used to be fine w/ my old car even w/ blizzard here... (toyota corolla... ) I'm just worrying b/c this is my first nice car (and giong to be first non stock wheel)... I dont want to mess it up lol... but thx for the info!!