Here Comes Winter - Tire/Wheel Combo Advice Please!

Discussion in 'Modifications & DIY how-to' started by TURBOH4, Dec 8, 2015.

  1. TURBOH4

    TURBOH4 Member

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    Hey y'all,

    I know this gets asked and answered a ton, but I'm really just looking for some advice on a secondary set of wheels and tires for winter weather.

    Right now my '14 STi is sitting on the stock Dunlops and the 18" BBS wheels (since it's a limited). I'm under the impression that dropping down to 17's will improve my tire selection. Plus I wouldn't mind a little more sidewall for wintry conditions; to a layman such as myself, it seems like a taller tire will perform better.

    Anyway, these aren't going to be DD'ed and are staying packed up in my garage. They're only going on in case of and/or during winter conditions. They may also go on for a small road trip (~800mi round trip) at the beginning of next year...maybe.

    For tires I was thinking Blizzaks but are those really the best for driving not-on-snow/ice? I wouldn't want to destroy the integrity of the tires by driving 800mi on dry pavement. Where I'm going (mountains of KY), though, there's a good chance of there being a foot or two of snowfall and/or ice on the road.

    For wheels, this is where I'm kind of lost. I know all the measurements and such but trying to find something cheap that will fit the car (and also matching the tires up) seems daunting. This is where I really need the most help. Ultimately, I'm looking for cheap steelies that are basically disposable. I don't see the point in buying nice wheels just so they can sit/get damaged.

    TL;DR:

    Need tire/wheel combo suggestions. Want cheap (17" hopefully) wheels and good tires for snow/ice and that can manage at least one road trip without being completely destroyed.

    Thanks!!
     
  2. wrxin8or

    wrxin8or Mullitt
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  3. Matt

    Matt Think before you post
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    you just need a good set of all season tires and you shouldn't have any issues.

    michelin pilot sport a/s3 is what I run
     
  4. TURBOH4

    TURBOH4 Member

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    Well, that kind-of defeats my purpose in doing it. I'd like to have dedicated tires for summer and winter.
     
  5. Matt

    Matt Think before you post
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    Atlanta really doesn't have the need for a dedicated winter tire. It's just not that snowy here.
     
  6. LoveMyNewSoob

    LoveMyNewSoob Member

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    I have heard the continentals work really well too. During snowmageddon I had summer tires on and was truley impressed at the capability the AWD system. I able able to drive all over (and then find a nice big parking lot for fun time :wiggle:)
    I agree with Matt, not sure there is enough snow here for a dedicated set...spend that money on designated track set up! Teehee
     
  7. GTscoob

    GTscoob Black is Beautiful

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    You really dont need snow tires unless there is snow on the ground. Get some high performance all-seasons and run them in the winter. Conti DWS has worked well in the winter in my experience. Potenza S03 wasnt even that bad in the snow and ice a few years back.
     
  8. Matt

    Matt Think before you post
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    and let's be real here. In Atlanta, it rains, ices over, then snows... so just about ANY tire on a wrx is pointless here.
     
  9. b reel

    b reel Active Member

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    Only reason to buy snow tires in the south is if you plan to run rallyx or planning a winter road trip to Canada
     

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