ManiS4

Just want to check if folks in Northern VA area change their tires in winter. It snows only a few times but temperature can be under 40 degrees for a few months at a stretch. I heard that the summer tires are not suited for driving at low ambient termperature (<40), even though it's not snowing. I am still undecided between changing to all seasons tires or using the car sparingly during winter. I want to use the AWD when it snows, even though it may be only a few times. Would like to avoid twice a year hassle of changing the tires but looks like there may not be an option. Also, when you change tires, do you buy separate wheels, or just replace the tires.

P.S This may a trivial question for veterans here, but I am really looking for advice.

JDBlueAudiS4

Wether or not you see snow, if you see sub 40degree temps then I think you either need a good all seaon or winter tire. If you do see snow then i do recomend a high performance snow tire such as the Blizzak LM-25's

jprice@CPS

Dang JD, you're as much a Bridgestone ***** as I am a Nokian *****. ;-)

jprice@CPS

... as it allows you the convenience of changing the tires on your own in the garage. I highly recommend the purchase of a good jack at the same time which would allow you to lift two wheels off the ground at the same time (reduced swap time).

You could do 17" wheels and tires for winter.

AntiSocial

LM-25? There's a new one out?

jprice@CPS

<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR4&url=%2Ftires%2Ftires.jsp%3FtireMake%3D Bridgestone%26tireModel%3DBlizzak%2BLM-25">http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&amp;tireModel=Blizz ak+LM-25</a>

<img src="http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/bridgestone/bs_blizzak_lm25_ci2_l.jpg">

I like the tread design much better. Can't wait to try them out!

jpc-S4

Not even close, JJ... you're the biggest tire G33K on the planet!!!

jprice@CPS

Far from it!! Still learning every day :-)

s4jones

It's kind of too bad there are no steel wheel options available (that I can figure) for the "normal" folks amongst us that do not have or garages full of special-use wheel/tire setups.



Link below to a good jack for the $$$. There are some less expensive ones at Harbor Freight as well ($80). Stores match website prices.

I like a good stable jack. I also got some jackstands and a trolley block.<ul><li><a href="http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=47246">Harbor Freight Jack for $129...</a></li></ul>

jpc-S4

<ul><li><a href="http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&amp;vertical=TOOL&am p;pid=00950240000&amp;subcat=Lift+Equipment">1.5 ton jack</a></li></ul>