So here is my plight. I don't have a lot of extra money, but I am looking to get a set of good snow/winter tires because the Sierras are my second home during the winter. Now here is my question. I am thinking about getting some rims for the winter tires, probably just some steels cause they are cheaper. One of my friends is trying to talk me out of that and just to switch out the tires on my stock rims. Is this overall a cheaper way to go? What is the average cost to have this done every time? What are some good places in the South Bay to buy said tires? Any recommendations on tires to look at that will not break the bank?

Also, I do have a thought of getting a new set of rims for the car sometime in the next 12-18 months when I have the extra money to spend on it, but do not know yet on that.

 

I would either buy some nice stock rims for cheap and put some winter tires on them that you can use season after season...

Or just go ahead and switch the tires themselves on your current rims.

Either way they are both cheap routes.
Having tires mounted each season is a bad idea.
I have done it numerous times when I used to live in Nevada and had studded snow tires put on one of my cars in the winter time.
If you are really strapped for cash I would recommend that route.
Otherwise... Always having a spare set of rims/tires is the best option.

 

Do you guys recommend using snow tires for only snow use? Plan on going to Tahoe a lot but it'll be mostly weekends and back in the bay for the work week. Am I better off swapping wheels each time I go up and come back or can snow tires last in regular bay area winter conditions?

 

Check out the thread I made in winter/snow tires! Great info and the dws's are great in deep snow and ice!!

 

I would recommend swapping them each time you go. A few years ago I had a wrx wagon with a second set of stock rims with snow tiresfor trips to Tahoe. I was lazy and kept the snow tires on for a few months straight and severely wore down the tread. I'm not sure if all snow tires wear that quickly but my Michelin Alpins sure did.

 

I have Michelin Alpin's and I've driven on them around the CV and have had no problem with excessive wear. I've also used them for 3 1/2 snow seasons and about 10,000 miles on them with just freeway driving. They still have about 60-70% tread left.

 

Ill have to do some tire research. I checked out Matts snow tire thread and it sounds like the Generals he recommended last a long time but Firestones didnt.

Thanks for the info though. Not too excited about having to swap wheels each trip (especially if Im going every weekend) but dont want to have the tires last half a season.

 

Swapping rims will take you less time then swapping tires. Seriously like 45minutes at the most to swap rims.

 

Well, since it sounds like there might be more trouble with getting snow specific tires for me as I know I will not switch them out much. I want to just make it a couple times per year thing. Maybe getting some good all season tires might be a better way to go with for me. At that point, I may just go for a set of tires and just swap it out for now.

What is the going price for a place swapping a set of tires out around the south bay?

 

Get another set of rims for the snow tires (it's a hell of a lot easier to swap them).

Switch them out every time you go and when you come back (they'll wear down quickly on dry tarmac).

I've had Michelin Alpin PA2's and General Altimax Arctic and I'd recommend the lower priced Generals. They're both amazing snow tires and will change forever how you feel about driving on snow with all seasons.

I've also used both for heavy duty dirt/gravel driving and they've held up pretty well. One of those trips included 200+ miles straight of gravel roads in 100+ degree temperatures and showed little sign of degradation.

-Brian

 

i say, buy a nice set of wheels, swap your current tires onto those wheels and buy some all season tires or snow tires for your stock wheels

 

and one of the tires i was talking about
https://www.i-club.com/forums/bay-area-15/who-wants-great-winter-tire-killer-price-213321/

 

and this is the "all season" that I'm running right now!!all around the best tire I have ever had!! great in deep snow!! over 12" they also kick *** on ice, and rain!! one more plus is that they will last you forever!!

tire rack link. they are close to the bfg blizaks for less money and are ok to use everyday!http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....emeContact+DWS

 

I was in a similar boat last year. I bought some All Season tires and swapped them onto my stock rims and used those for the winter. I kept the stock dunlop tires in my garage and this past summer, I bought some new wheels and I put the stock dunlop tires on those wheels. After my next track day next month, the all seasons are going back on to get ready for some snowboarding!

 

Yeah, I am leaning towards going this route as well.

Here are some tires the have my interest.

I also like those contis as well.