Coeur d'Alene Area-Winter Tires? (Rathdrum, Harrison: rent, how much, move)

[Rocko9999]

Originally Posted by ejisme

The question comes down to: How often do you see yourself driving the city streets during or immediately after a major snow event? If you need to drive no matter the weather, then a separate set of snow tires is probably necessary. If you are like most people that sit at home and watch the snow, then late in the day or the next you venture out to eat, shop or go to work, then good all season tires will work. The key is to go slow, keep your extra-long distance between vehicles, slow down even more for any turns, and you will likely be fine.

I lived in Great Falls, MT and had to drive to/from the In-Laws in NE Oregon every Christmas/New Years... no matter the weather. I drove a Subaru forester with stock tires. To play it safe (or make the wife feel safer) I bought a set of cable chains for about $70. I did actually use them once in NE Oregon, but took them off when I got down to Milton-Freewater and then drove the rest of the way back to Great Falls (through N. Idaho). The cable chains do help. They are a fairly cheap item that will help you get out when you really need to, i.e. when road conditions say you should stay home, but you must go out.

Thanks. I think I am going to bite the bullet and get some Blizzaks.

[banjomike]

Originally Posted by Rocko9999

Thanks. I think I am going to bite the bullet and get some Blizzaks.

You won't regret buying them!
I just bought a new car that came with the latest fad; extra-large wheels with skinny hi-performance tires on them.

I own a 6-year old set of Blizzaks of the same wheel size (18") that are still like new, so I'm going to see if I can find a set of inexpensive wheels that will fit both the car and the tires.

I learned Blizzaks are not made to fit those fancy wheels. Up until now, I've always just used the wheels that came on the car and switched off the tires between summer and winter.

[Wile E. Coyote]

Originally Posted by banjomike

You won't regret buying them!
I just bought a new car that came with the latest fad; extra-large wheels with skinny hi-performance tires on them.

I own a 6-year old set of Blizzaks of the same wheel size (18") that are still like new, so I'm going to see if I can find a set of inexpensive wheels that will fit both the car and the tires.

I learned Blizzaks are not made to fit those fancy wheels. Up until now, I've always just used the wheels that came on the car and switched off the tires between summer and winter.

They usually recommend you retire tires at 6 years. Even if they look new they dry rot, etc.

[volosong]

Originally Posted by banjomike

You won't regret buying them!
I just bought a new car that came with the latest fad; extra-large wheels with skinny hi-performance tires on them.

...I'm going to see if I can find a set of inexpensive wheels that will fit both the car and the tires...

I was able to score a set of almost-new wheels that were 'take offs' from a lower trim version of the same model. Someone wanted fancy wheels and traded the original ones in to the tire shop who sold them a new set. Found them through eBay. It was about a two-hour drive from me, but by picking them up myself, I was able to save the shipping charges. Might be worth a few minutes to look, you may get lucky.

[banjomike]

Originally Posted by volosong

I was able to score a set of almost-new wheels that were 'take offs' from a lower trim version of the same model. Someone wanted fancy wheels and traded the original ones in to the tire shop who sold them a new set. Found them through eBay. It was about a two-hour drive from me, but by picking them up myself, I was able to save the shipping charges. Might be worth a few minutes to look, you may get lucky.

Thanks- that's a good idea!

[oregonwoodsmoke]

My cars are in today getting their winter wheels put on. If you wait for the first snow, they will be so booked up that you won't be able to get your car in for weeks.

[mistyriver]

When we lived off-grid way out in the woods up by Priest Lake we needed studs and dedicated winter tires. We live in town now and have no problem in winter with our all season tires in our 4 wheel drive vehicles.

[volosong]

Originally Posted by mistyriver

...We live in town now and have no problem in winter with our all season tires in our 4 wheel drive vehicles.

I'm debating what to do in my situation. Purchased a lightly-used, low-mileage Highlander Hybrid a couple months ago and it has some pretty good Michelin tires on it, but they aren't All-Season tires. Tread is pretty good, so I don't want to dump them. Forecast is for snow on this upcoming Wednesday. Hmmm? What to do?

[Mister Torgue]

Originally Posted by volosong

I'm debating what to do in my situation. Purchased a lightly-used, low-mileage Highlander Hybrid a couple months ago and it has some pretty good Michelin tires on it, but they aren't All-Season tires. Tread is pretty good, so I don't want to dump them. Forecast is for snow on this upcoming Wednesday. Hmmm? What to do?

Buy a dedicated set of winter wheels from a lower trim Highlander or some steel wheels then get some proper winter tires on those wheels.

[Wile E. Coyote]

Originally Posted by Mister Torgue

Buy a dedicated set of winter wheels from a lower trim Highlander or some steel wheels then get some proper winter tires on those wheels.

Yep!