I am about to replace my stock TL-S 17s for winter. For winter use, I bought a set of used Accord 16" rims with the original Michelins and on the stock TL-P size of 205/60/16 with about 95% tread left. My reasoning is that I don't want to run the risk of ruining the stock rims, and not so much concern for the stock rubber. My idea was that since I would be driving mostly on dry pavement and very little on snow and ice, I opted to leave the Michelin all-seasons on and not get too hyped-up about getting snow/ winter tires as of yet (maybe next year). The car, after all, is not AWD, so I'd be on the same boat as any car out there with all-season radials. I would be mounting high snow banks nor do high-speed cornering.

I have done some reading on the 'net about winter/ snow/ ice tires and without quoting sources, have noted the following:

- "Typical" winter tires are T or Q rated, and by all means were not meant to be driven constantly at high speeds.

- Higher performance tires (Such as the Dunlop Winter Sport M2/ M3) may give higher peformance, but winter "traction" may be sacrificed. (So what's the difference from using A/S)

- If used mainly on dry roads (as opposed to snow-covered or icy roads) and because of the compounds used, winter tires wear out fast and may last only one to two seasons.

If these are the cases, then, unless I live in a constantly snow/ ice-covered area all winter, there is no big requirement for me to get winter tires.

One common thing was noted from most sources is that the main factor in safe winter driving is not just the usage of winter tires, etc.., but the adjustment of driving habits from dry to slippery weather.


One question I do wish to field is how I would properly store my stock tires and rims. I have a crawl space used for storage downstairs and I do not have a garage. I have heard that tire pressure needs to be cut down to half and to stack them 4 high. Do I need to bag each tire? Any help is appreciated.

 

Make that I would NOT be mounting high snow banks nor do high speed cornering.

Sorry, lack of editing on my part.

 

Jumping on

 

the main reason is SAFTEY! thats why you would get snow tires. all season tires dont hold a candle to them! ive been running snow tires for atleast 6-7 years now and i wont go back to allseason for winter use. as far as the speed rating, the tires WILL handle prolonged hwy driving with out a problem, what they dont like (like any other tire) is driving at or past there speed rating for long periods of time. how often do you drive above 100mph, let alone for long periods of time. i put on average 50k a year on my car and snow tires are usually on for atleast 20k and i have 1 pair of michilin artic alpins that have 4 winters on them now (they have about 50k on them)
snow tires are ment for winter time only and if you use them for only that they will last. if you want more saftey get winter tires.