The great debate...

[thunder_lizard]

Sadly, my Rex is still wearing its' snowshoes, partially out of laziness, but mostly out of lack of fundage for new ones ATM. They're still legal for inspection, and I'm pondering my options...

#1: Run the snow tires till they die; by which it should be Oct/ Nov, and time to buy new ones anyways.

#2: Get a set of cheap summer tires to run for a few months; Get new snows when necessary, continue with the '2 sets' theory.

#3: Run the snow tires till they die; Invest in a set of good all-seasons.

I'm leaning towards #3 at the moment, as it will give me time to save for a decent set, though considering where I live, #1 makes the most sense... snow tires are a must around here, even with AWD. My main concern right now is that they are getting scary in the rain, and I don't like surprises.

So, how would you approach this, and what recommendations would you make?

[cavillac95]

I have a set that came off of my del sol i used to have for sale

great tires almost brand new

still have the silver honda hubcaps too

let me know

[the mike]

Rex as in WRX, not CRX.

Not sure what to do about the tires, I'm on beat old EVO ADVANS right now because it's all I have until the winter shoes go on later this year. Next year I'll be standing squarely where you are now, looking for tire choices after the winter is over. (although I am leaning towards the 2 set of tires choice, that's how I always go, even if the winter set is on stock wheels)

Good luck with the choice.

[Rush]

I've been running the 'two sets' method for six years now, and that's the only method I'll use.

For me, nothing beats the added level of security that comes with riding on a good set of snow tires during the winter. And plus, it means you get to have even better performance tires during the non-snowy months!

[MuddyREX]

I don't have the time or cash to switch between 2 set of wheels/tires twice a year.

All seasons all the time.

[420sx]

Even a really nice set of all seasons just doesnt compare to snow tires. If you were in something RWD, id really try to convince you to go with the two sets method. But seeing as youre in a WRX, im sure you could get away with all seasons. I drove a 4wd ford explorer with practically bald tires last winter, and it still did better than my 240 on meaty all seasons. My 240 is totally do-able in the snow though with snow tires. As long as im clearing the snow passing under the car, im good to go.

The snow ain't that bad here. You could definitely get by with some all seasons. Plus, this winter is gonna be weak. (thats my prediction anyway... fingers crossed)

[98GSXdude]

I was about to give my 2 cents, but then realized that no one would listen to the guy who had a 350Z on summer tires year-round in Central PA. Good luck in your choice.

[the mike]

Forgot to mention: I was on all seasons LAST winter, which was a pretty snowy one.

[420sx]

Originally Posted by the mike

Forgot to mention: I was on all seasons LAST winter, which was a pretty snowy one.

Any how do you feel about the results of last winter? I was on all seasons on my 240 two seasons ago, and it was not doable at all. Last winter i was on snow tires, and was one of the only non-4wd cars out at one point (much less the ONLY rwd that I saw). Snow tires make a helluva difference.

My summer tires are 18's, and i got the fronts new for $150 and the rears with 90% for $150. My winter tires are 205/55/16, and I paid $100 for two and $80 for the other two. Craigslist ftw. If two sets is what you wanna do, it can be done. People shy away from buying used tires, and Ive had good luck and bad luck with it, but if you know what youre looking for, theres usually a lot of savings to be had by going that way. I consider two sets of wheels a worthwhile investment.

[the mike]

Originally Posted by 420sx

Any how do you feel about the results of last winter?

I survived.

Having done the AWD thing for so many years now, I can say with ALL CERTAINTY that snow tires perform a ton better than all season tires in the snow. But that should be a given.
You need to get out there and find a spot to push the car in the snow to see how far the limits are and stay well below them. I have a bent control arm hanging in my garage as a reminder of that from a night a few years ago in Bristol with a few old schoolers on here. I pushed too hard and payed the price.
It's not a mistake I wish to repeat, especially with my first child due at the end of November.

[Redline86]

Option 3. A good set of all season will be fine. I made it through the winter just fine with all seasons and AWD Audi a4.

[ndubz]

the third option