Date: 28 Dec 2004 17:18:28 GMT From: Dave Hinz <DaveHinznospamcop.net> Subject: Re: Winter Tires
On Tue, 28 Dec 2004 16:38:24 GMT, Shane Almeida <almeida.spam.is.evilnospam.is.evil.mindless.com> wrote: > As I slid passed a stop sign and right through a four-way intersection > this morning, I thought to myself, "Self, it's time to get some winter > tires." I have 17 inches wheels with 225/45-17 tires. tirerack.com says > I should consider "minus-sizing" for winter tires. Yes, I agree. >I think I'd rather > keep the same size tire on the same wheels to save a couple hundred bucks. Do you want to submit your wheels and tires to twice-yearly mounting and balancing? > How important is minus-sizing for getting better traction? They say it's > because wide tires have to plow through more snow, but my tires aren't > *that* wide (7 inches), are they? Well, a narrower, taller tire will act like a runner on a sled - cut through to the pavement more easily. Also, a set of steel wheels at 50 bucks each or so, doesn't take long to pay for themselves when you consider that a mount & balance is what, 15 bucks per wheel? 3 or 4 changes (2 years tops) and they've paid for themselves, even without considering possible wear or damage to the tires from the process. > I don't have a lot of experience with > Saabs and/or winter tires, so I'm wondering what fellow Saab owners think. > I'm going to call Tire Rack and maybe Pat Greer (the guy Dave Hinz has > mentioned a few times) later today as well. Thanks. Even if you don't buy tires from Pat, give him a call and he can explain the situation. He will not bullshit you. Dave Hinz