Snow Tires for the Bay Area, CA?
12-06-2005, 10:31 AM
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Snow Tires for the Bay Area, CA?
Didn't get much response in the tire forum so I thought I would post here. Is it worth it to get snow tires while living in the Bay Area, CA? Optimistically, I go to Tahoe twice a month, but realistically 1x month. Are snow tires good in the rain? I really hate putting on chains (while snowing). I love high performance summer tires, and I'd like to use the stock excalibur wheels for something. I don't think I'd be able to fetch much selling them. Would you go all-seasons, or dedicated summer/winter tires? I'm thinking Nokian WR's because of the long wear life. This would be for an A3 3.2Q. Thanks, and sorry if its a stupid question.
12-06-2005, 10:39 AM
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I wonder if the stock Conti's on the 3.2 would be good enough for the snow
Then you could just get high performance summer tires and 18" wheels in April.
That's my intention.
Although, some have suggested that there are high performance summer tires that perform better in rain that the stock all seasons.
That's my intention.
Although, some have suggested that there are high performance summer tires that perform better in rain that the stock all seasons.
12-06-2005, 10:41 AM
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If I can use all seasons on my fwd civic going up Parley's Canyon in Utah, daily
you can use them to go to Tahoe once a month. But that's just me. I'm used to driving in crappy weather.
Putting on chains once a month isn't that much of a hassle. Especially if you know when you're going to do it.
Also, if you're using snow tires daily, on normal roads, in normal weather, you'll chew em up fast.
Putting on chains once a month isn't that much of a hassle. Especially if you know when you're going to do it.
Also, if you're using snow tires daily, on normal roads, in normal weather, you'll chew em up fast.
12-06-2005, 10:47 AM
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True, but I find as I get older and
more financially secure, I should also act more responsible, for myself and passengers. The Nokian WR have a tread wear of 400 or so, and are actually listed as all-seasons, though they still have the snowflake symbol.
12-06-2005, 12:13 PM
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actually, using snows on dry roads consistently will accelerate wear
which is why I said, normal roads in normal weather. Also, snows aren't all that effective unless it's less than 45 degrees. But as far as the Bay Area goes right now, it's more like days of 55-60 and overnight lows of 45.
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12-06-2005, 01:44 PM
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Get them only if you plan on swapping tires every trip...
Otherwise like others have said, Winter tires will wear faster and be less effective than a/s or performance tires on warmish California winter days in the bay area.
