1st Time Living in the Snow

emma2018 · 10-03-2019, 10:21 PM

Hey all!

I recently moved in the PNW and haven't decided yet if I'll be staying long term. In the meantime, I would like to take advantage of the snow since it's as short as a 35 minute drive from Seattle. I have a 2018 M40i with 21" wheels on summer tires which is all I needed when I lived in California.

Would I be able to get away driving the summer tires and carrying cables/chains if needed? Or is it necessary I get a new set of wheels with winter tires on?

Go easy on me, I'm a noob!

aswy6 · 10-03-2019, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emma2018

Hey all!

I recently moved in the PNW and haven't decided yet if I'll be staying long term. In the meantime, I would like to take advantage of the snow since it's as short as a 35 minute drive from Seattle. I have a 2018 M40i with 21" wheels on summer tires which is all I needed when I lived in California.

Would I be able to get away driving the summer tires and carrying cables/chains if needed? Or is it necessary I get a new set of wheels with winter tires on?

Go easy on me, I'm a noob!

All seasons are going to be good enough with 4wd. They do a good job maintaining roads up to ski resorts. Even if it gets really bad just keep a set of chains in the trunk. And i mean not literal chains, there are some options that dont damage wheels. For record, i once drove my M3 up to Crystal Mountains on summer tires, was not the smartest thing i have done in my life but im here writing this message lol

ContactPatch · 10-04-2019, 12:05 AM

The "glass transition" begins at about 40 degrees, meaning your summer performance tires will behave like hockey pucks at that temperature or below. Protect yourself and your investment with some dedicated winter tires. Note: Seattle gets more ice than snow so a good ice tire would be preferred. Plus, people don't drive that great in Seattle in the winter, stay home if it's really icy or the roads are snow covered.

To the Seattle people: No offense!

Note: Research glass transition and tires. Tire Rack will be helpful.

chassis · 10-04-2019, 05:54 AM

If it were me I would put all season tires on and avoid chains or cables. The extra hardware is a pain to install and remove and can damage the vehicle if not properly installed or if they fail. I have driven in snow and ice for 40 years.

Sportstick · 10-04-2019, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emma2018

Hey all!

I recently moved in the PNW and haven't decided yet if I'll be staying long term. In the meantime, I would like to take advantage of the snow since it's as short as a 35 minute drive from Seattle. I have a 2018 M40i with 21" wheels on summer tires which is all I needed when I lived in California.

Would I be able to get away driving the summer tires and carrying cables/chains if needed? Or is it necessary I get a new set of wheels with winter tires on?

Go easy on me, I'm a noob!

Welcome to snow! Summer tires are absolutely incapable on snow/ice. They will hold the car up off the ground...not much more value than that. Also, as noted before, even without snow/ice, they do indeed turn hockey-puck hard below 40 degrees, and if so exposed, the compound can crack, which Michelin specifically excludes from warranty coverage. Seattle winter mornings are in the 30s....no go for Summer tires. In short....no, you cannot get away with Summer tires.

So, what to do? If you were going to remain in a low snow (5"/year) city, such as Seattle, you could probably do well with either a set of dedicated winter tires, in your case, probably the "performance winter" variant (Blizzak LM or Michelin Alpin), or try the new Michelin CrossClimate+ all weather tire (different from all season), noting that it carries the snowflake symbol. If you're going into snow covered mountains for skiing etc., true winter tires (Blizzak WS or Michelin XIce xi3) are advised. Read this for more information:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=231

Again, the one thing not to do is rely on Summer tires in winter. For ease, keep in mind, some tirerack.com installers will store your off-season set of tires. You just roll in for quick swap....unbolt one set, bolt on the other....like a "pitstop".

gordoma · 10-05-2019, 08:44 AM

New England has a wide variety of winter driving conditions. I've had numerous cars, trucks and SUVs. As a skier, I look to drive in Winter storms.
Here in the NE, snow isn't the worst surface. What's really tricky are the variable conditions where road surface ranges from, almost dry black ice, to slush, packed snow, freezing rain.

First of all, 21" wheels with low-profile AS tires are going to be abysmal for winter driving. The biggest problem is they'll be completely unpredictable. If you had narrow tire/wheels, and some skill, you might get away with AS tires for limited winter use but, not 21" 275s.

As many other's point out, winter tires have a much softer compound that's designed for slippery, wet conditions. This is probably more important than the aggressive tread.

Winter conditions are hell on wheels (and brakes). Cold temperatures and salt wreck havoc. It won't take long to pit your 21" rims. And, don;t forget to wash you brakes often with soap to get the salt off (I usually stop at a self-serve car wash at the end of each winter drive).

If you want to drive in winter conditions get a set of 18" (yes they fit) or 19" low-cost wheels and mount them with proper snow tires. It won't take long for the ROI. If you leave for non-snowy areas then, you can sell them on CL easily.

Another option, if you only plan on skiing a few times a year and, otherwise don't plan on driving in winter conditions it to rent a zip car for skiing.

DETSGTSTARSKY · 10-05-2019, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emma2018

Hey all!

I recently moved in the PNW and haven't decided yet if I'll be staying long term. In the meantime, I would like to take advantage of the snow since it's as short as a 35 minute drive from Seattle. I have a 2018 M40i with 21" wheels on summer tires which is all I needed when I lived in California.

Would I be able to get away driving the summer tires and carrying cables/chains if needed? Or is it necessary I get a new set of wheels with winter tires on?

Go easy on me, I'm a noob!

Would you go hiking in the snow with dress shoes on? You will need proper winter tires. It is best to get a wheel and tire package from Tire Rack, Discount Tire, 1010Tires. Then you can bolt on the package when encountering under 45 degree temps.

IM_ALL_IN · 10-05-2019, 07:18 PM

Agree with others when they say summer tires are a no go. I purchased an alternate set of 20" winters(695) last year and they were great. Having two sets makes it super convenient and there's no chance of the dealer jacking my rims up.Temps are beginning to flirt with 40 here and I'm looking forward to putting the 695's back on. Get new tires at a minimum and another set of wheels if the cash is available...nothing worse than a fully capable winter vehicle being crippled by the wrong tires.

Alias1431 · 10-07-2019, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emma2018

Hey all!

I recently moved in the PNW and haven't decided yet if I'll be staying long term. In the meantime, I would like to take advantage of the snow since it's as short as a 35 minute drive from Seattle. I have a 2018 M40i with 21" wheels on summer tires which is all I needed when I lived in California.

Would I be able to get away driving the summer tires and carrying cables/chains if needed? Or is it necessary I get a new set of wheels with winter tires on?

Go easy on me, I'm a noob!

I live in the PNW. PLEASE TRUST ME. You want winters. The salient points have already been made, take this as confirmation. I'm about to order my winters any day now.

10-03-2019, 10:21 PM	#1
emma2018 New Member 5 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: May 2018 Location: San Francisco, CA iTrader: (0)	1st Time Living in the Snow Hey all! I recently moved in the PNW and haven't decided yet if I'll be staying long term. In the meantime, I would like to take advantage of the snow since it's as short as a 35 minute drive from Seattle. I have a 2018 M40i with 21" wheels on summer tires which is all I needed when I lived in California. Would I be able to get away driving the summer tires and carrying cables/chains if needed? Or is it necessary I get a new set of wheels with winter tires on? Go easy on me, I'm a noob!
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10-04-2019, 12:05 AM	#3
ContactPatch Major 2171 Rep 1,346 Posts Drives: It's Quick! Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Idaho iTrader: (0)	The "glass transition" begins at about 40 degrees, meaning your summer performance tires will behave like hockey pucks at that temperature or below. Protect yourself and your investment with some dedicated winter tires. Note: Seattle gets more ice than snow so a good ice tire would be preferred. Plus, people don't drive that great in Seattle in the winter, stay home if it's really icy or the roads are snow covered. To the Seattle people: No offense! Note: Research glass transition and tires. Tire Rack will be helpful. Last edited by ContactPatch; 10-04-2019 at 12:14 AM..
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10-04-2019, 05:54 AM	#4
chassis Colonel 6614 Rep 2,323 Posts Drives: 9Y0 Cayenne S Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Einbahnstraße iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Porsche Cayenne S [7.69]	If it were me I would put all season tires on and avoid chains or cables. The extra hardware is a pain to install and remove and can damage the vehicle if not properly installed or if they fail. I have driven in snow and ice for 40 years.
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10-05-2019, 08:44 AM	#6
gordoma New Member 8 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2019 M40i Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Boston, MA USA iTrader: (0)	Experienced Winter Driver New England has a wide variety of winter driving conditions. I've had numerous cars, trucks and SUVs. As a skier, I look to drive in Winter storms. Here in the NE, snow isn't the worst surface. What's really tricky are the variable conditions where road surface ranges from, almost dry black ice, to slush, packed snow, freezing rain. First of all, 21" wheels with low-profile AS tires are going to be abysmal for winter driving. The biggest problem is they'll be completely unpredictable. If you had narrow tire/wheels, and some skill, you might get away with AS tires for limited winter use but, not 21" 275s. As many other's point out, winter tires have a much softer compound that's designed for slippery, wet conditions. This is probably more important than the aggressive tread. Winter conditions are hell on wheels (and brakes). Cold temperatures and salt wreck havoc. It won't take long to pit your 21" rims. And, don;t forget to wash you brakes often with soap to get the salt off (I usually stop at a self-serve car wash at the end of each winter drive). If you want to drive in winter conditions get a set of 18" (yes they fit) or 19" low-cost wheels and mount them with proper snow tires. It won't take long for the ROI. If you leave for non-snowy areas then, you can sell them on CL easily. Another option, if you only plan on skiing a few times a year and, otherwise don't plan on driving in winter conditions it to rent a zip car for skiing.
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10-05-2019, 07:18 PM	#8
IM_ALL_IN Private First Class 57 Rep 120 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 M40i Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Northeast iTrader: (0)	Agree with others when they say summer tires are a no go. I purchased an alternate set of 20" winters(695) last year and they were great. Having two sets makes it super convenient and there's no chance of the dealer jacking my rims up.Temps are beginning to flirt with 40 here and I'm looking forward to putting the 695's back on. Get new tires at a minimum and another set of wheels if the cash is available...nothing worse than a fully capable winter vehicle being crippled by the wrong tires.
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