When to mount winter tires?

supafly323 · 10-05-2010, 08:03 AM

Yes, I used

Seems there are lots of different opinions on when to mount winter tires. We've dipped well below 40F the last couple of mornings. OEM RFTs feel fine at that temperature (I'm on the roads at about 35F), but I have read where people suggest it's better to change over to winter set once it gets below 40.

Any opinions? Why/why not?

Thanks.

wadny · 10-05-2010, 08:32 AM

I wait for the first snowfall, then mount the winter tires the day before.

GaryS · 10-05-2010, 08:38 AM

I watch the 10-day forecast for snow coming or temps looking like they'll stay below 40. If there's a sudden snowfall, I work from home that day or call a cab.

vanbmw · 10-05-2010, 10:59 AM

I agree with WADNY. Wait for the first forecast snowfall. The traction control is pretty good at keepin your car poointed the correct direction in cooler temperatures. I like to keep my winters off till I need them to save the treadwear.

KingOfJericho · 10-05-2010, 11:06 AM

I usually do late November.

CincyOne · 10-05-2010, 11:54 AM

I've driven our E36 M3 (summer, high performance tires) in daytime temps around 32F and it's like driving on greasy rocks. I put the winters on the 135 last year around the end of Oct. / first of Nov. when the temps were getting to be regularly in the low 30's.

cvandenhaute · 10-05-2010, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CincyOne

I've driven our E36 M3 (summer, high performance tires) in daytime temps around 32F and it's like driving on greasy rocks. I put the winters on the 135 last year around the end of Oct. / first of Nov. when the temps were getting to be regularly in the low 30's.

Same here. I typically put the winter tires when the temperatures average 35-45F.
I still don't understand the idea of waiting for the snow for mounting winter tires : the winter tires behave better under low temperature (in Europe typically when temperatures fall under 7C), you do not need the snow for seeing a difference...
I was using winter tires over there (Belgium) without even experiencing any snow some seasons, just the temperatures justify putting them...

10-05-2010, 08:03 AM	#1
supafly323 Enlisted Member 3 Rep 31 Posts Drives: 2011 TiAg 135i Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0)	When to mount winter tires? Yes, I used Seems there are lots of different opinions on when to mount winter tires. We've dipped well below 40F the last couple of mornings. OEM RFTs feel fine at that temperature (I'm on the roads at about 35F), but I have read where people suggest it's better to change over to winter set once it gets below 40. Any opinions? Why/why not? Thanks. __________________ 2011 TiAg 135i 2006 330xi (sold) 2007 Acura TSX
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10-05-2010, 08:32 AM	#2
wadny Private 5 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, M-Sport, 6MT Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North Tonawanda, NY iTrader: (0)	I wait for the first snowfall, then mount the winter tires the day before.
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10-05-2010, 08:38 AM	#3
GaryS Colonel 37 Rep 2,084 Posts Drives: 2009 135i 6MT Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 135i [6.50]	I watch the 10-day forecast for snow coming or temps looking like they'll stay below 40. If there's a sudden snowfall, I work from home that day or call a cab.
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10-05-2010, 10:59 AM	#4
vanbmw Major 130 Rep 1,101 Posts Drives: 2015 Black 335i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	I agree with WADNY. Wait for the first forecast snowfall. The traction control is pretty good at keepin your car poointed the correct direction in cooler temperatures. I like to keep my winters off till I need them to save the treadwear.
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10-05-2010, 11:06 AM	#5
KingOfJericho Major General 2452 Rep 7,341 Posts Drives: Yes Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CT iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 135i Coupe [5.26]	I usually do late November. __________________ The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Bimmerpost. 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude Hemi \| 2010 S4 Sold \| 2010 BMW 135i Retired \| 2006 Lotus Exige Sold
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10-05-2010, 11:54 AM	#6
CincyOne Enlisted Member 7 Rep 49 Posts Drives: AW 135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Cincinnati iTrader: (0)	I've driven our E36 M3 (summer, high performance tires) in daytime temps around 32F and it's like driving on greasy rocks. I put the winters on the 135 last year around the end of Oct. / first of Nov. when the temps were getting to be regularly in the low 30's.
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