New Minnesota Owner

[moana]

Any advice on winterizing the car?? I was reading the manual which states that the tires should be "changed" for winter! I was a little surprised- some how I was under the impression the tires that came on it were o.k.... but now I am wondering!! I am also wondering how long the tires actually last!

[gbryers]

moana,
If you use the search feature, and look for "snow tires", you will find a wealth of info about winterizing your smart. In short, based on what I've read (in South Carolina, we have to import snow tires, and even then you get some strange looks), you may want to consider purchasing a spare set of Pure wheels (the steel ones), and get snows for them. The stock tire may handle light stuff, but you don't want to go through a snowy winter on them.

As to the durability of your tires, good question, and one you will get many answers to. In order to maximize the lifespan of your tires, you will not merely rotate them, but have them dis-mounted and turned around on the rims, since the tires sit on the road at an angle, and the insides will wear faster than the outsides. This does cause the tires to wear faster than "normal" (the slanted tire thing), but provides more safety and stability.
I just replaced wheels and tires (voluntary - I wanted something different from stock), and at 12,000, the original tires are showing wear on the insides (I hadn't rotated them yet), but still have many miles left in them.

Cheers!

[jimvw57]

As a fellow Minnesotan (?) I went all winter last year with the stock Conti tires. Only had trouble twice and that was due to 7 inches of snow at once and the other time was due to everything coated with ice. Snow tires would not have made a difference on the ice, and possibly could have helped with the 7 inches. I got by just fine. You do have to use some judgment and you do have to drive it like a rear wheel drive car. If the snow gets too deep, stay home.

With the snowfall of the last 5 or 6 years, I couldn't justify in my mind the need for tires I would only really need maybe 2-3 times. BUT.. I live in town and don't travel gravel roads. Your needs may be different.

Hopefully you can make it to the fall ride next month.

[forestacademy]

Last year I went through the winter just fine in the stock tires, but they were brand new at the time. If I can get the funds together, I will most likely get snow tires on this year. Other than that, no winterizing required.

[BigWarpGuy]

I did not change the tires last winter but the winters here in central New Jersey are not that bad compared to some states I have been too.

[DummyDuhast]

I live in Wisconsin and I just bought an 09 Passion, I was planning to get snow tires right away but I think I will try the all season conti's and see how they perform first. The dealer says that others have not complained about winter handling on the stock tires but I don't take much stock in what a dealer tells me either.

My wifes 2000 daewoo had all seasons on it and it was ok in the snow but we put michelin x-ice tires on it last winter and it got around nearly as good as my 4wd truck, they were amazing, they get softer as the temps decrease, I wish they offered those in the right size for the smart fortwo.

tirerack dot com offers a winter wheel and tire package complete with the pressure sensors for about 750 and free shipping and you have a couple of tire choices.

[BigWarpGuy]

It also helps if one knows how to drive in the snow too.

[forestacademy]

From what I have been told, The stock will do OK but if you put on snows you will do great. It will also extend the life of your stock tires

[bryanfuller]

First of welcome in this forum, because I am a new bee here.