Winter tire and rim Qs

[unicycle]

I was about to have my dealership put Conti snow tires on my car today ($630 with labor) bit didn't get to the shop on time. It's supposed to snow heavily tonight and this weekend. Here are my Qs:

1. Is this price bad? Generally this dealership is expensive but quite good.
2. Should I buy the conti snowies today and have my mechanic back home put them on? That could also be cheaper.
3. Are Contis so much worse than Blizzaks?
4. Can you put Blizzaks on stock wheels, or do I need new rims for them?
5. If you buy your own rims and tires, do you swap out the wheels yourself? It seems east enough.

Thanks!

[blackbeagle]

Originally Posted by unicycle

I was about to have my dealership put Conti snow tires on my car today ($630 with labor) bit didn't get to the shop on time. It's supposed to snow heavily tonight and this weekend. Here are my Qs:

1. Is this price bad? Generally this dealership is expensive but quite good.
2. Should I buy the conti snowies today and have my mechanic back home put them on? That could also be cheaper.
3. Are Contis so much worse than Blizzaks?
4. Can you put Blizzaks on stock wheels, or do I need new rims for them?
5. If you buy your own rims and tires, do you swap out the wheels yourself? It seems east enough.

Thanks!

1. You could save a couple of hundred by getting Blizzaks like many others on the Tirerack and have your local shop install of you.
2. If your local shop can install it cheaper, then have them do it (make sure they torque the lugnuts back at 85fp)
3. Blizzaks are better because of the rubber compound and more siping, which means better on ice
4. You can put them on stock wheels like many others have done. But you will have to pay to get them dismounted
5. You can swap them out yourself if you can find a way to hoist the Smart in the air. You can also jack up one wheel at a time and do it like they change tires at a car race.