Sharing what I learned about winter tires.

[Harleyduo]

For those of you who have been considering putting winter tires on your Smart Fortwo, I thought you might want to hear what I've learned.

After reading that winter tires are made out of a different composition rubber than all season tires or summer tires and that many experienced drivers in colder climates felt that one's safety and ability to drive in cold, snowy, and icy conditions were greatly improved. I decided to purchase a set.

At first I was scared off by the high cost of purchasing an EXTRA set of tires, especially when my tires were going to be brand new. Then I read where you have to realize that your other tires will last much longer since they are not on the car year around. So, that made it seem more reasonable.

Next, I wasn't keen on having to constantly dismount and re-mount the tires on the stock rims, so I decided to buy a set of steel wheels for the winter tires. I decided this would keep my mag wheels looking nicer, longer and also keep them out of the salt and harsh elements of the winter weather.

Now, comes the part that caught me off guard. I was not aware that the Smart uses some special 'sensors' inside the wheels (attached via the valve stem) to send signals to the Tire Pressure Monitoring System that the federal law requires on 2008 model vehicles. So, after hearing how some Canadians did exactly what I have done, and now have their monitor light staying on that they have low tire pressures, I've been scurrying around to come up with a solution. Most of these discussions have taken place on the Canadian Club Smart Car site, since they already have their cars being released.

I've considered everything from just ignoring the warning, to unplugging the light. However, after reading how some insurance companies may not insure your car if you have an accident caused by a blowout and the monitoring system has been disabled, I am seriously leaning toward going ahead and buying the sensors.

Unfortunately, they list for almost $95 per wheel. Fast Eddy at Flying Tiger Development is running a special on them at the Canadian site for just under $80 per wheel. I laughed when one gentleman said that as long as he had his stock tires and wheels in his boot (hauling them home) his warning light did not go off, but as soon as he left them in his garage and was driving solely on his winter tires without the sensors, he had a warning light.

I just wanted to let people know that in this case, it's a scenario where one purchase led to another which is leading to another. I also will now have to dismount my inflated and balanced tire purchase to install the sensors, so if you are going to go this route, I suggest you buy them at the same tire you get your tires and wheels.

Of course, if you mount your winter tires on your original rims you will be spared the cost of the extra rims and the cost of the sensors. Perhaps a cheaper solution will pop up down the road, but right now, that's pretty much the situation.

[Carnut]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to share. My advice would be to purchase another pair (I assume you only put snows on the rears?), or a full set of "take offs" from the many that will opt for dealer installed Brabus wheels. Then you will have the OEM sensors, PLUS a spare set of alloys.

[Harleyduo]

My research showed it was wisest to have FOUR winter tires, instead of the two SNOW tires that so many of us oldsters remember from our younger days.

It makes sense that if you have good traction because of the better 'grooving' and compounds that are suited for colder temperatures, you would want the tires up front to have equally good 'grip' since they are the ones that control where your car tracks. Once they start slipping and plowing instead of gripping, it begins the hair-raising adventures.

I like that idea but I'm guessing it would not happen during the first winter or two that people lay out that kind of money you are talking about. Good suggestion, though.

Remember this little car does not weigh much, so I figure any gripping improvement I can provide will benefit both the car and my family's safety.

[Smartster]

For $60 to $120 the smart centers will put the tire pressure monitor systems in your winter rims. What they do is take the tire pressure sensors in your summer rims and then put them in your winter rims.

You can do this yourself or cheaper via a tire change place, basically the cost is the cost of removing the tire from the rim, I think here in in Canada the other service centers will do it for $45.

So if you are on the budget for less then $100 you can have the pressure senors, but yes you will have to pay an extra $90 to $240 a year to swap around the monitors, or be like me and burn through a set of tires a season and keep the same rims then no extra costs

[smorris]

Originally Posted by Carnut

or a full set of "take offs" from the many that will opt for dealer installed Brabus wheels. Then you will have the OEM sensors, PLUS a spare set of alloys.

That's what I did with my WRX. Many people were putting on Subaru's BBS wheels or other aftermarket wheels. I picked up a set of stock wheels reasonably cheap, and put on summer only performance tires. Then when my OEM all-seasons croaked, I put Nokian WRs on them. Works great. I'll bet there will be some Pure steelies around to mount snows on.

[GHammerly]

There will be many 9 spoke alloy wheels too from people getting flashy wheels.

[jonnysan]

Originally Posted by smorris

That's what I did with my WRX. Many people were putting on Subaru's BBS wheels or other aftermarket wheels. I picked up a set of stock wheels reasonably cheap, and put on summer only performance tires. Then when my OEM all-seasons croaked, I put Nokian WRs on them. Works great. I'll bet there will be some Pure steelies around to mount snows on.

Best all season tire I have ever used!! Just bought a set of new WR G-2's (generation 2) for the wife's Acura. Got 53k miles out of the last set of WR's and in that many miles all *no sweat* driving...

I've used Nokian's since before when they were called Nokia.