The White Death Approaches
December 7, 2006 – 10:41 am by Dan Volkens
Filed under Rants
We had our first snow here in Cincinnati this morning, so that means I get to work in about 1 hr to 1 1/2 hrs. But traffic ranting aside, there is something I’ve been eyeing for a while that could help with the slipping and sliding that a combination of high-torque and low-profile wheels causes.
The good ol’ boys over at Tirerack.com always carry a great deal on a set of steelies and snow tires. You can’t beat $472 mounted and shipped to your doorstep. The great advantage of smaller wheels and snow tires is infinitely better traction in the inclement weather we typically have here in the Queen City.
My GTI came stock with 17″ Longbeach wheels and low-profile tires, which combined with my 200hp/195lb-ft of torque VR6 makes for some fun winter driving, to say the least. I may be springing for a set soon so I can roll “winter mode” stylz. lol
This is Tirerack’s preferred package for my 2003 GTI VR6. Yours may vary, so head on over to their site and check it out.
The White Death Approaches
December 7, 2006 – 10:41 am by Dan Volkens
My GTI also has non-winter friendly, 18″ “summer” tires. Any idea of how they might function (or not function) in the snow?
Would it be wise not even to attempt driving, even in a light dusting? (BTW: I don’t live in snow-specific region, but we occasionally get a dusting or so.)
Hey Patrick, more likely than not you’re going to find it pretty difficult to drive in anything more than a very light dusting, say 1/2″ or more. You shouldn’t have any problems if there’s barely a covering on the streets, but anything more than that and you’ll prolly be sliding a bit.
Some people don’t have too many problems, and steelies/snow tires aren’t the be-all end-all to the situation, but they would be far better than your stockies.
Given your location doesn’t it get it very often, it may not justify the cost for you, but we get it just enough here in Cincy.
Sounds about right.
My previous car was an all-wheel-drive Subaru wagon — basically one of the best cars on the market for snow driving. So I’ve got the experience, but without the treads I guess that doesn’t mean much.
Of course, this would give me the perfect opportunity to work from home…
Thanks for the advice!