MEGAREDS

Is anyone in Chicagoland putting snow tires on their 8? I forgot to figure winter tires into my cost calculations. With my titanium gray scheduled to be delivered before Halloween, I'd like to hear about how you guys are planning on handling the weather change.

SethMcMichael

I dont know about anyone else but i am praying it dosent snow taht much. Those are my plans atleast untell i get some money. Sales tax is what got me.

oldguy

I figure that the Kazera KZ-V rims and Blizzak LM-22s that cost $1,250 (no tax on line) from Tire Rack will save in the long run compared to de-mounting and re-mounting tires on the stock rims over the next 3 years. It also let me go down to 17" wheels and 225 width tires which should help with winter handling. Cleveland winters are pretty similar to Chicago and I'm pretty sure from the comments I've read that this combo will be good.

MEGAREDS

What about the pressure sensors?

Myah

I was inquiring about that at both the dealership and the local tire shops... My dealership is next to clueless about the tire sensors (surprise, surprise) However, after talking with Bell Tire and Discount tire (the two biggest tire places here in MI) it appears that you have 2 choices both with different cost ramifications: Run through the winter without your pressure sensors and get used to that idiot light on your dash (which is fine with me), or get that sensor out of your current wheel / tire setup and into the winter one... repeat for summer again. I think the later of the two is going to be very costly... There is a middle of the road approach if you're just itching to know the pressure is alright in your tires through the winter... You can pay extra for a new set of monitors to be put into your snow package but I did not inquire any further into the complexities... I suspect when you put a new sensor in the car, you'll have to go through that reprogramming process in your manual to recalibrate the signal from the new sensor to the existing ECM... Then repeat every time you switch back and forth...

Bottom line, the guys around here at the tire shops say that people with tire pressure sensors in their Vette's and whatnot that drive through the winter just deal with the light on for the few months and then bolt their originals back up when the weather gets better...

Myah

MEGAREDS

I agree with everything in your post, Myah, including that the dealerships don't know anything about this issue.

I did read how to set the pressure sensors in one of the other posts, and it doesn't seem hard... I think you just install the new sensors to the rim (or tire, don't remember which), have the tires put on the rims, disconnect the car battery for 15 minutes, then drive on the tires at 15mph or so for several minutes... something like that. There is a technical bulletin on this. The sensors then transmit radio signals to the dash monitoring system.

My "problem" is that I have a dying Civic, which I could drive in the winter months. My fear is that I won't show the proper self control, take the RX-8 out when I shouldn't and then get into trouble on ice that I'm not expecting. The weather here changes on a dime.

jonalan

Just received my Kazera KZ-Vs (painted grey) and Dunlop M3s yesterday. The wheels look even cooler in person.

I went without the sensors as it would have cost an additional $400. I'll deal with the idiot light for 3/4 months.

I can't wait to put the new wheels/tires on. They look great standing up next to the car. And it looks like I may be doing that over the weekend. They're calling for snow flurries in St Louis on Monday.

Myah

Where did you get them, what size, and what was the total out the door cost if you don't mind me asking? I'm still kicking around different options. Doesn't look like it will actually snow (accumulate) for a few more weeks here in lower Michigan.

Thanks,

Myah

oldguy

I got the same rims with Blizzak LM-22's on 17" rims from Tire Rack for $1,275 delivered, mounted and balanced. The grey color is a great match with the car and should look cool when I put them on next week. The Dunlop M3's were my first choice but were not available when I was ready to order.

Myah

Thanks for the info. I'm looking at something similar (MY 8 is also Titanium, and I think they look really nice with the gunmetal wheels).

Myah

jet987

Anyone consider 17" all-seasons instead of a dedicated winter tire for Chicago? Snow removal here is pretty good, roads are usuallly clear around dowtown Chicago, so I'm thinking all-seasons would be a good choice for wear and all-around traction, any opinions/comments? I'm in the Bucktown neighborhood.

MEGAREDS

If it's not too much trouble, guys, please post pics of your wheels on the car!