Lotus99

So on our wagon, which pretty much now sees 90% highway use, I've put on about 5,000 km's / 3,000 miles this winter, and it used up about 2/32 tread on the snow tires.

They now have about 5/32 tread left on them. TireRack says snows are not much use below 6/32 tread.

In which case, if I take them off now, based on my current usage, they're a bit too low already for next winter, and even worse as it progresses.

Keep in mind that I'm on the West Coast, so at least we don't get a ton of snow, though this car's mainly used in the winter to drive to the mountains, so it sees a bit of snow and slush, but not every weekend as the road's generally in good shape and clear.

Would you take them off now and use them one more season, or just drive them down to 2/32 now, and then switch to summers, and put on a new winter set next year?

If snow-covered roads are a concern, u should replace your tires when they reach 6/32" tread depth

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constant

I'm in the same boat as you. I've decided to drive them down and replace my winters next season. We just got about 1" of freezing rain this morning that accumulated fast, and I felt the front end get really floaty/understeer on a 45mph sweeper. The Subaru behind me w/ stock wheels (probably on OE all-seasons) stayed planted. Put a fork in them, they're done.

constant

What do you run for winters? I currently have the Gislaved Nordfrost 5, thinking of switching back to Nokian Haakapelittas next year. I've run Blizzaks (car and SUV versions) and Michelin Arctic Alpins too, but unimpressed with those compared to Nokian or Gislaved.

Lotus99

They're Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3 DSST Run Flats in 17". I bought them off my dad (he used to have a 535 xi sedan), but when they're done, I'll be switching to non run flats.


Out here, we don't get any snow in the city other than a few days, but we drive to the mountains on the weekends to ski and the highway's usually pretty clean, so I don't need a full blown snow tire (which those last two brands are, AFAIK), and I'm thinking of getting a performance snow tire again.


The more I think about it, I think I'll just take them off and run them for one more season, since I only put about 3000 miles a winter on the snows.

JayArras

I think you've got your answer right there! Wear those run-flat suckers down to the bone and then be rid of them! Then get yourself a set of REAL tires for next winter.

I think you'll be so much happier with non-run-flats. Plus, you never want to take a chance with your safety. The weather has been very unpredictable these last few years with records being shattered left and right. With your luck, you'll see more than one blizzard next year!

You asked for advice, but alas, the choice is really up to you.

Lotus99

=) Yeah, I know. If money wasn't an issue, I'd wear them out now! But I could put off the $1000 cost for another year and a half roughly, if I can justify leaving them for one more season.

To be totally safe, as you say, I should get rid of them now, as 6/32 is probably the lowest you want for lots of good traction.

But I read this one Auto Association's webpage, that said: "At the start of winter, experts recommend a minimum of 5-6/32 of an inch." and it got me thinking of putting it off one more year...

Automobile Protection Association | Winter Tire Recommendations for 2013 - 2014

JayArras

Another way to look at it is to shop NOW for some used snows. This is probably the best time of year for some bargains, since you'll have to keep them all summer. There's always someone out there who either (1) is selling their E60, (2) has moved to a warmer climate or (3) just wants new tires/rims.

I picked up a complete package of one-season old Blizzaks on 1 year-old wheels for $500 last April due to # (1). I'm looking for the same deal right now for my wife's '13 Nissan Pathfinder.

Lotus99

ooohhhh, very smart!

Justify an upgrade to 18's from 17's, hey?

Then ditch my wheels once I've worn down the snows? That's the only PITA part.

Ideally, I could find snows in 17's that fit my rims, but the above plan could be a good one!

JayArras

NOW you're thinking!

Lotus99

So if you come across any 225/50R17 or 235/45R17 (I figure they should fit too) snow tires, let me know!

PS Where would you look? Classifieds here and other forums?