when r u chainging to winter tires?
11-13-2005, 06:23 PM
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when r u chainging to winter tires?
hey midwest ppl
i just bought an rx8 recently and are loving it!
winter is coming soon, i checked the weather.com and it said that
there'll be light snow snowers next week
was just wondering around which time u guys are changing to ur winter tires?
im from west lafayette, IN btw
anyone ard here?
i just bought an rx8 recently and are loving it!
winter is coming soon, i checked the weather.com and it said that
there'll be light snow snowers next week
was just wondering around which time u guys are changing to ur winter tires?
im from west lafayette, IN btw
anyone ard here?
11-13-2005, 08:20 PM
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I changed mine yesterday.. Tomorow through Thurs has predictions of snow for us here in MN.
Just a reminder- if you do it yourself, be sure and check rotation direction PRIOR to putting all 4 new tires on (once again, I have to learn the hard way) ;-)
Just a reminder- if you do it yourself, be sure and check rotation direction PRIOR to putting all 4 new tires on (once again, I have to learn the hard way) ;-)
11-13-2005, 08:49 PM
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I'm in Indianapolis. 
From the looks of it, I'll need them on by Wednesday or so (just to be safe, anyways...). Hopefully I can get in to have the wheels swapped on soon.
From the looks of it, I'll need them on by Wednesday or so (just to be safe, anyways...). Hopefully I can get in to have the wheels swapped on soon.
11-13-2005, 09:08 PM
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yeah.. means ill have to change my tires around this week too..
im feeling kinda sad to have it change to fast.. since i only had the car for about a week!
btw, is it hard to change the tire by myself? or do you guys recommend going to the dealer to have it changed?
im feeling kinda sad to have it change to fast.. since i only had the car for about a week!
btw, is it hard to change the tire by myself? or do you guys recommend going to the dealer to have it changed?
11-13-2005, 09:16 PM
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Yikes! Thanks for the warning. I better throw mine on tomorrow!
If you are just swapping the rim/tires set on, it's not hard. If you are keeping your stock rims and changing the tires, better have a tire store or dealer change it. I think a place like discount tires would be cheaper than a dealer, though.
If you are just swapping the rim/tires set on, it's not hard. If you are keeping your stock rims and changing the tires, better have a tire store or dealer change it. I think a place like discount tires would be cheaper than a dealer, though.
11-13-2005, 09:35 PM
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I'm from chicago... i have mine on now. the light snow and the 8 normally are not a problem. but when it does come down and it gets icey it's real bad. I recomend the blizzex tires, thats what i have... not sure of the spelling but they are fantastic.
11-13-2005, 09:59 PM
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Woot:
I changed mine yesterday. I've got it down to 15 minutes a corner and, miracle of miracles, the skies opened up and it began pouring just as I finished the fourth wheel!
Like everything else, it's hardest the first time you do it. Took me a whole Saturday afternoon the first time, mostly because I didn't have the necessary tools. See this post for the long story. Changing wheels is pretty easy, but there are a few things you should know/keep in mind:
1. Have the right sockets! Winter wheels don't necessarily use the same socket as the OEM wheels. If you need sockets, go to an auto supply store, not Sears or a hardware store... the hardware store is not likely to have the correct sockets for the lugs that will also fit the breaker bar and torque wrench (see below).
2. Have the right tools. You definitely want a floor jack (as low as $40), a torque wrench (108 ft./lbs per lug - never more) and a "breaker bar," as well as a DIGITAL pressure gauge (so much better than the other kind!) Make sure that the torque wrench and the breaker bar accept the same sized sockets, and that the sockets fit the torque wrench and breaker bar.
3. Work on each corner at a time; I no longer think it is worth it to put the car up on jack stands just to change a wheel -- just be very sure you keep yourself from anywhere under the car, in case the jack fails. Be sure to carefully place the floor jack at the right points on the frame of the car (important!). Never use the torque wrench to break the lug loose (that's what the breaker bar is for).
4. Lower the car very slowly by slowly turning the screw on the floor jack very slowly. A very slow turn will lower the car gently; anything else, and it drops like a rock. Always block the wheels. Always be very careful lowering the car. Always tighten the wheels when the car is on the ground, not in the air.
5. Never wear clothes you need to keep clean. Wheels are filthy dirty.
6. The centering rings on the back of the wheels matter. They are usually set into the wheel, so you might not even notice them. Make sure they are lined up correctly, or the wheels won't go on snuggly. When you remove the wheels, make sure the centering rings come off with each wheel. You don't want to lose a centering ring.
7. Tires may be "directional," meaning that they must rotate in the right way. My OEM wheels are directional but, apparently, my Pirelli Snowsport 210 tires are not. Check the direction is correct before putting the wheel on!
8. You want to carefully note the position of the wheels and mark them before you store them so that you can put them on in the correct order when the season changes back.
9. Keep very careful track of your wheel lock key and the spare lugs. Remember to take your wheel lock with you when you take the car in for service, otherwise, the mechanic may not be able to remove the wheels.
10. Air pressure in tires is tricky. People on this forum seem to feel 32 psi for summer wheels, 36 psi for winter wheels -- that's what I use anyway. After the wheels are installed, but before driving, note the pressure. (Always check pressure when the wheels are cold). Then drive to a service station, add the air needed to get the desired pressure. Check the wheels a few hours after the car has been sitting to confirm that you've got it about right.
11. If your winter wheels have no Tire Pressure Sensors in them, stick a piece of black electrical tape on the dash to cover the blinking TPS warning light.
Good luck!
I changed mine yesterday. I've got it down to 15 minutes a corner and, miracle of miracles, the skies opened up and it began pouring just as I finished the fourth wheel!
Like everything else, it's hardest the first time you do it. Took me a whole Saturday afternoon the first time, mostly because I didn't have the necessary tools. See this post for the long story. Changing wheels is pretty easy, but there are a few things you should know/keep in mind:
1. Have the right sockets! Winter wheels don't necessarily use the same socket as the OEM wheels. If you need sockets, go to an auto supply store, not Sears or a hardware store... the hardware store is not likely to have the correct sockets for the lugs that will also fit the breaker bar and torque wrench (see below).
2. Have the right tools. You definitely want a floor jack (as low as $40), a torque wrench (108 ft./lbs per lug - never more) and a "breaker bar," as well as a DIGITAL pressure gauge (so much better than the other kind!) Make sure that the torque wrench and the breaker bar accept the same sized sockets, and that the sockets fit the torque wrench and breaker bar.
3. Work on each corner at a time; I no longer think it is worth it to put the car up on jack stands just to change a wheel -- just be very sure you keep yourself from anywhere under the car, in case the jack fails. Be sure to carefully place the floor jack at the right points on the frame of the car (important!). Never use the torque wrench to break the lug loose (that's what the breaker bar is for).
4. Lower the car very slowly by slowly turning the screw on the floor jack very slowly. A very slow turn will lower the car gently; anything else, and it drops like a rock. Always block the wheels. Always be very careful lowering the car. Always tighten the wheels when the car is on the ground, not in the air.
5. Never wear clothes you need to keep clean. Wheels are filthy dirty.
6. The centering rings on the back of the wheels matter. They are usually set into the wheel, so you might not even notice them. Make sure they are lined up correctly, or the wheels won't go on snuggly. When you remove the wheels, make sure the centering rings come off with each wheel. You don't want to lose a centering ring.
7. Tires may be "directional," meaning that they must rotate in the right way. My OEM wheels are directional but, apparently, my Pirelli Snowsport 210 tires are not. Check the direction is correct before putting the wheel on!
8. You want to carefully note the position of the wheels and mark them before you store them so that you can put them on in the correct order when the season changes back.
9. Keep very careful track of your wheel lock key and the spare lugs. Remember to take your wheel lock with you when you take the car in for service, otherwise, the mechanic may not be able to remove the wheels.
10. Air pressure in tires is tricky. People on this forum seem to feel 32 psi for summer wheels, 36 psi for winter wheels -- that's what I use anyway. After the wheels are installed, but before driving, note the pressure. (Always check pressure when the wheels are cold). Then drive to a service station, add the air needed to get the desired pressure. Check the wheels a few hours after the car has been sitting to confirm that you've got it about right.
11. If your winter wheels have no Tire Pressure Sensors in them, stick a piece of black electrical tape on the dash to cover the blinking TPS warning light.
Good luck!
Last edited by MEGAREDS; 11-13-2005 at 10:09 PM.
11-14-2005, 09:44 AM
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I look for the 10-day forecast to show consistent highs under 40F or serious threats of significant snow. We've been high 40s, 50s and even 60s so far in my part upstate NY so I just keep watching the forecast. I don't like them on too early, but I don't wait until the first blizzard like half the town that rushes the tire shops.
11-14-2005, 11:52 AM
#13
Originally Posted by Cool-Blue-Dad
I look for the 10-day forecast to show consistent highs under 40F or serious threats of significant snow. We've been high 40s, 50s and even 60s so far in my part upstate NY so I just keep watching the forecast. I don't like them on too early, but I don't wait until the first blizzard like half the town that rushes the tire shops.
11-14-2005, 01:21 PM
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Thanksgiving to Opening Day
As a rule of thumb, I'll have my winter tires on from Thanksgiving until the Cubs opening day. I thought the RX8 did very well in the snow last winter with the real winter tires.
11-14-2005, 02:29 PM
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Goh Mifune
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Originally Posted by Cool-Blue-Dad
I look for the 10-day forecast to show consistent highs under 40F or serious threats of significant snow. We've been high 40s, 50s and even 60s so far in my part upstate NY so I just keep watching the forecast. I don't like them on too early, but I don't wait until the first blizzard like half the town that rushes the tire shops.
11-14-2005, 05:29 PM
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wow thanks so much for the replies..
hopefully i can get the wheels changed latest by this weekend..
im still thinking of either changing it myself or going to a car service..
whatcha think?
hopefully i can get the wheels changed latest by this weekend..
im still thinking of either changing it myself or going to a car service..
whatcha think?
11-14-2005, 11:46 PM
#19
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I made an appointment for Wednesday morning to get my recall work done and have my winter tires mounted. I was going to wait as long as I could, but looks like we're due for some snow this week. Even rain-soaked streets at 40 degrees can be risky with our Potenzas- I was having some fun on the way home from work today kicking the tail out with very little throttle 
11-15-2005, 03:21 PM
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I'm in St. Louis and its barely rained here since...July. But it can snow or slush or ice at any time.
I did mine two weeks ago. The blizzaks have such a soft ride compared to stock that I decided not to wait. Although the steering goes from razor sharp to kind of like a 72 Buick Electra.
I'm a nerd and I did the whole job in just over an hour...so anyone can. But its true that its much easier this year than last year - I think it took three hours the first time.
I did f--- up a little, though. I thought about the fact that the blizzaks are directional, and then I ignored the arrows and just put the wheels on. Then a friend reminded me to check it out, and sure enough, I had two of them on backwards. I only drove about 110 miles that way. Took another 30 minutes to put them back on the right way.
My TPMS light stays on but doesn't blink, btw.
I did mine two weeks ago. The blizzaks have such a soft ride compared to stock that I decided not to wait. Although the steering goes from razor sharp to kind of like a 72 Buick Electra.
I'm a nerd and I did the whole job in just over an hour...so anyone can. But its true that its much easier this year than last year - I think it took three hours the first time.
I did f--- up a little, though. I thought about the fact that the blizzaks are directional, and then I ignored the arrows and just put the wheels on. Then a friend reminded me to check it out, and sure enough, I had two of them on backwards. I only drove about 110 miles that way. Took another 30 minutes to put them back on the right way.
My TPMS light stays on but doesn't blink, btw.
11-17-2005, 12:28 PM
#21
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I think it may be time for me as well after witnessing something horrible this morning! There's a section of road on my way to work that's always flooded (sewer overflow or something). Anyhow, overnight it must have turned into a solid sheet of ice, because there was a police car blocking the affected lanes, a bunch of salt thrown all over the road, and a red RX-8 (with OEM tires) with a crushed front fender on a flatbed truck 
. It had lost control on the ice and smashed into the median curb with enough force to break the concrete into many pieces. If I had left 20-30 minutes earlier, that could have been me!
. It had lost control on the ice and smashed into the median curb with enough force to break the concrete into many pieces. If I had left 20-30 minutes earlier, that could have been me!
11-17-2005, 04:50 PM
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changed my tires to winter tires today! im not too worried about snow now.. thanks ppl for all the advice, esp megareds, ur tips are useful!
rx8 buckeye- lucky it's not u that got into the accident.. careful as snow is coming soon.. it was raining ice/snow here in IN yest.. really cold.. sucks
rx8 buckeye- lucky it's not u that got into the accident.. careful as snow is coming soon.. it was raining ice/snow here in IN yest.. really cold.. sucks
11-18-2005, 12:06 AM
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Decided to try and beat the best time posted here for swapping from summer to winter wheels, 2nd big mistake..... The 1st one was taking my winter wheels to Discount tire to have the TPMS installed. 3 out of 4 valves leaked and I found that out as I was installing the 2nd wheel, looks like they just stuffed them into the wheel and didn't lube the rubber or check the seal. Three hours later and I am now experienced at sealing TMPS valves in aftermarket wheels without removing the tires (not a skill I really wanted to pickup). I'm now thinking that maybe the annoying TPMS light in the dash that I hated last winter wasn't really so bad.....
11-20-2005, 07:09 PM
#24
.:. causing mischief
sowwy to hear that virtual ... in a similar situation, i am now an expert at removing a locking lug nut without using the key. seems those pos locks/keys are not made of a great metal. the lug nut was starting to strip, so i had to stop using the key to try and save the integrity of the key as much as possible.
funny thing is, i put the lugs on when i painted the calipers. i am not a big person (5'2") so i cant believe how tight that one was. very disappointed in the fact that the metal of the nut was actually twisting (like a screw before it strips).
funny thing is, i put the lugs on when i painted the calipers. i am not a big person (5'2") so i cant believe how tight that one was. very disappointed in the fact that the metal of the nut was actually twisting (like a screw before it strips).
11-20-2005, 07:09 PM
#25
.:. causing mischief
virtual, sending you a pm about joining our chicago area group!!
and anyone else in the chicago area who is interested, please pm me and ill sign you up!
and anyone else in the chicago area who is interested, please pm me and ill sign you up!
Last edited by RedSheDevil; 11-20-2005 at 07:12 PM. Reason: added stuff ...
