HotBrothers

iTrader: (1)

Hi, I am posting another thread here... but
I am deciding whether to get a mid-quality tires or cheap tires+winter tires combination.

I am in CA now but will be moving to Michigan, and I heard it snows like crazy there, and the RX8 will be driven like crazy on snows.

I want to hear you guys opinion about choosing between Falken ZE-912 or Falken 502+Winter tires combination...


I know not driving a car is the best solution on snow, but just in case of emergency.

It's gonna cost around $630 to get 4 ZE-912's to be installed,
and $487 for ZE-502, that's about $140 difference. And I can add that difference to purchase winter tires in the winter time.

What would you guys recommend?

NotAPreppie

How are your current tires? Do you really need to get a set of tires right now?

The 912's will not be adequate for Michigan winters. I always recommend using the right tool for the job so I definitely advise you to get a set of dedicated snow tires on a second set of rims. I've seen cheap-*** wheels on Discount Tire Direct for $100 each and Hankook Icebear W300's for $130 each. That's under $1000 for traction head and shoulder above what ANY "All-season" ("three-season") tire will provide.

Whether or not you should buy the 502's will depend on what condition your current tires are in. Just don't expect an "all-season" to keep you out of a ditch in the winter.

Agent XY

iTrader: (1)

You will definitely need snow/ice tires. If the snow is too deep it isn't going to matter because the front of the 8 just turns into a plow and you get stuck everywhere. If they plow your roads though you shouldn't have that much of an issue.

If you are going to get wheels as well you might as well move down to 17". Lighter, cheaper tires, cheaper to buy etc etc etc.

You might want to check some of the forums. I bought by winter tires here from another user and couldn't be happier.

HotBrothers

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the advice. My tires are really worn now and needs to be changed very soon.
I will just go with ZE-912 and buy another winter tires for the winter...
will I be needing snow chains as well? if you have experienced living in snow areas....

NotAPreppie

Honestly, California is the only place I've ever seen chains used (childhood memories of trips from Irvine to Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead and Yosemite). Almost everywhere else outlaws them because they are prone to failure and tear up the roads. The point of chains is to allow people with summer tires to survive trips up/down the mountain. Chains are a temporary traction solution (a few days, maybe a week or two) that aren't meant for use over an entire season.

Check with the state, county and local government where you are going to live to see whether studded tires are even allowed. If not, just get non-studded snow tires.

Also, since we're on the subject, get a real winter coat when you get out there. The coats that Californians think are great for skiing and snowboarding will suck for every-day use in a Michigan winter.