I have been curious: Why do most people change their rims during the winter, instead of just their tires? Is there any real reason, besides trying to avoid rocks coming up and chipping the stock rims, etc?

If that's the only reason, I'm not going to buy them. Thanks for the responses

 

Probably because of the cost to have the tire store install the snow tires in the fall, then install the regular tires in the spring. Multiply by a few years and you could have bought an extra set of wheels and done it yourself. Or the possibility of a late cold snap when you thought winter was over. Or the inconvenience of having to lug your spare tires to the tire store and back.

Then again, I don't live in Damnyankeeland, so this is all conjecture. What is this..."snow"...you speak of?

 

Wet stuff, white in color........looks a lot like Dandruff, but tastes better.

Thanks for the answer. To mount tires on rims only costs about 30 bucks around me, and I plan to keep the Dunlop M3's I'm buying tomorrow on until I'm sure it's not going to snow anymore.

 

usually so that you dont suffer damage to the finish on your premium wheels during the winter season. salt, sand, general cold weather are all factors that can lead to damaging and diminishing the finish on your wheels. chrome is especially susceptable to these things. plus, as bvb stated, it makes it easier on the pocket (one moderatly large expense compared to multiple medium expenses over the years) as well as time involved. plus the fact that its a do it yourself project to change wheels, whereas you need specialized equipment to change tires.

 

There's also the wear and tear on your rims everytime tires are unmounted and then remounted on them (not to mention the tires themselves) It is a sizable cost up front, but it was well worth it in my opinion.

 

Remember the resale value of a set of rims too

 

I went to 17" rims with narrower snows....better traction and cheaper tires

 

Along with the previous replies, its also more convenient and better for the tires. The snow tires will wear down significantly faster when driving them on dry roads. If you mount them yourself, you can essentially wait until the last minute to put on the snow tires.

Usually around this time of the year, shops are pretty busy, so you'll have to schedule an appt to get them mounted. By doing this, you may be driving on your snow tires for weeks without actually needing them.

Just another thing to consider.

Oh, and the price. For a set of 18" snow tires, you're looking around $200 a piece (plus shipping). I got a set of 17" wheels and snow tires mounted and shipped for @ $1000. Thats only $200 more than buying just the 18" snow tires.

 

I think the most important thing is the corrosion to the inside edge of the rim, with all the salt sprinkled on the roads, after a few years it makes the rim lose air. I have a set of rims that couldn't be fixed and are sitting in my garage cause they keep losing air. Hence I went with a set of 17" also for cheap

 

uhhh good excuse to buy a different set of wheels?

basically, between 18" winter tires and 17" wheels AND tires
1. price is comparable (about $200 more for 17" package)
2. save cost of mounting tires twice a year
3. save rims and tires from damage of mounting twice a year
4. 17" tires are better for snow
5. new wheels allow you to get narrow tires, also better for snow
6. more time you get to spend with your car changing the tires as opposed to leaving your car somewhere with someone else to have them do it (this was a legitimate reason for me, sick, I know)
7. avoid the foul weather effects salt/cold weather might have on your wheels
8. ultimate control over when you make the switch from winter/summer
9. usually no TPMS if you get 17" package (though you can pay extra for these if you wish)

essentially, the only thing against a 17" package is about $200 (that you probably save in mounting charges) and no TPMS sensors (unless you want to spend extra money). meh

 

I just went through this getting my new tires mounted... I had perfect new rims and now.....

 

I just had a set of snow tires installed on the standard rims, and 3 of the rims were 'damaged' very lightly, just chips from the process. I'm a little annoyed, I'm sure they could have been more careful, but hey, they are pushing out huge volumes of cars.

Then I curbed the back right rim trying to parallel park :'(

I'm already resigned to the fact that when I return the 8 for the lease that the dealer is going to make a noise. Guess I'll just brace for the impact when it eventually goes back, and until then, just enjoy the car.

 

i do it for salt, traction(yea right) cracking rim if hitting a bump

 

sounds about right to me