Winter wheels/tires went on today. I've always driven on Blizzaks. I forgot just how squishy and squirmy the Blizzaks are; but I'm okay with that knowing the car is better prepared to handle whatever winter precipitation it might be faced with. I'll again have the opportunity to experience the harsh lake effect snow conditions several times while visiting northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, and the UP of Michigan. ...let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!
Blizzaks would be great if they retained their initial characteristics for more than a season and some change. I lean more towards winter performance tires now. They're adequate for severe conditions and very competent for the stuff metro area folks are mostly likely to see the vast majority of the time. Much less squishy. UP is a special place though. I'd be happier if I had blizzaks there...
I will rock my summer setup through the first few snow falls like usual, then back to my Nokians for their 6-7th season of awesome
Switched out my summer rubber with WS70's and Momo Winter rims last weekend. Spent about an hour or so cleaning and waxing them before throwing them on the car. All ready for the coming of an Indian summer, lolz.
basement laundry room in 6mil poly bags http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=37
I read an article that suggests you clean them and place them in a plastic bag, example is a black contractor bag or something. Then force as much air out and tape up the bag. Store them in a climate controlled area such as your basement so they will see less temperature fluctuation. This is how I'm going to go about it this year.
^This is good advice. They can dry (and millions of tiny cracks that lead to tire failure) rot in a cold garage.
I don't bag mine, but they do get cleaned and stored in the basement. I don't think you will notice much of a difference with your dd summer tires by not keeping them in bags, but you definitely want to keep them from freezing. Most say the bane of high performance tires is heat cycling. The more heat cycles, the less the rubber in the tire works. Freezing them is a big no-no. That's why most of us have already switched to winter tires, once the temps start dropping below freezing, into the basement they go. Most performance winter tires have dual compounds. The "sticky" rubber is available from new to about 6-7/32". They then become closer to an all season tirefor the rest of their life. I believe these also have multiple wear bars to check verify where you are in the life of the tire. Be aware if buying used performance snow tires, check the tread depth and make sure there is enough to justify the cost.
Huh, I've always kept both summer and winter tires bagged and stored in the garage. I have never noticed any cracking of the rubber. When I switch them out I just clean and wax the rims, throw a bag around each tire, and stack them in the corner. I'm even kicking around the idea of buying a tire rack next spring so I can get them off the garage floor.
The nerd that I am, I recently emailed Dunlop customer service what the proper way to store the stock 2013 wrx tires/wheels (Dunlop SP Sport 01 or whatever). This is the reply: Thanks for contacting our website. We recommend storing summer tires at temperatures above 40'. The best place to store tires is in a clean, dry, sunless area away from strong air currents. Even though the rubber used to make tires is formulated to resist effects of sunlight, ozone and water, the life of a tire can be extended if exposure of these elements is minimized during storage. Stack tires flat so that the bottom tire will maintain its shape Wrap each tire with an opaque polyethylene covering to minimize the effects of oxygen and ozone. Most Goodyear retailers have storage bags made specifically for this purpose If tires are being stored outdoors, they should be raised off the storage surface If tires are being stored while mounted on rims, they should be inflated to 10 psi If they are put in storage during warm weather, the initial inflation pressure should be about 15 psi to offset the pressure drop during cold weather months How Not To Store Your Tires Don't store tires in an area that is wet, oily or greasy Don't store tires where they are subject to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures Don't store tires near electric motors or other ozone-generating sources Don't store tires on black asphalt or other heat-absorbent surfaces Don't store tires on or adjacent to highly reflective surfaces such as sand or snow Barbara Consumer Relations
Interesting. I did not know about bleeding air out of the tires before storing them. As far as temps go, I will have to watch the temp gauge in the garage to see how cold it gets and maybe bring them in if it gets too low. Its usually much warmer than the outside temps. Thanks.
If I have all season tires do I need to stores them the same way as summer tires? Or should I just clean and bag them? I have no room in my house for them so they will stay in the garage.
bagging isn't the most important part, but i'm sure you have or could some garbage bags you could put them in. And the compound your tires are made of is likely less sensitive to temp changes since they are all seasons. My recommendation is to get them off the ground somehow (shelf, palate, etc).
Been storing them like that for the last 6 years I have been in this house. I always wear them out before I ever notice any cracking or anything like that. Russ
So i just got my blizzak ws70 on today, as expected they are pretty squishy. Ive been reading online and people have been increasing the psi a bit(35-38psi) . What do you guys have you tires psi set at and have you noticed any difference in terms of tire wear?
Discount tire for lunch to put the winter bites on. *************those guys rock*************bring it on
Putting the winters on tomorrow after the first snow fall, LOL! I've needed new winters for a while and just went to Discount Tire last night to buy some and I'll be picking them up tomorrow. The place was as busy as a bee hive. I've always kept my summers laid flat, stacked, wrapped, and in the garage with no issues. No room in my townhome for indoor storage.
I have mine set at 35-36 psi and they are still a little squishy. They really don't shine on dry pavement but as the temp drops and we get some snow pack the tires handle very well. This was my experience with them last year. I also think it has to do with you transitioning from street to snows, you are so used to the firm sidewall from your summers that no matter what you do the winter tires will feel squishy.
I also installed mines tonight. It was really last minute @ 6 when the forecast claimed the snow fall was going to start.
I actually took one of mine off tonight Only problem I have with uneven wear or compromised handling is when there is no snow
