Getting snow tires tomorrow

"Nibbles" (nibbles) 11/25/2014 at 15:00 • Filed to: Don't read this drivel

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Father in law insisted we have snow tires before heading to Nebraska tomorrow afternoon. Why his insistence dictates the purchases on my car I have no idea but here we are anyway. (Yes they were going to be purchased but I was hoping in a less haphazard fashion)

Anyhow I'm apparently getting the last four snow tires in stock in the entirety of Denver. Blizzak WS80 (their new model which, according to !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , is p awesome I guess, I've never done snow tires before and have always been fine but this S40 is kinda quirky and likes to get tail-happy despite its front-bias AWD but whatever it gives me time to save up for some ST or Pegasus wheels to wrap the summers on so that's okay), mounting, balance and what the fuck is this? A TPMS sensor rebuild kit? Is that even necessary, I mean, is that really a thing?

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Brian Silvestro > Nibbles 11/25/2014 at 15:03

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I got WS80s for my car, the dealer kept asking how I got a hold of them. They're apparently very popular and sought after.

Nibbles > Brian Silvestro 11/25/2014 at 15:04

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Good to know!

Racescort666 > Nibbles 11/25/2014 at 15:13

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Snow tires are absolutely worth it. In fact, I'm getting my snows put on today as well. Also, yes, the reviews on tire rack are very important when considering new rubber.

Nibbles > Racescort666 11/25/2014 at 15:15

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But what about these TPMS rebuild kits?

Racescort666 > Nibbles 11/25/2014 at 15:22

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is this a tire shop saying you need it or tire rack? Replacing tires is regular maintenance and it seems dubious to me that there would need a rebuild kit while replacing the tire. That being said, I had to get a TPMS sensor "rebuilt" recently so it doesn't strike me as something completely made up to shake you down for money. If it's the shop that's saying you need it ask to see the parts in the kit, or at least have then tell you what it consists of. If it's tire rack, call their customer support, they are usually very helpful.

Also, I read the tire rack link after I posted my comment and I will add this: the last few years, the Michelin IceX tires have been the number 1 tire, these Bridgestone tires look like they're better. I absolutely 100% tire rack's own testing on tires, if they say it's the best, it is. Unfortunately (or fortunately I guess) they only test tires they carry. My guess is that Nokian Hakkas are probably still better but they're expensive and hard to get.

bradleyjames518 > Nibbles 11/25/2014 at 15:23

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Yes, they are sort of a gimmick 9/10 of the time...But like valve stem replacements, it is a cheap insurance against a leak. The kit replaces the valve core and seal for the tpms sensor.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > Nibbles 11/25/2014 at 15:28

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Spend the extra 200 and grab steelies to put them on and forget the tpms monitors, just check your tires weekly.

Nibbles > Racescort666 11/25/2014 at 15:34

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It's the shop (Discount). They invoiced it for an extra fee but, if it's not needed, I could probably get it written back off.

Nibbles > Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. 11/25/2014 at 15:35

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Considered that but we're getting fancier wheels anyway in the spring. Also a warning light on the dash, no matter what it is for, bugs me to HIGH HELL.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > Nibbles 11/25/2014 at 15:40

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It doesn't really bug me, infact it only seems to check the tires after I hit a bumpy section of road.

Nibbles > Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. 11/25/2014 at 15:46

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I have tendencies

My '87 Saab came factory with an upshift light. Somewhere along the way it "stopped working" before I bought the car. It flashes at me. When I'm not on the gas? It'll flash. When I'm in neutral? It'll flash. Just a quick one to grab my attention saying "Hey. Hey guy. Something is potentially wrong here. You should fix me, guy."

So now I'm building a new management system

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Nibbles 11/25/2014 at 15:46

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I recently got a set of WS80s put on my FR-S. This has been my first experience with snow tires as well, being an Arizona native transplanted to Illinois. The tires work fantastic in the snow; especially on a tail happy car like the FR-S! The initial sensation of driving them on a dry road was kind of weird, they are very... squishy?.. I think that's the right word to describe it, but basically it just felt like there was a bit more play in the tires. I adjusted to it pretty quick.

I had the same reaction to the tpms rebuild kit, but wasn't in the mood to argue or make a fuss because I was hungry that day and my friends were waiting outside to go get Korean BBQ while the car was worked on. haha I'm going to look into it a bit more so I'm in a more informed position when I get the tires swapped next time.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Brian Silvestro 11/25/2014 at 15:47

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Woo, tire buddies! High five, bro!

Racescort666 > Nibbles 11/25/2014 at 15:52

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I don't know enough about your car to know if it's needed. It could be a battery replacement or a valve stem rebuild. Or it could be something that's unnecessary. Valve stems only need to be replaced if they are leaking or if you can tell that the threads have started to wear out. If it's a battery, I'd just do it since TPMS can become a huge pain in the ass if it's not working right.

Nibbles > Racescort666 11/25/2014 at 15:53

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True dat, true dat