Complete Snow Tire Novice - Couple Of Basic Questions

[Argelius]

I live in Chicago and have always gotten away with the factory all-season tires in the multitude of cars I've owned, so I've never purchased snow tires.

But, my GS450h absolutely s*cks in the snow (I keep getting stuck getting out of my garage and the alley).

At this point I'm not looking for specific tire recommendations (I can certainly research that on my own). I just have some "big picture" questions:

[1] If I buy just tires, I would take the car in (to dealer or elsewhere) every ~ November and May to have the tires swapped out, balanced, etc?

[2] I've read that many recommend buying a set of tires and rims so that the above process is easier/quicker but at a considerable cost.

[3] Can you get away with just buying snow tires +/- rims for the rear?

[4] For either option, where does one store their tires/rims (I don't really have room in my garage and they wouldn't fit in my trunk or backseat when I needed to take them in anyway). I assume some dealers will store them for a fee?

Thanks for educating me. It's either snow tires or a new AWD car (and my threshold for getting/wanting a new car is pretty low to begin with...)

[steviej]

1. Once the wheel/tire set up has been balanced they usually don't need balancing each year unless you have hit a pot hole, lost a weight, etc. This is usually made evident by vibration. However, most tire dealerships offer lifetime balance and winter tire swapping with the purchase of a set of tires. You have to read the fine print and all requirement for those packages as this does not usually apply to dismounting one tire and mounting another on the same rim. This usually means having the winter set on a set of separate rims. Again, consult you selected tire dealership for specific details that they may or may not offer.

2. Of course having a second set of dedicated winter rims/tires is easier. This will also involve the purchase of a second set of TPMS sensors (unless you want to face a winter of the TPMS warning light constantly lit up. In the long run, it is worth the purchase. Personally, this is the route that I took.

3. Definately not recomended. It is best to have the same tread and traction on all four corners regardless if you are 2WD or 4WD.

4. I have never heard of a car or tire dealership storing wheels and tires for a fee, but that doesn't mean it does not exist. I keep mine up in the rafters or my garage. If you have a finished ceiling in your garage then this would not be an option. This device might be a wise investment.

I refer you to www.tirerack.com for any further information you may need regarding a dedicated set of winter tires. Personally, it was the best decision I made in regards to the purchase of my GS. I just got close to 18" of snow and slush over the past two days and the car didn't skid, slip or skip a beat.

steviej

[Argelius]

Thanks, for your detail response. Totally appreciate it...

[John Stanley]

Sorry to be so slow in replying --- I have a 2006 GS300 RWD, equipped with Dunlop Graspics here in Ontario Canada. Using the "Snow Mode" button, I haven't been stuck (yet.) They are also quiet.

Stan Cox