Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Lowe
I'm in the same boat, I still think it'd be best to get a second set of cheapy wheels in the smallest size that'd fit over the brakes. That way you're not fussed about damaging your nice summer wheels with the odd encounter with a curb or messing up the finish by getting them covered in all the salt/crap they get covered in when the weather's really bad.
Also that way you have a set of temporary wheels and tyres to run round on if you send the wheels of to be refurbed ect
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That's what I did. I got a set of 16" bmw e90 rims, second hand, but they were mint. I found them on ebay, but called the seller as they were a sales/service garage in Leeds, went to see them and paid £130. He'd taken then as px of a new set of bigger rims and tyres.
You are better with a higher profile winter tyre, rather than super low profile that you'd have on a 19" rim, plus I wouldn't fancy paying for 19" winter tyres, tbh, but I would if I had to. 16" tyres are much cheaper than 19" though.
In europe, you see brand new cars running on black steel wheels in winter. I'm not saying that's what you need to run, but i'd always look at the smallest rims that you can run on the car. Just look at the sizes the base models run. also, there is normally a badge in the door well with tyre sizes and pressures on. That will tell you the size options you have.
Ignorer all the naysayers. They haven't bought them or used them, or are too tight. My families safety is far more important to me than saving a few quid. I'm very happy with mine, and will always have them on any cars we have, for the winter.