Winter tyres - do I also need the spare wheel

[991ted]

Considering winter tyres and wondered if it's essential to buy the whole wheel/tyre set
Mainly as they don't stock my alloy for winter and cost.
Word from the wise?
Thanks

[David Hype]

If you can afford a second set of both wheels and tyres do it!

Buy a good quality after market set (OZ, BBS or similar) and you cant go wrong. I would also suggest that you also get some basic wheel/tyre bags from Demon Tweeks or the like for the redundant set...

Happy days

[981Greg]

I say go for a the wheel/tyre combination. It's also worth considering having different wheel diameter/tyre profile for winter. Makes the winter tyres a bit more compliant.

A rack and possibly bags are also worth considering - if you don't opt to have them stored by your friendly local OPC.

[Orangecurry]

991ted said:

Considering winter tyres and wondered if it's essential to buy the whole wheel/tyre set
Mainly as they don't stock my alloy for winter and cost.
Word from the wise?
Thanks

Buy an 'undesireable' 2nd-hand wheelset from ebay, say one inch less than your summers, and fit the new winter tyres of your choice.

ETA I also decided to get run-flat winters, as I'd rather NOT have to get out of the car in winter to change/inflate a tyre if conditions/traffic are in any way dangerous, for me or MrsOC.

Edited by Orangecurry on Wednesday 31st December 09:53

[mrdemon]

the 911 does not come with a spare wheel !

[GC8]

Orangecurry said:

991ted said:

Considering winter tyres and wondered if it's essential to buy the whole wheel/tyre set
Mainly as they don't stock my alloy for winter and cost.
Word from the wise?
Thanks

Buy an 'undesireable' 2nd-hand wheelset from ebay, say one inch less than your summers, and fit the new winter tyres of your choice.

ETA I also decided to get run-flat winters, as I'd rather NOT have to get out of the car in winter to change/inflate a tyre if conditions/traffic are in any way dangerous, for me or MrsOC.

Treating the tyres might be a better solution.

[Ady128]

I wouldn't bother at all. We've managed for years without winter tyres.

[GC8]

That isn't great advice.

[Orangecurry]

GC8 said:

Treating the tyres might be a better solution.

Treating them to what? A slap-up dinner for five?

[GC8]

You pour a gloopy stuff in and it seals punctures as they occur. I first came across it when my fathers Range Rover was converted to LPG, as it was common to replace the spare with a gas tank, and I have been enthusiastic about it ever since.

[Orangecurry]

That gloop can lead to imbalance in the wheel, which matters more on a sports car. Also can be tricky to clean-off for the tyre-fitter, if they bother.

[7and911]

GC8 said:

That isn't great advice.

Why not? I always managed without winter tyres for BMW Z4, Merc SLK and Audi TT. They all have low profile tyres and I live in Scotland. I just adjust my "driving style" in the winter..... This is my first winter with my 911 and I'm having no problem with "summer" tyres. But have to say I am not planning to drive the 911 in the snow...

[thegoose]

7and911 said:

Why not? I always managed without winter tyres for BMW Z4, Merc SLK and Audi TT. They all have low profile tyres and I live in Scotland. I just adjust my "driving style" in the winter..... This is my first winter with my 911 and I'm having no problem with "summer" tyres. But have to say I am not planning to drive the 911 in the snow...

Unless you've tried using any of those cars on a set of winter tyres in wintery conditions then you've not really seen the whole picture.

[m444ttb]

The old 'adjust your driving style' argument relies on everything being in your control, which it isn't. Winter tyres, like track day tyres, do their job really well. I'd never have a daily driver without them again although i won't be putting them on the 911. That can stay in the garage.

[Bumble SV]

m444ttb said:

The old 'adjust your driving style' argument relies on everything being in your control, which it isn't. Winter tyres, like track day tyres, do their job really well. I'd never have a daily driver without them again although i won't be putting them on the 911. That can stay in the garage.

Agreed entirely. +1