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mcfloyd

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hello everyone,
I got my new GTI SE about a month ago and I have a couple questions since winter is coming quick (New England area). I want to protect both the interior and exterior of my car.

Rims: my buddy mentioned that I should get a set of steels to protect the original rims/tires. He told me that not only will the rims get messed up, but snow can get inside the cavities of the tires and cause all kinds of problems due to the unbalanced weight (knock them out of alignment, etc.)

Tires: the car came with All Seasons. I really don't want to get new tires for it (snow/studded) because I dropped pretty much all the money I had on it.

Roof Rack: I want a set of roof racks that are easy to put on and take off, has a locks, and flip up to accommodate snowboards/skis. I don't like the idea of those generic base bars.

It goes without saying that I would like to do all of this stuff myself to save on costs. Also any information on where I can get what I need for the cheapest prices would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
-mcfloyd
 
#3 ·
mcfloyd said:
.....
Rims: my buddy mentioned that I should get a set of steels to protect the original rims/tires. He told me that not only will the rims get messed up, but snow can get inside the cavities of the tires and cause all kinds of problems due to the unbalanced weight (knock them out of alignment, etc.)

Tires: the car came with All Seasons. I really don't want to get new tires for it (snow/studded) because I dropped pretty much all the money I had on it....
Click to expand...
Winter will not damage the wheels and you would only have a rare case of snow pack. It does not permanent damage.

The A/S tires VW uses OEM will be more than adequate for use in NW other than trips to the mountains.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
I am coming from a 1998 Toyota Camry. Just checked and surprised to see that the curb weight is the same on both cars (+-20lbs).
The Camry was fine in the snow with all season tires. I just have no idea how this car will handle yet.

I'm not really looking to buy another car right after I got this new GTI.
Maybe I will move, but not before this winter is over.

Do they even make roof racks that don't need to connect to a base bar? I don't see the point of getting a base bar if I'm only going to be using it for ski/board roof racks.
 
#6 ·
Choice costs - check the salvage yards for steel rims, even the the cheapest winter rubber will outdo the Pirrelli AS. If you are from NE I can guess the roads are rubbish before winter starts and by mid way through you will wish you were not on 18" rims. Missus and I will be squabbling over who takes the 99 Subaru (with cheap winter rubber) on crap daze. Good Luck to you
 
#7 ·
Snow Tires

Get good snow tires either on wheels or have a shop change them back and forth. You spent $25K+ on a nice new car, don't wreck it in order to save a few hundred dollars on tires. IMO, all season tires suck in all seasons. Get snows for the winter and performance tires for the summer.
 
#9 · (Edited)
Concerning the rims and tires,

Here in Quebec we're required to buy snow tires for our rides, but they do make quite a difference on the road vs all season/summer tires.

If you want to keep it really low cost, buy a set of 16" steel wheels from a salvage yard and get medium quality winter tires. You can run alloy rims in winter but they're most likely have a better chance of getting dinged and scratched due to ice chunks, rocks and salt.
 
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#13 ·
mcfloyd said:
I guess I don't really understand why larger tires are worse in the snow.
If anything I would expect them to perform better than my Camry.
Can someone explain this to me please?
Click to expand...
A number of variables involved. The depth of the snow, the weight of the car, how packed the snow or surface, after a few passes the snow is closer to ice or driving on a giant slurpy. You want the contact patch to get through the surface and get to the road. If you can't break through to road then as deep as you can and/or have rubber with a compound and properties to hang on as much as physics will allow. if is mostly slurpy conditions then tires that move water. Most decent snow tires are good in the wet. Packed to the point of ice is best dealt with by pray or bad language. If you live in areas where roads are plowed less frequently, buy a beater and winter rubber.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
Thanks for the information.

In this case I will plan on getting some steels for the winter to protect the rims/tires and use the all seasons.
I see little point in getting snow tires if it won't be much different from what I was used to with my old car (I'm not a moron and know how to drive in the snow, and nothing is going to help when it comes to black ice).

Anyone have some more information on the roof racks?
 
#15 · (Edited)
Blizzaks & Thule

I happened to have a set of Blizzaks from a rear drive BMW 545i that i just mounted to a set of new rims from the Tire Rack (clearance for $99 a piece)
Also, i am using my Thule rook rack from the BMW as well. When I had the windows tinted, i had my guy put for 'pads' of clear bra where the rook rack feet touch the actual roof. Will be taking them off for the winter soon...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mpowerd/15447385180/
 
#16 ·
mcfloyd said:
In this case I will plan on getting some steels for the winter to protect the rims/tires and use the all seasons.
Click to expand...
You would need 18" steel wheels that fit your tires, and swap them with the season. I don't think 18" steelies are common. Tirerack only has 16".

(I'm not a moron and know how to drive in the snow, and nothing is going to help when it comes to black ice).
Click to expand...
If you're an above average driver, which 80% of people claim to be, then you still have to worry about the bad drivers and being able to control your car in an emergency. After driving snow tires I was embarrassed that I ever resisted. You bought a $25000 car, might as well spend an extra $400 on the correct tires. Especially if you say you ski?

The OEM roof rack is my favorite, it's flush with the side of the car and meets your requirements.
 
#19 ·
Snow Tires

aaronman said:
You would need 18" steel wheels that fit your tires, and swap them with the season. I don't think 18" steelies are common. Tirerack only has 16".



If you're an above average driver, which 80% of people claim to be, then you still have to worry about the bad drivers and being able to control your car in an emergency. After driving snow tires I was embarrassed that I ever resisted. You bought a $25000 car, might as well spend an extra $400 on the correct tires. Especially if you say you ski?

The OEM roof rack is my favorite, it's flush with the side of the car and meets your requirements.
Click to expand...
Snow tires are a huge improvement over all season tires in all types of inclement winter conditions. They work on ice, as well as snow. I've had RWD BMWs for the past 16 or so years and I wouldn't even consider driving in winter without snow tires. Not to mention you can use high performance summer/rain tires the rest of the year. It's a win-win situation.

I plan to replace my 2003 BMW 325i with a GTI MkVII once the performance package becomes available ... which explains my presence on this forum.
 
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