Ok, this wasn't getting much interest in the tire/wheel forum, so i figured i'd toss it here.

As many of you may have noticed, I have been hot on the hunt for a used s2000. I think that I may have finally found what I'm looking for as I have four different possibilities lined up right now.

Here's the catch: I live in austin texas, where I obviously have no need for snow tires. The problem is that I'm in ST. Louis until the 13th. The car that I'm thinking very seriously of purchasing is in Chicago; certainly no problem to zip up there and bring it back to st. louis. My only problem is the 3-9 inches of snow that just hit the area.

So my question is: what are some cheap snow tires that will get me safely home without killing my wallet. I only need them for less than two thousand miles, but i'd like to get a new car home in one piece! I suppose what I might do is buy the snow tires and ship my so2's home and then switch back and sell off the snow tires. Thanks!

 

That's a hard one, since you're going with relatively low-profile tires (in which it is quite hard to get sizes for low cost). If you change your tire size a bit (slight taller, for instance, and slightly narrower) you will not only get cheaper tires but also better snow traction (narrow tires are best). I would suggest trying to get 195/55-16 up front and 215/55-16 in the back though ideally it would be 195/60-15 in the front (hard size to get). Still, get OE sizes if need be (or mix them up a bit - it won't matter too much since you won't be barrelling along or anything....right? ).

I went with Aurora when I wanted a cheap snow tire - they worked fine, though the more expensive tires often work better at the expense of much faster tread wear. Just get any tire - if you take it easy, it shouldn't matter too much. I drove on Kumho Ecsta 712s in my last car in a few inches of snow. Scary, but not too bad (I'm used to the snow).

Tirerack has a few tires in those sizes for $100 or less - you should be able to get cheaper ones elsewhere, I would imagine (try a local tire shop or something). You should be able to get a set of Dunlops for under $100 each, and definitely a set of Kumhos. I'd say more like $60 each or so, based on Canadian prices. Good luck!

 

Just be patient, in two days the roads will be fine. Why waste your money on tires that you won't need including dimounting, mounting, and remounting.

 

I agree. They'll plow the roads quickly. A little patience will save you a lot of money. Also, drive SLOW no matter how tempted you are to give the car a little bit of acceleration. Black ice is BAD.

On the other hand....you could buy a lot of salt and drive 50 feet, put down salt, drive another 50 feet., put down more salt...etc.

 

Thanks guys! With more thought, i've decided that patience is a virtue.