Gti in snow

[NOeastmigrant]

First winter here in MN. Would winter tires be recommended or will I make it on all seasons? I'm just not really willing to spend the money if I don't need to. I work 1 mile from work and wouldn't be driving far for anything from downtown. The woman insists I need the tires though... Thoughts?

It's been fine in Ma. but idk what to expect out of this place.


Thanks

[MisdemeanorMatt]

As long as you have decent tread left on your a/s, aka not on their last season don't worry about it.

[Stephen]

if its a short drive id say you dont NEED them, but i will tell you that i only have a 15 min drive on roads less than 40 mph and im still going to get winter tires. ive heard it feels awesome. it really all depends on what mother nature wants to throw at us. last year was mild snow wise but two years ago it was intense for snow.

[SLK]

So far from my experiences, I have done alright without snows. But I highly recommend them. There have been a few "oh shit" moments. And I have been stuck a handful of times. But if you drive in downtown mostly, then you should be ok.

[Digital K]

snows are fantastic, but its a gamble every single season whether or not you'll need them.

[sprstu]

All it takes is one silly accident without snow tires to make you feel stupid for not spending a little money, search craigslist for a used set for a $150-250, use them for years. They make a HUGE difference.10s of 1000's of people crash for silly reasons in this state that could have been avoided by the use of snow tires. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor.

[John2.0T]

Definitely agree with the above. Scour the forums, here, Vortex, etc, for a mildly used set if you don't want to spend the coin.

Honestly, all it takes is ONE storm. I swear by winter tires and have no plans on going a season without them. They are an investment towards you and your car's safety. It sounds like you won't be putting serious miles on them, so they should definitely last 3-4 years at least.

[veedoubleme]

I also have an MK6 GTI — I run snow tires in the winter (205/55/16), and summer tires in the summer (225/40/18). All seasons suck in the summer and suck in the winter. They do pretty good spring/fall though. If you have the PZero Nero's that come on most GTI's, they are pretty poor in the snow. Some all seasons, like the Conti ExtremeContact DWS's do better. But the snow/ice traction you get with snow tires is a HUGE advantage.

Like sprstu said above, all it takes is one accident to make you feel stupid for not getting them.

The one thing that sucks for me and snow tires is the stage 2 power (APR tuning, intake, downpipe, intercooler) is basically useless. I can break them loose at 60mph in 3rd gear. Liberal use of my gas pedal and lack of snow last year burned through 1/2 my snow tires in 1 season.

[mikeyb6s4]

Yeah, short drive, you're ok. I average 50 miles/ day usually and with any kind of snow on the ground that sticks, they have definitely saved me more than once on heavy winters. Last year I could of done without them, just like everybody esle in the cities.

[maplesyrup]

Just buy an 86 nissan 4x4 truck for $500 and keep the gti safe indoors over the winter thats what im doing this year and ive already been having a ton of fun with my beater truck!

[The_Stig]

I drove for two winters on meaty all season in my E36 (rwd) and I got around fine. But the last two years when I had snow tires...it was a night and day difference. All seasons are probably fine, but snows are worth every penny.

[NOeastmigrant]

thanks for the advice. It's a close "commute" but I will start looking around for a used set. better safe than sorry

[JSalzl]

good choice, but don't panic if you don't find any you should be fine just take it easy

[oneunder]

thanks for the advice. It's a close "commute" but I will start looking around for a used set. better safe than sorry

I ran with the a/s for a long time. One winter I decided to invest in some snows and an extra set of rims to put them on. It was one of the better choices I have made.

General Altimax Arctics are what I ran. They are like velco to the snow and ice. And, as a plus, they are one of the cheaper snowies.

Also, it is usually accepted that skinnier tires do better in the snow.

[mimalmo]

Based on average insurance deductibles, avoiding just one accident a year often pays for winter tires.