DMV Winter Tire discussion

[flipb]

I've had my 2013 Model S (RWD) for seven years now, and most of those years I've swapped to a set of Pirelli Sottozero tires for the winter. I have them mounted and balanced on a spare set of wheels, so it's easy to do the changeover myself. I know that they theoretically grip cold surfaces better than all-seasons, but we've had very little snow/ice the past couple of winters and it makes me question whether it's worth it to make the swap.

Two potentially significant considerations this year:
1. The weather forecasting consensus seems to be for a snowy winter. If we have multiple snow events, that's probably enough to justify making the switch.
2. A few months ago I put new Vredestein Hypertrac UHP All-Season tires on. I'm very impressed with them so far -- good balance of grip, comfort, and quiet. I don't have a strong sense for how well they'll actually perform in winter weather.

I'm curious if others -- especially those with RWD cars -- have thought about this and have any practical experience to share. Are winter tires overkill in the DMV?

 

[Mr.S3XY]

It's important to realize that winter tires are less about snow and ice, but about ambient temps. I find my original "summer performance" tires get hard enough to "skip" in slow, tight turns in early morning. Afternoons, they seem fine. I have the AWD Plaid model, so that isn't a direct comparison. I'll say that if it snows, or gets too ugly out, then the Tesla will likely stay in the garage, and I'll take the 4x4 Tundra.

 

[Country Roads]

I’ve left all-seasons on my AWD S for the last six years and have done okay. Will occasionally slide a little but never ended up in a ditch. But I should share that we do swap snow tires onto my wife’s model 3 which we use to drive to Snowshoe for ski weekends.

 

[Country Roads]

Also, perhaps you all know this, but just in case… “chill” mode and low regen are your friends in winter driving conditions. Both reduce the risk of losing traction. You can set up a driving profile for yourself with these settings selected to make it easy.

 

[jthompson]

I have q 2012 P85, and I have a set of summer tires/wheels and winter tires/wheels (Pirelli Sottozero 3 tires). Even if it is not snowing or icing the roads up, having winter tires on still increases your traction over summer tires and all seasons when the road surface gets cold. In NoVA my experience is I normally put them on mid-late November and take them off by mid-March (of course depending on the temps!). Of course all seasons allow you to avoid having an extra set of wheels or changing tires from summer to winter, but all seasons are a compromise (always have been).

 

[DFibRL8R]

I no longer have my 2013 RWD S but still vividly recall losing all traction on the Dulles Greenway such that I could not get it to drive at very low speeds in an ice storm. Very bad feeling…
Ever since that incident I religiously changed to winter wheels/tires November to March and I still do for my 2020 RWD Model 3. I used Michelin X Ice for the S and the 3 with good results. I also have had a set of rear wheel chains for each vehicle just in case (have actually never needed to use them).
For my AWD Model Y, I have gone with Michelin Cross Climates which are three peak rated (better for winter driving than a typical all season) and have performed well for me without the hassle of keeping a second winter setup and swapping.
That said, for the heavy RWD S, I think sticking with a dedicated winter tire is your best bet. Bonus, you have a full-sized spare wheel/tire at home in case you get a flat to swap and get you to the tire shop

 

[flipb]

That said, for the heavy RWD S, I think sticking with a dedicated winter tire is your best bet. Bonus, you have a full-sized spare wheel/tire at home in case you get a flat to swap and get you to the tire shop

Funny you mention that... one of my new Vredesteins got a puncture and a slow-but-steady leak. That clinched the decision to put on the Sottozeros. The timing worked out too; yesterday seemed like the first really wintery day on the roads (and potential snow next weekend!). They are, however, way louder than the all-season Vredesteins.

 

[thyname]

For you folks in the DMV area, other the usual Costco or BJ’s, what tire shops do you use? I seldomly change tires in my cars, but it looks like I will have to do this more often with my MYP

 

[Mr.S3XY]

Anyone but Mr. Tire! I've found a great shop in the Elkridge, MD area... Albright Service Center. They've done a fantastic job with my old Audi S5. Seems many of the smaller shops are leery about touching Tesla wheels/tires.

 

[flipb]

For you folks in the DMV area, other the usual Costco or BJ’s, what tire shops do you use? I seldomly change tires in my cars, but it looks like I will have to do this more often with my MYP

Twice now -- my MS and my son's econobox -- I've bought from Tire Rack and chosen their mobile installer. The work is done at your home (or office) and both times it's been easy and very professional.

 

[jthompson]

Since 2012 I bought tires for my Tesla from Tire Rack. Have then delivered to your preferred installer (and apparently they now do mobile installs!).