Hello! I have worn a set of winter tires in 2 1/2 winters and would like to get input from the community on the new ones.
First a report.
I am a skier in Seattle area and drive my 2018 M3P to ski resorts in Seattle area and also to British Columbia, Canada many times a year. I wanted a balance of road and snow performance and picked Michelin Pilot Alpine 4 which I put on the factory 20" wheels mid winter 18-19. The tires were awesome while new. Winter 19-20 they were still good but their performance during winter 20-21 was quite poor. Note that I estimate I drive around 7.5K miles every winter.
Now I am looking to buy dedicated winter wheels, in 18" or 19", in order to extend the range in winter, and also, as a secondary goal, to have better protection from potholes. It looks like Michelin PA4 are only available in stock for R19, and I would have to go with Pirelli Sottozero 3 if I want 18" wheels.
Any input on 19" with Michelin PA4 vs 18" with Pirelli Sottozero 3 in terms of lighter duty snow tires that perform well and help extend the range?
I'd also appreciate input on hub centric wheels for M3P with good balance of price ($300ish), weight (25lb or less) and strength (load rating 1800 or more) that are in stock. My quick googling (and a sense of visual harmony) led me to Tesla Wheels - Ohm Proton Rotary Forged Rims but they don't seem to be in stock much.
First a report.
I am a skier in Seattle area and drive my 2018 M3P to ski resorts in Seattle area and also to British Columbia, Canada many times a year. I wanted a balance of road and snow performance and picked Michelin Pilot Alpine 4 which I put on the factory 20" wheels mid winter 18-19. The tires were awesome while new. Winter 19-20 they were still good but their performance during winter 20-21 was quite poor. Note that I estimate I drive around 7.5K miles every winter.
Now I am looking to buy dedicated winter wheels, in 18" or 19", in order to extend the range in winter, and also, as a secondary goal, to have better protection from potholes. It looks like Michelin PA4 are only available in stock for R19, and I would have to go with Pirelli Sottozero 3 if I want 18" wheels.
Any input on 19" with Michelin PA4 vs 18" with Pirelli Sottozero 3 in terms of lighter duty snow tires that perform well and help extend the range?
I'd also appreciate input on hub centric wheels for M3P with good balance of price ($300ish), weight (25lb or less) and strength (load rating 1800 or more) that are in stock. My quick googling (and a sense of visual harmony) led me to Tesla Wheels - Ohm Proton Rotary Forged Rims but they don't seem to be in stock much.
