Hey folks, I searched the Model 3 forum, a few short threads, often market specific, curious if owners have more in depth experiences.
My general approach when I get a new car I intend to use in winter is this:
- buy an extra set of wheels + winter package + TPMS from tirerack
- replace all seasons/summer with winter in November, then change back in March (live in Seattle but frequently go skying).
This approach generally works great if I keep a car for at least 4-5 years (which I intend to), since it makes both the regular tires and winter tires last longer, so I replace the tires every 4-5 years. I swap the tires myself, so no extra cost. I get the benefit of the winter tires, which would perform better in cold even without snow and the cost is reasonable, as otherwise there would be extra wear on the regular all seasons anyway.
I don't care too much about looks or low profile, more about decent wet/cold performance, decent wear and road noise/comfort. I like Michelin, since they tend to be comfortable, quiet, good fuel economy and long thread life, especially for the winter versions, when compared to others. For the winter version I generally go an inch smaller in size than standard OEM since that works better in snow. So with that in mind I looked at the winter package options as I just placed an order for a Model 3 LR+.
When I looked at TireRack though, there were a few things that kind of surprised me:
1. There is no 17" option for wheels (I will get the 18"). Has anyone tried 17" for their winter setups for Model 3? I get they might not fit, curious though if anyone investigated.
2. The TPMS option offered by TireRack was like $380. This is insanely pricey, as you can get the sensors for <$100 on Amazon. Anything special about the Tesla TPMS? Or is it just that TireRack is gauging Tesla owners?
I am replacing an Audi A4 quattro which worked great with the setup above with a Model 3 I just ordered. Words of wisdom highly appreciated.
My general approach when I get a new car I intend to use in winter is this:
- buy an extra set of wheels + winter package + TPMS from tirerack
- replace all seasons/summer with winter in November, then change back in March (live in Seattle but frequently go skying).
This approach generally works great if I keep a car for at least 4-5 years (which I intend to), since it makes both the regular tires and winter tires last longer, so I replace the tires every 4-5 years. I swap the tires myself, so no extra cost. I get the benefit of the winter tires, which would perform better in cold even without snow and the cost is reasonable, as otherwise there would be extra wear on the regular all seasons anyway.
I don't care too much about looks or low profile, more about decent wet/cold performance, decent wear and road noise/comfort. I like Michelin, since they tend to be comfortable, quiet, good fuel economy and long thread life, especially for the winter versions, when compared to others. For the winter version I generally go an inch smaller in size than standard OEM since that works better in snow. So with that in mind I looked at the winter package options as I just placed an order for a Model 3 LR+.
When I looked at TireRack though, there were a few things that kind of surprised me:
1. There is no 17" option for wheels (I will get the 18"). Has anyone tried 17" for their winter setups for Model 3? I get they might not fit, curious though if anyone investigated.
2. The TPMS option offered by TireRack was like $380. This is insanely pricey, as you can get the sensors for <$100 on Amazon. Anything special about the Tesla TPMS? Or is it just that TireRack is gauging Tesla owners?
I am replacing an Audi A4 quattro which worked great with the setup above with a Model 3 I just ordered. Words of wisdom highly appreciated.