Residing within the frigid clime of America’s Third Coast, simply blocks from Lake Erie, I’m the important thing demographic for tire corporations once they plan their winter tire advertising campaigns. Winter is getting an especially late begin in 2024, however I do know that winter tires will likely be a necessity when the white stuff lastly does begin flying. I’ll swear by winter tires and haven’t gone a frozen season with out them since I used to be in highschool. In case you dwell someplace that frequently sees temperatures under 40 levels, you need to do the identical. And you need to get a second set of wheels to maintain these tires on.
I can already really feel some individuals pulling again as a result of who can afford a second set of wheels and tires on this financial system? My argument has all the time been that the shorter stopping distances and higher chilly/snow/ice grip may very well be the distinction between your 3,600-pound household hatchback stopping usually versus crusing via the again seat of no matter unfortunate rusty Ford Explorer stopped on the intersection in entrance of you. The insurance coverage premium alone is greater than the price of a superb set of wheels and tires.
I knew once I purchased a sticky set of summer time tires for my new-to-me Audi A3 E-tron earlier within the 12 months that I must discover one other set of tires for chilly climate work. As luck would have it, I’ve owned Audis earlier than and had this gray set of OZ Racing Rally wheels in storage. You could find a superb set of aftermarket wheels on Craigslist in case you do some searching. The Fifteen52s I purchased for the summer time tires (under) had been solely $400, to present you some concept. In case you aren’t inexplicably vehemently against inventory wheels, as I’m, you possibly can most likely maintain your manufacturing unit wheels for winter use to save lots of a couple of bucks and get one thing extra engaging and enjoyable for the summer time months.
The gray OZs had been all the time going to be my winter wheels, as they’re 17-inch wheels. I needed 18s for the summer time tires to actually fill out the wheel wells, and the chunky look of the OZ wheels work higher as a winter wheel in my eyes. We discovered an inexpensive worth on a set of Bridgestone Blizzak WS90s mounted and balanced for $972 (together with the disposal of the outdated tires nonetheless on the wheels). Even when I’d purchased the wheels model new at this time, the entire thing would have been underneath two grand out the door. If this setup helps save me from even a minor fender bender, it’ll have been value it.
Whereas I used to be messing round with the automobile at this time I made a decision it was a superb time to do a bit extra futzing. Since I’m going for a tarmac rally look with this automobile I ordered a pair of FIA Hybrid placard decals. The WRC might have dropped hybrid powertrains for 2025, however I haven’t.
And to make my Audi Dork degree even greater, I put in an outdated Audi Sport license plate body that I’ve had for over a decade. I like this classic look on a contemporary automobile, and it really works nice for the trendy Audi Ur-Quattro rallyist aesthetic I’m making an attempt to undertake.
I’m nowhere close to finished with this mission, however these personalization are all the time a few of my favorites. It doesn’t take a lot effort to make your automobile your individual.
