Shiv Umapathi

Hello All,

I knew this day would finally come when we acquired this car with the 20 inch ultra high performance summer tires - Michelin Pilot Sport 3; they look great on the car and handle very well.

My wife who primarily drives the car asked me to leave them on the car and said that I make too much of these things and she should be fine, but in my reading, these tires should not be used below 45 degrees, supposedly they contract and loose their grippyness and actually become like plastic, not sure if all this is true, but prudence dictates that we invest in a set of summer tires and wheels.

It is our first time having a car without all season tires, guidance and advise from members that have been thru this would be much appreciated.

Some Basic Information:
- We live in Northern Virginia so our winters are not terrible, temps will be like 30 to 45 all winter long
- We don't get much snow, if we do, we use a Subaru Outback that is the backup
- Car is a 4MATIC so we are good there

So here at the questions:
Should we invest in a set of winter tires and wheels?
We have 20 INCH now, should we get down to 19 on the snow tires or go down to 18?
Tire Rack seems to have a very good tool to choose wheels and tires, would you guys recommend this?
Where should I have the tires and wheels shipped to so the swap can be done, the dealer or a specialty shop?
Should I just plan on bringing my existing wheels and tires back and store in my garage?
Could the Dealer have any options/programs for winter tires or will it be very expensive and I should just do it on my own?

Thank you in advance for your input.

2MERKS

I would recommand keepng the same tires on for winter. The car has 4matic thus keeps you safe on the road, and more money in your pockets. Just my opinion!
R,
2merks

makiii

Hi
I live in the Shenandoah Valley and travel to Leesburg often, my advice is change the tires! I used to drive a Chrysler Crossfire SRT convert that came with summer tires, and yes they are incredibly slick when cold and they seemed to develop flat spots until they get warmed up and even then they do not grip well. Any snow and your wife will be calling for a ride, In rain I drove very very cautiously, they were scary, by January the 1st year I owned the car - I changed to Blizzak Snow tires , cost about $1400.00 for tires plus $1600.00 for rims, not a cheap endeavor.
Went directly to snow tires because rear tires were 255-35-19 with fronts 225-40-18 - low profile wide tires.
They were much loader than the summer tires but they got me to where I was going and felt much safer.

ACC2

I've got a set of 20" winter wheels & tires (Michelin Pilot Alpine) I'm going to sell. I had them custom made for the car so they fit perfect. They look really good. If anyone is interested, let me know.

ACC2

And to answer your question, you absolutely need all season or winter tires. I used summer tires in the summer and there was always those iffy times with late cold weather in spring or early cold weather in fall and the summer tires are dangerous. Nothing to do with ice or snow, but below 50 the summer tire compound gets really hard.

If you do get a winter tire the Michelin Pilot Alpines drive great, just like an all season in term of grip and noise. I really liked them.

streborx

Your CLS is far too nice to be driven in the winter. I'd swallow my pride and drive the "dog tested / dog approved" Subaru all winter long.

studerim

Nice wheels and tires combo!