Quote:
Originally Posted by Weitz
Storage and changing of tires? Unless you buy another set of wheels..
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You can buy relatively cheap winter tires and steel rims for less than $500 total. If you can afford to insure a car, keep it fueled and do the maintenance, it isn't a tall ask. You can also purchase all-weather tires if you don't want to do the swaps - a little more upfront, but not dissimilar to storing/switching over two or three years.
My dad just bought a Q5 before New Year's - Quattro AWD, great winter car, right? Driving it Friday, tapped the brakes a good 200 feet before the light when it turned yellow, and I slid midway through an intersection. I had no control over the car at all. Because all-season tires are only slightly less worthless than summer tires when it's -20.
Also, any costs associated with getting and switching winters pales in comparison to the hit you have to deal with if you get into a collision that could've been avoided if you'd just had the proper equipment on your car.
You wouldn't wear shorts and flip flops in -20 - you shouldn't drive on unsuitable tires either - you're a danger to yourself and others.