RWD: Studded or Winter tires?

[JonDuke]

I`ve spent the last week unsuccessfully trying to find a set of Run Flats for my BMW. I initially looked for Run Flats because we don`t have room for a spare and it never came with one. Every place in Calgary seems to be sold out, and I then find out run flats are overrated for city driving anyway, so I shifted my sights to Winter tires.

I have a RWD BMW 3 series and don`t know if I should get studded tires like the Himalayan Federals I was quoted $760, all in with installation and balancing on my existing rims or if I should just get a set of really good winter tires.

Normally wouldn't care and was one of those who drove all seasons year round but have 2 young kids now and figure it's time to act grown up for a second and get good tires.

Any advice? Looking for 205/55 R16 if that makes a difference at all.

[Ozy_Flame]

Run flats wouldn't give you any better traction; they're just designed to be able to drve on when you've got a puncture and low air.

Winter tires all the way, and I'm a guy who drives with run-flat all-seasons all year round on my Bimmer. I would never consider run-flats as substitutes for winter tires.

[JonDuke]

Sorry...didn't mean considering all season run flats instead of winters or studded tires. I was looking for winter run flats but cant find any so just going with normal winters or studded, but don't know what to do

[burn_this_city]

You don't need studded in my opinion. If you car has traction control, the combo of regular winter tires and TC should be enough.

[nightfx]

Don't need studded, winter tires have been fine for the last two years on my 335i.

[Burninator]

You could always get something like this to keep in your trunk if you do get a flat.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en

[PsnaP]

Are you wanting to use run flats because you dont have a spare? As previously mentioned, they are only good for small punctures.

Id get a set of winter tires, throw some weight in the trunk (sand bags, softner salt) and you should be good to go.

[bc-chris]

my wife had a mazda protege 5 (front wheel drive)

she had winter tires and they were 'ok'. when those tires were done she switched to studded tires for the winter and absolutely LOVED them!!!! awesome traction!!


we just bought her a 2011 mazda cx7 gt - which has all wheel drive. we wanted to get studded tires but i guess none are available for that size of tire - so we went with yokohama ice tires. our tire guys said they are the best... i'd hope so, considering they were about $1300