Hey Everyone,
I know everyone is talking about winter tires and what not, but I haven't seen Seattle or the northwest area specifically discussed. I'm new to Seattle, and so I don't know what the winters are like. I have a 330i with the Sport Package thus 18" wheels with summer performance tires. I know in Chicago, where I used to live, I'd definitely be buying a winter tire right now. I'm wondering whether or not the cold weather/rainy weather of Seattle calls for an all-season tire? or even a full winter tire?
Anyone with experience with in the Seattle/NW area?
To sum up:
Can I stay with my Sport Package tires?
Switch to an All-Season tire?
Switch to Winter tire?
Thanks!
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| Reply » Seattle/NW area Winter Tires? |
Quote: Hey Everyone,
I know everyone is talking about winter tires and what not, but I haven't seen Seattle or the northwest area specifically discussed. I'm new to Seattle, and so I don't know what the winters are like. I have a 330i with the Sport Package thus 18" wheels with summer performance tires. I know in Chicago, where I used to live, I'd definitely be buying a winter tire right now. I'm wondering whether or not the cold weather/rainy weather of Seattle calls for an all-season tire? or even a full winter tire?
Anyone with experience with in the Seattle/NW area?
To sum up:
Can I stay with my Sport Package tires?
Switch to an All-Season tire?
Switch to Winter tire?
Thanks! | One suggestion: if you DO get winter/snow tires, get them on smaller wheels. It always pays to have them on their own wheels to avoid mounting, remounting, and such.
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| Reply » Seattle/NW area Winter Tires? |
even a light snowfall of 1 inch will be havoc in the PNW, since they do not salt the roads. More of an issue is ice, so I've switched to winter rims and tires each season, and they came in handy when we had a few bad icestorms the past couple of winters in PDX
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| Reply » Seattle/NW area Winter Tires? |
Plan on lots of wet roads and often times in Jan & Feb a very thin layer of ice from residual moisture on clear, cold nights- they call it black ice (bridges & low-valley shaded areas where cold air pools). But its not like midwest winter driving at all.
Most of the time you'll be fine with the rain rates but watch for heavier rainfall and standing water- especially on the inside/HOV lane that will allow hydroplaning. Some of the roads are rutted bad from studded tires and they hold more water in the channels too (the ones that pull those RF tires around when you're in the groove)
If or when it does snow- leave the Bimmer parked. Don't take it out. Really. Most people think they can do it (because they have studded tires or a SUV-AWD) but don't have a clue and you'll be their learning experience. It will either melt to wet pavement about noon time or you'll be heading home early with the real threat of snow coming for the commute home. I have experienced the "midnight rush hour" from not getting on the road home early enough before it hit.
Use the local internet freeway cameras to make observations and informed decisions before heading out. Our roads have embedded temp sensors and its all available to research on-line at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle/
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| Reply » Seattle/NW area Winter Tires? |
Thanks everyone, keep the input coming! Looks like I should invest in some winter tires and wheels.
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| Reply » Seattle/NW area Winter Tires? |
Agree with the previous Seattleite. If you stay in the city, you'll be fine with the sports tires. For the couple of days with snow, just don't use the car. If there is snow in the forecast, you will know since the local radio stations will tell you every minute where the first snow flakes are falling.
However - IF you are planning on going East across the Cascades during the winter time, you will encounter winter driving conditions a lot...and going East is very often the only way to see the sun during the rather dreary winter months.
Cheers - and enjoy the rain 
berndt
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Seattle/NW area Winter Tires?