When you buy a set of winter tyres, you will be faced with two main purchasing options: to buy just the tyres themselves or to buy a new set of wheels to match.
Listed below are the advantages and disadvantages of both options to help you make an informed decision about which to go.
1 set of wheels, 2 sets of tyres – Advantages
Not buying a new set of rims will save you money when you first buy your winter tyres. They will make that initial investment more affordable. You can pay for a garage to store the tyres for you whilst you are not using them so that they don’t take up room in your house or garage.
1 set of wheels, 2 sets of tyres – Disadvantages
You will not be able to choose the width or the profile of your tyres as you will have to buy those which come in the size of your existing rims. It is also a fairly tricky process to just change the tyre and you will need to have the change done at a garage twice every year. This will add up to a considerable amount of money over the years.
2 sets of wheels, 2 sets of tyres – Advantages
You can choose which tyre you think will perform best in your particular local area and with your particular make and model of car, without having the restriction of having to fit a certain rim size. This means that you are free to choose tyres which are wider and therefore have more grip in icy, rainy or snowy conditions.
This will allow you to make the most of swapping to a winter tyre and to really get the most out of your investment. If you are not bothered about what the rims look like, they don’t have to be too costly. Changing a whole wheel isn’t very difficult to do, so you would be able to perform the swap at home on your own. In the long run this would save a considerable amount of money in mechanic’s fees. The extra added bonus is that you will have 4 spare wheels sitting in the garage all year round.
If you have a modern car which does not come fitted with a spare wheel then this could come in very handy if you wake up one morning to find that you have a flat tyre.
2 sets of wheels, 2 sets of tyres – Disadvantages
It costs significantly more to purchase the rims and the tyres than it does to just buy the winter tyres on their own. This is especially true if the external appearance of your car is particularly important to you. Alloy wheels cost a great deal more than steel ones and shelling out for 4 could set you back the best part of £100. You will also probably need to invest in a more substantial jack if you are going to change your own wheels each year; but on the plus side, this should become an easier process than just changing your tyres alone.
All about Tyres, Tyre change, Winter Tyres and Rims
- Tyres, tyre mounting and wheel change
- New Winter Tyres and Rims
- New Rims or Replacing Your Rims
- What Are 4x4 Tyres?
- What Are Run Flat Tyres?
- Which Are the Best Car Tyre Brands?
- Watch Out with Cheap Part Worn Tyres
- Cheap Tyres Online
- Flat Tyre? - How to Change a Flat Tyre
- Tyre Types and Sizes
- Can I Have Broader Tyres on My Car?
- What is TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Eco Friendly Tyres?
- What is Wheel Alignment
- Service for wheel alignment
- What are the Rules for Winter Tyres in the UK?
- How to Tell if Winter Tyre is OK
- Are Your Winter Tyres in Good Shape?
- Save Thousands When You Need New Winter Tyres
- Change Tyre on a Wheel, or Two Sets of Tyres?
