Do You Need Winter Wheels for Your Winter Tires?

Switching between summer and winter tires is common for those who drive in unpredictable conditions such as snow and ice. Winter tires are specifically designed with unique tread depths, patterns and sidewall construction to provide optimal performance on icy and snow-covered roads.

Many benefits of winter tires are a result of the construction and design of the tire itself, but the size of the tire and wheel can also provide better winter performance – and save you money.

But is investing in winter wheels worth the money? The short answer is yes.

1. Smaller size, big savings: It’s not uncommon for a vehicle to be available with at least three different wheel/tire sizes from the factory. For example, the same model vehicle can come with 15-inch steel wheels and 195/65 tires, or 16-inch alloy wheels, and 205/55 tires or 17-inch alloys, depending on trim packages. Swap either of the alloys for the base model steel wheels, and tire size, and you’ll have minus-sized. People often assume a larger tire/wheel set up will provide better traction and performance for winter driving. But in fact, a narrower tire with a higher profile (but equivalent overall diameters) combined with a smaller-diameter wheel cuts through snow more effectively. When the weight of the car is pressing on a more focused (smaller) set of contact patches, your tires are cutting through the snow more precisely, rather than creating unstable conditions by “plowing” it. This is often referred to as “minus-sizing.”
2. Go for grit: Winter wheels are more about purpose than impression. Winter wheels are going to get dirty, wet and iced over…again and again. Save money by keeping it simple when picking out winter wheels. They don’t need to turn heads, they need to turn corners. Also, by swapping to winter wheels, you protect factory (or aftermarket) wheels from damaging winter elements and therefore increase the life of your wheels while protecting the appearance.
3. Storage: If you’ve invested in winter tires, adding a set of dedicated winter wheels won’t take up any more storage space than you’ve already accommodated.