snow tires

[Lee Levitt]

Louis-Alain writes:

:: A bit of advice for you all regarding "optimal traction
:: in winter": buy the best tires you can afford, use them to
:: half their wear limit, and then sell them used for half the
:: price. This way, you'll have always fresh tires for exactly
:: the same cost. And the key for winter traction is wear,
:: and only wear.

:: There is a HUGE market here for used winter tires, mainly
:: because of the 3-4 years long leases. People use the
:: 4 seasons for the first years, then decide they need more
:: traction but don't want to pay full price on a new set
:: because the lease will end soon, hence the used tires market.
:: If you have a brand-name winter tire set used for sale,
:: it's an easy sell; the bigger the name, the easier the sale.

:: Conclusion ? Buy good un-studded real winter tires (in a
::  popular size) and change them each 2 years.


You're quite right. I never thought of recycling snows that 
quickly, but it makes a lot of sense.

It *amazes* me that people will buy used snow tires. I did meet 
someone who became one of my best friends fifteen years ago when I 
was selling a set of used snow tires. Ever since then I *have* 
wondered about him :)

Anyway, the other tip is to buy snow tires early. Like August. 
Tire dealers will sell them at a steep discount in August.

And sell your two year old snow tires in October.

PS. Anybody want a set of two year old Nokians? :)

Lee
'99 A6 quattro avant (old Nokians)
'96 A6 quattro avant (new Nokians)