The Ultimate Winter Wheel Guide – Why Winter Tires are Essential & How to Pick the Right Ones with Fifteen52

The Ultimate Winter Wheel Guide – Why Winter Tires are Essential & How to Pick the Right Ones with Fifteen52

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You’ve finally acquired those wheels you always dreamed about. Good wheels aren’t cheap, and even on the used market, you probably paid a significant amount for them. If you live in an area that experiences the frosty grip of winter, switching to winter tires and appropriately caring for your cherished wheels becomes an absolute must. Luckily for you, we’ve teamed up with the experts over at Tire Rack to bring you a comprehensive guide on choosing winter tires and taking care of those prized wheels. Here’s why we recommend winter tires and how to get the most out of them:

The Importance of Winter Tires
You may be wondering: why should I consider winter tires? The simple answer is safety and performance. Winter tires are designed with special rubber compounds that stay pliable in cold temperatures, offering enhanced grip on icy or snowy roads.

Moreover, winter tires feature tread patterns designed specifically to channel away slush and dig into the snow, ensuring better traction. But there's also the matter of wheel size.

Downsize Your Summer Wheels: Why It's a Wise Choice
When considering winter tires, it's often recommended to downsize your summer wheels. Here's why:

Durability: Our painted finishes are more resilient against the harsh conditions of winter, offering added protection.
Cost: Smaller diameters often mean cheaper tire prices. This means you can save money while getting the best protection for your vehicle.
Performance: Skinnier wheels and tires slice through the snow rather than floating on top, giving you better traction.

Our Top Winter Tire Recommendations in Partnership with Tire Rack (in no particular order):

1. Nokian Hakkapeliittas: Known for their excellent grip on icy roads and their impressive handling in snowy conditions.

2. Bridgestone Blizzaks: A favorite for many, these tires offer reliable performance in both icy and snowy conditions.

3. Pirelli Wintersottos: With exceptional wet and cold performance, these are a solid choice for anyone facing a wet winter season.

And the best part? Tire Rack currently carries some of our favorite wheels perfect for the winter season, including the Tarmac and Turbomac. Our Super Touring wheels can be used in the winter as well, but if you have our optional red or blue anodized nuts, we recommend installing the original black nuts as the chemicals used to treat roads for ice and snow can damage anodized finishes.

Click here to shop these winter-ready wheels directly on Tire Rack's site.

Storing Your Summer Wheels
If you're switching to winter tires, you'll need to properly store your summer wheels. Always clean them thoroughly, focusing on removing road grime and brake dust. Store them in a cool, dry place, preferably off of concrete floors which can retain moisture. Consider using wheel covers or bags to protect them and ensure they are far from chemicals or potentially harmful substances.

Winter brings about its set of challenges for vehicle owners. However, with the right set of winter tires and proper care for your wheels, you can navigate the season safely and in style. And remember, whenever you're ready to show off your latest Fifteen52 acquisitions, tag us on socials using #52family!