Tire Rack - Steelies FAIL

[RI_TDI]

Just wanted to get a set of Blizzak WS-70s, which are on sale but they don't stock steelies for the NMS.

Is there any reason other than appearance or the profitability of Tire Rack that I should consider alloy wheels for winter driving in New England?

Alternative sources for the rims and/or snow tire packages?

Thanks in advance.

 

[hockeypuck]

Hate to say it

but Quirk VW Nh has a 16" conti snow package.. $820. Instock.. Not to bad considering it is dealer pricing.

 

[RI_TDI]

@hockeypuck: Same deal available at dealer down here. Sounded bad until I started pricing others. Not sold on the Conti's though.

 

[iantryinit]

Same issue I had with tire rack and 1010tire. No steelies for my passat. Ended up getting 16" alloys so I'm not just swapping the rubber. Night and day over the Hancraps

 

[tdiatlast]

I always check with the dealer first. My experience is they will frequently match TireRack prices, or come pretty close.

 

[Ramairetransam]

i ended up getting jetta 16s from around a 2010 ish

 

[JM Popaleetus]

16" just barely mount with clearance.

Go to a scrapyard and get a set of 17" steels or beat alloys.

Only you can determine if you need snows in your neck of the woods. I will only confirm that they do indeed make a world of difference. Over here in CT, upstate NY, and anywhere north, definitely get them. But RI may be warm enough from the ocean where you'll get the same ability to pull through slush with a great set of all-seasons.

 

[Trvln Canuk]

16" are no problem at all. In fact, they are standard in Canada on the Trendline. You just have to have the weights mounted towards the inside of the rim, if you use alloy wheels, to clear the caliper. Steelies are no problem at all.

 

[drshaws]

Last year local dealer (Kelly) had snow tire package with Firestone Winterforce snows (not my first choice - would've preferred Generals) on 16" steelies. Went with it, as someone driving my car blew out two of the Hankooks in one day hitting what I can only assume were potholes (long story). Have to say I was pleasantly surprised, and of course they're back on already for this winter.

 

[Macguyver guy]

A few years back I got some Blizzaks from Tire Rack for my 09 Jetta. Looked thru their site for alloys that were being discontinued/closeout. Got 4 MSW alloys for around $70 each. They worked out well and have held up to the salt and grim much better than any steel rims1

 

[kr70]

went to ebay, bought from 2 sites wheels that matched my 13 passat tdi GL. $160 for both including shipping., mounted cooper artic claw tires. So far so good.