Should You Buy Rims Together With Your Snow Tires?

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Now that winter is approaching, the question comes up whether it makes sense over the long run simply to mount your snow tires on their own rims. And, are there any problems that are sidestepped by buying the extra rims?

The answer is not that simple. Here are some considerations:

1. Seasonal switching is made much easier by having snow tires on their own rims. You can probably make the switch yourself in your garage or driveway. You'll save money, since you don't need to remount tires and have them balanced twice a year.

2. Winter tires have more beads to withstand multiple mountings, whereas regular tires do not, so there would be less stress on your summer tires.

3. Paying for the mounting will generally cost about $20, whereas you can buy rims for somewhere in the vicinity of $40 to $60 new. Or, you might find some really cheap at a salvage yard. So, over, say five years, you'll save money, not to mention time.

4. Tire Rack is an excellent place to shop online for rims. That way, you don't have to go out to a junk yard. Just click on this banner.

Bottom Line

So, for sheer convenience, and to save money, you probably would be well advised to purchase rims for your snow tires. For most, a cheap set of steel rims will serve very well, since they are more resistant to salt corrosion than alloy wheels.