Winter tires

[mikeymikey]

I recently moved to Seattle area from AZ and my 2004 car is currently equipped with 19" summer tires with enough tread left for 10k or so. I am leaning towards a dedicated set of winter/summer tires.

The manual only lists 18" as approved size for winter tires. I am thinking of using the 19" rims for winter tires and buying 20" for summer tires.

1) Has anyone had tried 19" winter tires? Can you please share the made/size?

2) Besides ebay, are there any other reliable sources to get rims at decent prices?

Thanks

Mikey

[scubatahiti]

I would put the Continental DWS. I've almost always found Discount Tire to have the best prices but that is just me. I am on my 2nd set of these for mu Touareg and am planning to putting them on my Cayenne Turbo when the Michelins that are on i wear out.

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/tires/continental/vehicle/viewProductResults.do?v=013420%7C2004&r=AZUINT%7Cpc%7C85048&ar=45&rd=19&cs=275

[clarksongli]

DWS's aren't dedicated winters.

I have the OEM 19" with Pirelli winter's, the car is basically unstoppable, i live on the top of a 700ft hill, i always have enough traction to get up plus enough to tow my neighbors as well haha.

I'm not a Pirelli guy but it was what came with the wheels, and they are good. I've always liked Dunlops, Kuhmo's, and Hankooks.

With the weight of the car you will go through tires fast.....i dismount mine until there is predicted snowfall......otherwise i drive my Kuhmo all seasons.

Tire rack and discount tire direct are two good sources. Tirerack has a warehouse near me, so i tend to just order and pick up there.

For wheels, look at craigslist.....i bought the 2 spare sets of wheels for my cayenne on craigslist.....for CHEAP.....got a set of 20" with Conti tires, which were good until i ran over some metal......for 200 bucks.

People buy the extra set....sell the car and then forget about the wheels