I live in triad, NC area where it gets below freezing during the winter, however, we have little snow and ice.

I'm preparing to buy some new wheels and would appreciate some feedback on whether or not it's worth the hassle to put summer tires on the new wheels and keep the old wheels for winter use.

The key question is "for my justacooper will I see enough benefits from summer tires to justify the hassle of changing wheels twice/year?"

 

I lived in Raleigh for 2 years with the Mini and summer tires. No problem. Even drove through a lite snow with them (slowly). Obviously you won't have great grip for spirited driving when it's freezing outside, but that's just a few weeks per year.

 

Do you push your car real hard that you would really need Summer performance tires? Normally i am not a fan of all season tires, but for where you live they may be a good idea if you are not tracking,autocrossing or pushing the car to hard

 

Just put on Pirelli PZero Nero All Season. I will run them through February and the switch to summer tires in March. I am in Charlotte and not 100% sure all season tires are needed in this area but I will not have to worry when I travel north or to the mountains.

 

I'll check them out if they come out in 205/50R16.

 

Suggest that you call Alex at Tirerack.