Winter wheels/tyres + Spare

[Monty]

Seems its generally accepted that the summer tyres the cars come with aren't suitable for the cold weather, i.e. just as our cars start to arrive!

Anybody going to get a set of winter wheels/tyres? If so, what's your solution?

I'm probably going (tasteful) aftermarket wheels, sticking with 19" although 18" might be more suitable if it snows. Regarding winter tyres, I've noticed that there's not a lot of choice around at the moment. Maybe its the tyre size or just the time of year?

Also, what are people doing about a spare? Bothering to get one? I think I'd feel happier with a proper spare in the boot, but I think the Ford space saver spare is relatively pricey and doesn't necessarily fit over the brakes. Not that we've even had an accessories list yet.

In addition to losing grip, Pirelli state that the summer performace tyres may "develop random surface cracks at temperatures below 7 degrees". I've told the missus that my summer wheels will have to come indoors during the winter for hybernation. Going on her initial reaction, I'm not entirely confident that this will happen.

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[slowhand99]

Seems its generally accepted that the summer tyres the cars come with aren't suitable for the cold weather, i.e. just as our cars start to arrive!

Anybody going to get a set of winter wheels/tyres? If so, what's your solution?

I'm probably going (tasteful) aftermarket wheels, sticking with 19" although 18" might be more suitable if it snows. Regarding winter tyres, I've noticed that there's not a lot of choice around at the moment. Maybe its the tyre size or just the time of year?

Also, what are people doing about a spare? Bothering to get one? I think I'd feel happier with a proper spare in the boot, but I think the Ford space saver spare is relatively pricey and doesn't necessarily fit over the brakes. Not that we've even had an accessories list yet.

In addition to losing grip, Pirelli state that the summer performace tyres may "develop random surface cracks at temperatures below 7 degrees". I've told the missus that my summer wheels will have to come indoors during the winter for hybernation. Going on her initial reaction, I'm not entirely confident that this will happen.

http://www.cjponyparts.com/ford-rac...silver-set-of-four-wheels-2015/p/M1007KM19XS/

I think I'll start with these Ford Racing OEM - $1095 plus shipping inc centre caps and sensors. It would be good to know if the tyre pressure sensor frequency is different for the UK vs the US (they are for Chrysler). They are included in this set and you can pick up 4 sensors for $80 in the US whereas we are likely to pay more than that each in the UK if they are different. 18" may not fit over the Brembos.

 

[avocet]

This is worrying me, straight away we have to change to all season tyres.what about the sensors. Why did they fit summer tyres only, more expense.

 

[khaosryder]

This is worrying me, straight away we have to change to all season tyres.what about the sensors. Why did they fit summer tyres only, more expense.

The sensors stay on the wheels, so if you buy a seconds set of wheels you need sensors as well.

It gets pretty cold in winter up here as well and yes you will have to store your winter tires inside.

I'm going to be getting 18s for lower price and more rubber between you and the road during winter months. I also prefer getting slightly narrower wheels as opposed to a 2nd set of PP wheels for better traction in the snow.

As far as brands go I've always liked Nokian a lot for winter tires, you can go studded or not and IMO they're among the best you can get. Others can probably suggest their favorites if you want less expensive or simply a different brand.

EDIT: Also, I'm not too familiar with UK climate, this might be more appropriate for northern Europe countries. It all depends on the average temperature you are getting and the amount of snow you guys get.

 

[croyde]

There is at least 2 or 3 months of the English winter down here in the south when the temp rarely rises above 7 C.

I wish Ford would pull it's head out of it's arse and realise this. It should be up to us if we want summers or all seasons.

It's not just the expense but I live in a tiny apartment so nowhere to store anything big.

 

[khaosryder]

Yeah it is quite weird that everyone gets the PP and there is no option. I guess it part of having to ship a car half way around the world which affects the price and in return they have to offer a bit more for the price bracket they end up falling into.

 

[UNtamed67]

Had Nokian's for the past winters (265x45x20) and I'll go again for the Nokian

You might consider these...
http://www.mytyres.co.uk/cgi-bin/rs...rd&Label=B-C-73-2&details=Ordern&typ=D-117098

 

[Monty]

http://www.cjponyparts.com/ford-rac...silver-set-of-four-wheels-2015/p/M1007KM19XS/

I think I'll start with these Ford Racing OEM - $1095 plus shipping inc centre caps and sensors. It would be good to know if the tyre pressure sensor frequency is different for the UK vs the US (they are for Chrysler). They are included in this set and you can pick up 4 sensors for $80 in the US whereas we are likely to pay more than that each in the UK if they are different. 18" may not fit over the Brembos.

I didn't even know about the sensors. More bad news but thanks for posting.

I was probably going to order a wheel/tyre package on-line, but that's out of the window now. Just have to turn up at the tyre shop and then cram the old dirty wheels into the Mustang to drive them back home. Also, scratching the alloys is compulsary at a lot of tyre fitters.

If we get the sensors in advance, they are bound to be a different frequency, or it may even be that Ford doesn't fit them on the UK model at all.

I think the most expensive wheels from the Ford dealers (currently for 18") are around £800, so considering shipping and import tax, it may be cheaper to buy in UK? Also, if there are any issues (e.g. with the sensors), you've got someone to moan to.

 

[deep south]

I can't believe that they will fit summer tyres as standard, I reckon that they will fit all season as standard. We will only know when the UK cars arrive. In some parts of Europe winter tyres are a legal requirement; I would not want to drive even on the south coast with summer tyres in the middle of winter...

Mine will be pretty much my daily driver.

 

[slowhand99]

This is worrying me, straight away we have to change to all season tyres.what about the sensors. Why did they fit summer tyres only, more expense.

If it's any consolation, my business partner bought a new Mustang off the production line (she's braver than me) in 2006 which came with P Zeros and has been driving round on them all year round ever since. They are crap in the snow of course, but why would you take it out in the snow. I think a second hand Suzuki Vitara (or similar) is less than a second set of wheels and tyres for a Mustang (she's now bought an Up with winter tyres on it - brilliant). Not to mention the angst and anguish of all that grit and salt.

 

[avocet]

I can't believe that they will fit summer tyres as standard, I reckon that they will fit all season as standard. We will only know when the UK cars arrive. In some parts of Europe winter tyres are a legal requirement; I would not want to drive even on the south coast with summer tyres in the middle of winter...

Mine will be pretty much my daily driver.

If they are summer tyres then my dealer will have to fit all season on them, depends on the price, or I get the tyres elsewhere.

 

[SteveS]

Anyone in a position to ask their dealer for the official story? I'll be speaking to mine this week sometime, all things being good.

I'm just struggling to get my head round why a manufacturer would deliver a first batch of cars to a moderately cold climate, in winter, wearing summer tyres. And as mentioned previously its a requirement in certain European countries to use winter tyres and their delivery dates are creeping towards winter.

 

[avocet]

Anyone in a position to ask their dealer for the official story? I'll be speaking to mine this week sometime, all things being good.

I'm just struggling to get my head round why a manufacturer would deliver a first batch of cars to a moderately cold climate, in winter, wearing summer tyres. And as mentioned previously its a requirement in certain European countries to use winter tyres and their delivery dates are creeping towards winter.

They probably won't know anything about it as with everything, but as far as I'm concerned the tyres should be fit for purpose at the point of me driving it away in october or November.

 

[Monty]

I'm just struggling to get my head round why a manufacturer would deliver a first batch of cars to a moderately cold climate, in winter, wearing summer tyres. And as mentioned previously its a requirement in certain European countries to use winter tyres and their delivery dates are creeping towards winter.

Just lack of experience I suppose. Your dealer will probably look at you with a blank expression when you mention the tyres.

If I were a dealer, to show some responsibility, to cover myself and for customer satisfaction, I think I'd offer the option of putting some mid range winter tyres on (at a price point roughly the same as I could sell on the new p-zeros for). Everyone's a winner.

Unlike the rear-wheel-drive car dealers (BM, Jag, Merc, Lexus), who supply the tyres and store your weels, the average Ford dealer would not be geared up to the whole 'winter tyre experience'. Customer demand isn't probably there either. I don't think I'd even heard of winter tyres myself 10 years ago.

 

[avocet]

No wheel nut security from what I can see!

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