[Jc_vt]

Winter Tires and TPMS

Planning on getting a separate set of rims and winter tires, but concerned about what happens if I don't install TPMS monitors. On other cars it simply means living with a light on the dash. Anyone know if it is the same with the Insight, or have any other suggestions?

 

[Jc_vt]

I always get a second set of rims and winter tires, cheaper in the long run, change over myself so don't get hung up waiting for a garage to find time. Often downsize for better snow performance: will get 15" rims/tires for the Insight. Tire rack has a package right now with decent looking alloy rims and Michelins for $741, mounted, balanced and shipped.

You can get a set of top-quality snow tires mounted and balanced on black 16" steel wheels, delivered to your home or to a shop where they can be mounted for about $935 at TireRack.com, including tax. That's the price I came up with for Michelin X-Ice tires, which is my preferred type. You can get alloy wheels if you want to spend extra money, but they are more likely to become warped on winter roads. The one thing I don't know about, as I do not yet own an Insight, is whether you will need a special valve stem. My 2012 Civic requires a TPMS stem, but I think that they have (thankfully) been eliminated.

 

[Jc_vt]

Just read elsewhere the Insight system is a passive, software one, so should be no problem with snows on separate rims.

Planning on getting a separate set of rims and winter tires, but concerned about what happens if I don't install TPMS monitors. On other cars it simply means living with a light on the dash. Anyone know if it is the same with the Insight, or have any other suggestions?

 

[Jc_vt]

I have used Nokia all-weather tires before, they are pretty good. There are now several similar ones, inc. a new one from Michelin top rated, and Toyo's Celsius.

Nokian offers All-Weather tires that is approved for winter use. I'm not sure how well it does but heard good things about it from Tesla owners.
https://www.nokiantires.com/all-weather-tires/nokian-wr-g4/

I have never used snow tires living in Boston and no winter accidents the past 10 years either.

• The snow plows do a good job where I travel
• I practice defensive driving in the snow
• I leave plenty of room when following other cars
• I try not to drive above 30mph depending on conditions
• Avoid hills when possible
• Make sure tires are properly inflated weekly

Once the Michelins are due for replacement or I change my mind about needing snow tires... I will most likely replace them with Nokian All-Weather tires. Don't have space in my apartment to store the all season or winter tires.