Re: Winter Wheel and Tire install (with Pics)

**Mike193** · 12-19-2012 07:18 PM

Meh, I wish steelies cleared STi brakes. Still on the search for Honda CR-V wheels

**rurso01** · 12-20-2012 05:56 AM

Originally Posted by Rambo

Is there a fuse to the TPMS that could be pulled? My '03 doesn't have TPMS (thankfully), but it seems like there's something you ought to be able to do about the indicator...

Good question... I'm not sure. I'll check on that and get back to you

**djk5077** · 12-20-2012 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by kDizz781

Too much work/money just to keep a light off for 3-4 months.

Originally Posted by Rambo

Is there a fuse to the TPMS that could be pulled? My '03 doesn't have TPMS (thankfully), but it seems like there's something you ought to be able to do about the indicator...

Originally Posted by rurso01

Good question... I'm not sure. I'll check on that and get back to you

There is an easy way to get rid of the tpms light. Check this thread. ...which reminds me, I need to update that with my final solution to the problem.

**rage-wrx** · 12-20-2012 07:42 AM

There is an easy solution to the TPMS light. It's a bit of strategically placed electrical tape. You don't have to fix what you don't see.

**Wussola** · 12-20-2012 09:36 AM

I have the exact same set up on my 2011 WRX. They work great in the snow, but not so well otherwise. I find them very unstable on the highway and get uncomfortable going over 60 mph. I've tried playing with the tire pressure, but it hasn't helped. I have a garage - so I only throw them on when it snows and then take them off when the roads are clear (takes me about 10 mins).

**djk5077** · 12-20-2012 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by rage-wrx

There is an easy solution to the TPMS light. It's a bit of strategically placed electrical tape. You don't have to fix what you don't see.

I did use electrical tape. I just took the typical fix an extra step or two. I'll post an update in the thread I linked to earlier.

**Rambo** · 12-20-2012 11:50 AM

I did some digging around, and found this solution to TPMS woes:

someone stuck his TPMS sensors in a pressurized PVC tube and just zip tied that to the bottom of the car and never worried about it again

That would be one non-invasive way of dealing with the problem...
I also read that the TPMS indicator will force the traction control ON no matter what the switch is set to in some cars. I don't know how many people with 3Gs drive with the TC off, especially on winter wheels, but I'd be curious to see if Subarus work this way.

**BMOC** · 12-20-2012 12:36 PM

Ordered new wheel/winter-tire package from TireRack at 1PM yesterday. Returned home this AM at 10:30 AM and found these waiting - just over 20 hours order to dooryard delivery - TR rocks. Skipped the TPMS and put em on - much easier than on my Audi only took a little over an hour and I didn't hustle. High pressure cast with 3 yr finish warranty with mediocre Firestones and heres the part I like, $831 shipped which is only a little bit more than the steelies. I know I probably could have saved by going used but tires and wheels used make me nervous. So, went new instead.

I know it's dirty but that tire change was enough for an old man in one day!

Click image for larger version.

Name: IMG_1544.jpg
Views: 73
Size: 126.9 KB
ID: 110505

Click image for larger version.

Name: IMG_1545.jpg
Views: 73
Size: 115.1 KB
ID: 110506

Click image for larger version.

Name: IMG_1546.jpg
Views: 71
Size: 146.5 KB
ID: 110507

Click image for larger version.

Name: IMG_1547.jpg
Views: 73
Size: 70.9 KB
ID: 110508

Click image for larger version.

Name: IMG_1548.jpg
Views: 72
Size: 95.0 KB
ID: 110509

**kDizz781** · 12-20-2012 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by Rambo

I did some digging around, and found this solution to TPMS woes:

I also read that the TPMS indicator will force the traction control ON no matter what the switch is set to in some cars.

As far as the traction control, I haven't tried turning it off since putting the winter tire setup on the car. I'll try it today on the way home and let you know.

Originally Posted by BMOC

... heres the part I like, $831 shipped which is only a little bit more than the steelies.

Looks good! and sounds like you got a good deal too...

**Rambo** · 12-20-2012 01:11 PM

Originally Posted by BMOC

$831 shipped which is only a little bit more than the steelies.

Yeah, I think my snow tires and steelies were around $750 installed, so $831 is no bad at all. Great find!

**Mikie13** · 12-20-2012 02:10 PM

Oh. My. God...those are hideous. (personal opinion)...

But, glad you got a good deal and quick delivery!

**Calvinball** · 12-20-2012 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by Rambo

I did some digging around, and found this solution to TPMS woes:

That would be one non-invasive way of dealing with the problem...
I also read that the TPMS indicator will force the traction control ON no matter what the switch is set to in some cars. I don't know how many people with 3Gs drive with the TC off, especially on winter wheels, but I'd be curious to see if Subarus work this way.

I've also come across this: Subaru Impreza WRX STI Forums: IWSTI.com - View Single Post - How to defeat the TPMS
A little more drastic.

**djk5077** · 12-20-2012 08:34 PM

As promised, I updated the thread I linked to earlier with my tpms fix for those that are interested.

**Blammo** · 01-01-2013 04:44 PM

30

Click image for larger version.

Name: IMG_0574.jpg
Views: 42
Size: 107.9 KB
ID: 110731

Click image for larger version.

Name: IMG_0576.jpg
Views: 40
Size: 130.8 KB
ID: 110732

Since TPMS does NOT apply to cars in Canada, I was able to change without worrying.

However, since I am cheap when it comes to dealing with winter tires and wheels...I settled for used from a fellow WRX enthusiast.

This is my 09 WRX and I managed to score 17" alloy rims from an 07 WRX and the guy that sold em already had mounted the Toyo Observe G02 Plus tires with hardly a season of use. A simple visual inspection was enough to settle my nerves. Tires still had factory color marks in the treadwalls. $500 for the set of rim/tires...and installed at a known corner garage for $30. (total damage...$530)

The tire performs with bite on ice and snow...but they do not hold very well in wet or dry conditions if pushing through a turn. However, stability in all windy or adverse conditions are unchanged. Car still feels solid on these tires. They are 205/50 - 17.