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Which winter wheels should I get for my BMW 1 Series?

I am taking delivery of a new BMW 1 Series later this month. The new car will have 17-inch wheels. I have been enquiring about winter tyres, as you will know that the BMWs are not much good in the snow. The list of tyre sizes and prices I was given are: 16-inch steels with covers £980, 16-inch alloys £1280, or 17-inch alloys £1740, all plus £60 fitting and storage.

I was told that the smaller wheel gives a better grip on the road and does not affect the ride or handling of the car, or the insurance policy. As I am a pensioner a friend said that I should wait and see if there is going to be any snow before I pay out money for the winter tyres.

Asked on 11 March 2012 by NY, via email

Answered by Honest John
Go for the 16-inch steels, and tell your insurance company. The price has gone up. Last year it was £700 and a bargain. The advantage of steels is that alloys can be severely damaged by winter road salt. All that can happen to steels is that they eventually rust a bit under their trims, but that is inconsequential. If you leave it until the country is covered in snow there won’t be any winter tyres left.

Cold-snap snow-how: Advice on coping with the freezing weather, including videos, facts and winter driving advice.

Honest John's Guide To Winter Tyres

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