Recommendations for a Newbie

[Nishizawa]

hello fellow forummers! Hope everyone is doing well. In Canada winter is fast approaching and I want to be prepared!

I am currently looking for good winter wheel options for my Stinger GT Limited. My initial choice was the FAST model (FC04 or Swith) as it seems to be the popular choice in the forums. However, my luck was short as most of the websites/local stores have sold out and is expecting the next shipment in December. I think it is best if I look for other options.

Can you awesome fellow Stinger drivers recommend some good rims that will resist and be great in the winter?

The tire I will be purchasing is Michelin X-IceXi3 and awaiting my TPMS from Korea.

Thank you!

 

[Cantellu]

I am in the same boat. Where di you order your TPMS from ?? How much ??

 

[Nishizawa]

I am in the same boat. Where di you order your TPMS from ?? How much ??

A family member is actually in Korea right now so I’ll have it once they return.

I know on ebay they sell 4 for ~$90-$120!

 

[Crisis]

I went to Kal Tire for my winter wheel & tire package. It's detailed on page 8 of the Showshoes thread in this same sub-forum:

Snowshoes

Though I had Michelin X-Ice on my previous car, I've since found nothing better than the Nokian Hakkapilettas, so I went with those on Klasse Motorsport APEX rims. Really happy with the look.

 

[GRStinger]

I went with TireRack's 'Preferred Package' recommendation for the car: Michelin X-Ice with SE A8-2's in black. Had them mount and install TPMS. (I've heard great things about the Nokian's too - my brother swears by 'em - but TR didn't have 'em available with the package.) It was $1475 USD after rebate for the whole shootin' match. My first set of dedicated winters - really interested to see how they work out. Had 'em delivered to the house. Haven't put 'em on yet. Holding out and watching the forecast. Will post picks after I put 'em on.

 

[sds144]

I went with TireRack's 'Preferred Package' recommendation for the car: Michelin X-Ice with SE A8-2's in black. Had them mount and install TPMS. (I've heard great things about the Nokian's too - my brother swears by 'em - but TR didn't have 'em available with the package.) It was $1475 USD after rebate for the whole shootin' match. My first set of dedicated winters - really interested to see how they work out. Had 'em delivered to the house. Haven't put 'em on yet. Holding out and watching the forecast. Will post picks after I put 'em on.

I was going to go the TireRack mounted package with the TPMS too. I'm still trying to figure out if I need to buy a tool to program the new sensors into the car. Do you know if the car will automatically recognize the new sensors or do I need to buy the tool?

 

[Nishizawa]

I was going to go the TireRack mounted package with the TPMS too. I'm still trying to figure out if I need to buy a tool to program the new sensors into the car. Do you know if the car will automatically recognize the new sensors or do I need to buy the tool?

I called the dealership (and I am still skeptical) but they said if it is an OEM part (Kia TPMS), the car should automatically recognize the sensor or something like that.

 

[GRStinger]

I was going to go the TireRack mounted package with the TPMS too. I'm still trying to figure out if I need to buy a tool to program the new sensors into the car. Do you know if the car will automatically recognize the new sensors or do I need to buy the tool?

I believe that with most newer cars, including the Stinger, that the system will "learn" the new sensors automatically - assuming they are properly installed. Heck my "old" 2008 Altima coupe could do it. I haven't looked in the OM yet, but my assumption is that there is a procedure to do "teach" if they aren't recognized. Worst case, you could stop in to a Discount Tire or similar shop and I'll bet they can set 'em up for cheap.

 

[Kamauxx]

My new sensors were automatically recognized.

 

[GRStinger]

I was going to go the TireRack mounted package with the TPMS too. I'm still trying to figure out if I need to buy a tool to program the new sensors into the car. Do you know if the car will automatically recognize the new sensors or do I need to buy the tool?

I just 'chatted' with TireRack. "Tucker" said that there is typically a note with the package on how to train the sensor. I haven't checked my packaging yet, and he didn't have the info for the Stinger at his fingertips / said he would email me his response. I'll post here when I get it.

 

[sds144]

I just 'chatted' with TireRack. "Tucker" said that there is typically a note with the package on how to train the sensor. I haven't checked my packaging yet, and he didn't have the info for the Stinger at his fingertips / said he would email me his response. I'll post here when I get it.

Great, I look forward to your update. I just ordered my package so I'm hoping it's easy.

 

[nhcowboy28]

Great, I look forward to your update. I just ordered my package so I'm hoping it's easy.

I ordered some winter tires/wheels last week from TR with their TPMS.

Nothing in the box. But after driving for about 15 minutes, the pressures were displayed.

Bottom line, no special procedure not going to discount tire or another tire place to “program” them.

Just drive em.

 

[sds144]

I ordered some winter tires/wheels last week from TR with their TPMS.

Nothing in the box. But after driving for about 15 minutes, the pressures were displayed.

Bottom line, no special procedure not going to discount tire or another tire place to “program” them.

Just drive em.

That's great to hear.

 

[GRStinger]

I got an email back from TireRack:

"Unfortunately, our guys say that they can't get a straight answer out of Kia. I'm not sure why, but that's what they say. He said to drive it for about 20 minutes and see if the light goes out. If it doesn't, then you'll need to go to a tire shop to have them train the sensors. I'm sorry I don't have more definitive answer for you.
-Tucker"​

Seems like a squishy response. Anyway, based on expectations / others' comments here, I fully expect the car to recognize the sensors straight-away. The weatherman is calling for our first snows here in W. Michigan late this week and early next week, so I will be putting them on soon - probably by Saturday. I'll post here on results.

 

[GRStinger]

Great, I look forward to your update. I just ordered my package so I'm hoping it's easy.

FYI... I put the new winter boots on last night - the recommended winter package from TR (Michelin X-ice XI3; 225/4518 on Sport Edition A8-2 gloss black). The TPMS and centering rings were pre-installed. No problems with the swap, and the car 'learned' the sensors after about 5 minutes of low-speed driving around the 'hood. Three of the tires showed 37psi, the FrP showed 40-41, so I bled a couple pounds. All at 37/38 on the drive into work today.

The tires seem pretty good. Can feel the softer rubber, and can sort-of feel a 'firm-ish core'. Can hear a very slight whine with the windows open on smooth pavement, but nothing with the windows up (no, I don't drive a lot in the winter with the windows down ). Was going to take/post some pics but it's been cold, dark, and rainy since I put 'em on. Will do when it clears up.