[Rick]

Was hoping to make it to Thanksgiving weekend, but had to break down and install the winter tires today (thanks Mother Nature). I am surprised that I like the original gray/silver wheels better than the black ones (with winter tires). Thought black would look better than the original with the orange paint.

 

[johnnyquest]

I had to do the same thing, installed my winter tires early and then on a return trip from Ohio it was 71 degrees outside. Oh well, glad I have them on. We are supposed to have 3 feet on the ground by tomorrow afternoon. I agree with you, the black wheels don't really pop with the orange paint. In the spring I'm going to get new wheels for my summer tires and I'll probably get some OZs in a color similar to the stock wheels. I have the dark wheels with red calipers like yours.

JQ

 

[Rick]

Do me a favor and post photos of your wheels if you change them...or anything else you do to the exterior. I'll do the same.

 

[[email protected]]

Specs/brand on the black wheels?

 

[Rick]

Specs/brand on the black wheels?

Focal F05 15x6.5 with General Altimax Artic winter tires.

 

[captainmorbid]

Focal F05 15x6.5 with General Altimax Artic winter tires.

Good tire choice. I still have a bit of a go finding traction in the first few shifts, and my Fiesta has atmospheric boost only! Winter is fun.

 

[Rick]

Good tire choice. I still have a bit of a go finding traction in the first few shifts, and my Fiesta has atmospheric boost only! Winter is fun.

Same here...this is my first experience with switching from summer only tires to winter tires. Car definitely feel a bit more squirrelly getting under way. Hopefully I get used to it soon.

 

[captainmorbid]

Same here...this is my first experience with switching from summer only tires to winter tires. Car definitely feel a bit more squirrelly getting under way. Hopefully I get used to it soon.

How's the STs traction control? I have an 11 and can't disable it without a fuse puller, though mine seems to give me more spin than others have reported.

 

[Rick]

Seems to be okay, but honestly I haven't had it kick in yet (and the roads here were terrible yesterday morning). In fact, the only time it's ever engaged was if I was driving crazy and forgot to turn it off. I do like having the 3 modes for traction control. It will be interesting to see how it behaves when it's really, really sloppy outside. Might sound crazy, but I am actually looking forward to getting some dicey weather to see just how good she'll be in the snow.

 

[captainmorbid]

It is fun to get a bit hoony in mine where it's safe to hoon. It surprises me how long I can slide in this thing compared to my DCT Fiesta.


Sent via poles, wires and telegraph 2.

 

[[email protected]]

Focal F05 15x6.5 with General Altimax Artic winter tires.

Good looking wheel, looks like they only come in 15"-17" diameters, on Tire Rack anyways.

 

[Rick]

Going to get back to near 70 degrees in Ohio in another week...man, I am going to miss those summer tires on those 2 or 3 warm days.

The plan, after I wear out my current set of winter and summer tires is to put new winter tires on the stock rims since they have a few scratches (damn curbs) and get a new set for my next set of summer tires. Anyone have suggestions on what might look good (color wise) with the molten orange paint? I thought black, so I tried black for my current winter wheels (plus it hides the salt), but I actually like the color of the stock wheels better (more contrast with the tires).

I knew I would have to get snow tires when I bought this car, but I swore to myself that would be it. I just wanted something entertaining to drive every day that got reasonable gas mileage. Now, after visiting this forum a few times, I'm chomping at the bit to start upgrading it. You are all going to cost me lots of money (just kidding). Knowing myself and my addictive personality, I will probably go off the deep end with this car....but at least I'll have company.

 

[Smokin]

nuf said...

 

[BRGT350]

2015 Ford Fiesta ST prepped for winter by Bryan Redeker BRGT350, on Flickr

Installed these in early November, which was good since it was the snowiest November on record. We had over 30" of snow in the final 2 weeks of the month. It all melted away in December, which turned out to be the least snowiest month on record. January is shaping up to be another snowy month with about a foot falling in the last 48 hours. The ST continues to do outstanding in these conditions! Temps are in the single digits, so salt isn't effective. The roads are very icy, but the ST does just find.

 

[Rick]

I am very pleased with the ST's performance in bad weather. I have not had any issues either. The winter shoes make a huge difference...but I can't wait for spring so I can put the summer shoes back on.

 

[BRGT350]

I am having enough fun hooning on the ice this week that I am loving the winter tires. Lots of pendulum turns, practice left foot braking, and hand brake tight turns. The ST in sport mode is just fun.