bikertom 0 Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 Just wondering, what date can I switch over to my snow tires? Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 Not until you are told you can!! I usually get mind done early-mid December. Link to post Share on other sites
grungy-gonads 54 Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 Has the date been announced yet? Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 Gotta wait for the Ministry of Snow Tires to officially declare Snow Tire season open Link to post Share on other sites
andylaurel 3 Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 November 18th at 2.43pm is the official time and date at which you may switch to your snow tires. Heavy penalties are imposed on those who flaunt the law and switch earlier. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 On the same subject, always funny seeing the mad panic at gasoline stands happen when the first snow arrives in town. Must get snow tyres on NOW!! Link to post Share on other sites
bikertom 0 Posted November 11, 2011 Author Share Posted November 11, 2011 November 18th at 2.43pm is the official time and date at which you may switch to your snow tires. Heavy penalties are imposed on those who flaunt the law and switch earlier. Thanks... oddly specific time but it's great to know. I prefer to get a change over / oil change and ski racks on as early as possible so it really helps. Link to post Share on other sites
tokabochi 9 Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 Twas a joke! Depends on where you are. Here in Tokamachi, Niigata - very much a snow country town - I usually get that done early December like muika said. Link to post Share on other sites
bikertom 0 Posted November 11, 2011 Author Share Posted November 11, 2011 Twas a joke! Depends on where you are. Here in Tokamachi, Niigata - very much a snow country town - I usually get that done early December like muika said. Haha dooh... I was wondering. I'm in Tokyo and the tire shops are pretty packed starting in early december so I like to get it done mid-late November, but I don't really want a ticket... though the chances of the Tokyo police stopping me for snowtires seems kind of slim... Link to post Share on other sites
snowdude 44 Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 If you are only staying in Tokyo you wont need snow tyres, and the police wont stop you for not having snow tyres unless you drive on a motorway with normal tyres when it is snowing. I will put mine on next week, or rather Mistubishi will, as my car will have it's 12 month service, and they said they will swop the wheels while it is being serviced. I think I normally change the wheels around the later part of Novemeber. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 do Police stop people and fine them for having snow tires on when there is no snow?? Link to post Share on other sites
Slippery Jim 65 Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 Only if it's bottomless! Link to post Share on other sites
snowdude 44 Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 No! We left the snow tyres on my wifes car all year round, as we only use it locally, so didn't see the point to change them for what few miles it does. Link to post Share on other sites
best skier in hakuba 5 Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 probably get mine done by the end of the month. and my hair cut too. Link to post Share on other sites
marku 0 Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 November 18th at 2.43pm is the official time and date at which you may switch to your snow tires. Heavy penalties are imposed on those who flaunt the law and switch earlier. haha! Brilliant post, you made me laugh lots andylaurel! Thankyou! Link to post Share on other sites
grungy-gonads 54 Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 And what might this be then?! Link to post Share on other sites
andylaurel 3 Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 I switched to mine 3 weeks ago because I had some free time, but with snow forecast for today through Thursday, the tire shops/gas stands were overflowing with people changing tires yesterday. Link to post Share on other sites
FatBob 0 Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Do you guys own two sets of tyres for your cars then? What happens if you drive into a snowy area and only have normal set? Link to post Share on other sites
1 4 Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Yes different set FatBob. Link to post Share on other sites
Slippery Jim 65 Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 You park and come back for the car in April Link to post Share on other sites
Nisoko 6 Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 People who only visit might use chains. Link to post Share on other sites
snowdude 44 Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Yes I think most of us have two sets of wheels and tyres, well I do anyway, then easy to change anytime myself. Link to post Share on other sites
midnightcharger2 0 Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Snow tires are a softer compound of rubber than normal street tires in order to grip better in colder weather. Using regular tires in winter is like trying to drive a greased pig with ice skates. You can use studless tires in summer but their lifespan will be drastically reduced quicker and possibly making them unsafe for winter. If I recall the bare minimum for snow tires should be no less than 5mm of tread. New tires are usually around 9-10mm. Another thing that many overlook on studless tires is the manufacture date. Since they are softer, they tend to dry rot faster than regular tires from the summer sun. If you are running 10year old tires that look new, you could be at risk. Newer is better. If your visiting from the city, you can use chains, but make sure they are on the drive axle. If your car is front wheel drive, make sure they go on the front. RWD on the back. Also learn how to put your chains on in good weather. Nothing sucks more than trying to figure out how they work when it is puking snow, or you find out you are missing a part or have broken parts. Also for the Tokyo dwellers, following distance..... give yourself more space between cars than you think. I have had people riding my rear and a near miss when I hit a bad patch of ice. Rear vehicle missed by millimeters. But on a funnier note. I saw my first winter tire FAIL about a week ago. Japanese dude blocking an intersection with one tire hanging off the hub. *Most important tip for DIY's. DOUBLE CHECK YOUR WHEEL NUTS. Link to post Share on other sites
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