<p>Oh, one other thought…I bought a set of “used” wheels to mount my snow tires…then in the spring they just took the whole mess off and put the all seasons on. Saved $$ over time. They are heavy that way however, so it would depend on how you were going to store them. For me, they used bagged each tire in a big black leaf bag and put them in the back of my Volvo. I stored them in my basement…so it might be easier to store just the tires and bear the cost of putting the tire back on the original wheels.</p>
<p>Driving in the snow/ice: I took this class: [Winter</a> Driving Training Center | Bridgestone Winter Driving School](<a href=“http://winterdrive.com/]Winter”>http://winterdrive.com/) twenty-some years ago. It was enormously helpful.</p>
<p>The RWD Dodge probably has wide, low profile tires on it. It may be cheaper to buy a set of winter wheels wheels and more normal minivan style tires. Wide tires work like pontoons in the snow. Dedicated snow tires like Blizzaks get better traction on ice than studded tires.</p>
<p>Also have him put 200-300 pounds in the trunk for traction. I used to keep four 50lb bags of sand which can double as a traction aid if he ever gets stuck. Unless he sees a 1965 Mustang, his car will consistently be the worst one in the snow, so he should hang out in the right lane and leave plenty of space.</p>
<p>Yes, I was also going to suggest weight in the trunk…we always did that in the olden days when we had rear wheel drive cars. And if he gets stuck the sand can be used for traction.</p>
<p>OP if there is a Belle Tire, check with them. I think their charge is fairly low. Basically you could google the chains and probably find the best price - Discount Tire, Belle Tire, Tires Plus are a few of the larger Tire chains.</p>
<p>Almost forgot - a small shovel in the trunk in case he gets plowed in. I’ve too often seen people trying to dig through a 2’ snow bank with an ice scraper.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for your advice. He won’t be attending the driving school in CO however they have a winter driving DVD that I have ordered. I would have never thought about the sand and snow shovel.</p>
<p>I figured we would not mess with the rims and just get cheap and appropriate snow tires and wheels.</p>
<p>Studded tires are not permitted in Minnesota, except for non-residents, who may use them for 30 days. However, full-time non-resident students and non-residents employed within Minnesota are not permitted to use studded tires.</p>
<p>Just moved to Minnesota from California, and got <em>winter</em> tires after the first snow, after I slid through a stop sign. Also learned how to use the anti-lock brakes, which I never had the occasion to use in California. Driving is definitely better with the winter tires, but they do not prevent slipping in all cases, so the key is to drive slowly anytime there might be icy conditions. Also, since I’ve seen other cars slide through stop signs, it is essential to be super aware and cautious when conditions are slippery.</p>
<p>I am also keeping some blankets in the back, a long with some kitty litter (in case I get stuck somewhere).</p>
<p>I guess I’ll put a shovel in the back, too – thanks for the tip!</p>
<p>I just drove home through the first big snow with my all wheel drive and studded snow tires. I did go slowly because I could hardly see the road, but I didn’t slip or slide once. YAY!</p>
<p>Personally I wouldn’t bother with the snow tires. Get new all-weather tires when he gets to MN, put some sand bags in the trunk if he needs to. He has no place to keep the tires, the chances of NEEDING the tires is slim and the hassle and cost to have them swapped out in a couple months is just more work then necessary. Even when it does snow the roads are cleared very quickly, if the roads are so bad he can’t get through, take the bus or walk. If the roads are too bad for those, school will be closed. It’s one thing to live in a hilly part of the country and having to get up and down large hills or mountains but Minneapolis is flat with good road cleaning abilities. Snow tires just are not necessary. So far this year he could have benefited from them for ONE day, last year he would not have needed them at all. The year before, probably about 6 or 7 days they would have been handy. The rest of the time the roads are clear and dry.</p>
<p>Sorry SteveMA but I disagree. This kid has a rear wheel drive car and is in Minnesota from California. We had a rear wheel drive car and to say it was not good in the snow was a gross understatement. If he had another car, sure put all season tires on it. But for this car and this kid I don’t think they can. </p>
<p>Driving in the snow for 40+ years–for the handful of days he MIGHT need the tires, just not worth it. Put some kitty litter in the trunk over the tires and call it good. If he is at the U of MN he won’t need to drive on snowy days to begin with and after 12 hours max after a snowfall the roads are clear and smooth going. Just not something a freshman in college needs to worry about.</p>