So, I'm thinking about buying some studded tires for my explorer due to the icy conditions that can occure in the winter. The wheels I got on there are POS (XL no polish or bling) factory ones but should I still purchase "winter wheels" so I'd avoid them being damaged during install/uninstall of the winter tires? I'm still just thinking about doing this, but just wanted some opinions...

thanks!

If you have it in the budget, there'* no substitute for a full set of winters. Especially for ice. Have you considered having the tires you have siped? It might be enough. It is for me, and I don't have a 4wd any more.

yeah, also am thinking about that. These street tires that are on there don't have an aggressive tread to them at all. I'm planning on going over the pass amrtin Luther King weekend in January to spend the seekend with my sister. I'm guessing conditions arn't going to be in my favor going the whole way to Pullman.

check your laws, here in MI. there outlawed for highway use only mail cairers can run them.

studs are legal from nov 1st through March. My family frun studded tires on our Suburban and Van as well...

Cool.........your lucky then.