Bigger rims and low-profile tires suck in the winter. I got my 17s almost 4 years ago when I was back in Florida. I brought the car up with me to Michigan this year for school, thinking that the rims wouldn't be a problem.

First, the roads in wintery places generally suck. Someone told me that it has to do with the freezing and thawing of ice/snow in winter months, it gets in the cracks and stuff and messes it all up. Where I live, its impossible to find smooth road, and I've pretty much given up on driving carefully on my rims. Fortunately for me they are old enough to where I have stopped caring about their condition. But I am not even thinking about replacing them because it would be worthless right now.

Second, low profile tires hate snow. I can't even count the number of times I have almost been in an accident because I can't make a decent turn or come to a stop without sliding a little. The are anything but "all-weather" tires, and its a huge risk to drive in those kind of conditions. I have also gotten stuck in my parking lot numerous times because my tires just spin in the snow and ice.

I used to want to lower my car also, but after this winter, I changed my mind. With all the snow and ice and salt and shitty roads, stock is the way to go for winter.