Snow Tires

[Fastbird]

What's everyone using and how do you like them. We're going to be getting a set soon which is going to see full time use until probably April, so they would need to be good in dry as well as with active precip.

Right now, we're looking at the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2 or the Dunlop Winter Sport M3 as they're both "performance" winter tires which still give relatively good dry weather characteristics. We'd like to go cheaper but those are only the severe winter tires which are aparrently terrible in dry conditions.

Thoughts, feedback, ideas, all are welcome.

 

[highlander73]

Blizzak LM-22's, all four corners. After getting stuck in 4 inches of snow one day I made the purchase. Only have one set of rims, have them switched each spring/fall.

Bought them due to high ratings on Tirerack.com. Were like $700 shipped, on my second season on them now (~8000miles to date). Worked great in the minor snow storms we've had this year so far.

 

[Fastbird]

We're considering those, but as a last resort. We're really trying to come in at under $600 for the tires. Thanks for the reply though, that definitely helps.

 

[highlander73]

Bear in mind that even though I might have paid $100-$150 more for the tires, I've read that Blizzak's last the longest (3 seasons on average use) as opposed to other brands.

Just a thought.

 

[pragmatic]

Running 4-215/60/16 Dunlop Graspic DS2s on Jaguar rims (ebay). Tires cost $81.61 each, after mounting, balance, disposal, state tax total for four tires $428.15

I had priced them locally then ordered them from www.dunloptires.com. The corporate site arranges for delivery to your local Dunlop dealer. They were $10 per tire cheaper then the local store that installed them had quoted in person. These are great in the snow and on ice, so so on dry or wet pavement.

 

[02V8Sport]

I have the same Blizzaks too on mine, they are by far the best snow tire I have ever driven on. I went to Firestone/Bridgestone and told them I saw them on Tirerack.com for $700 and he cut the price down for me to $650 all 4 mounted balanced for the next 4 years taking the Blizzaks off and mounting on my OEM tires on the stock wheels. They do have price guarantees at most tire places, you can haggle with them big time.

 

[Fastbird]

I have the same Blizzaks too on mine, they are by far the best snow tire I have ever driven on. I went to Firestone/Bridgestone and told them I saw them on Tirerack.com for $700 and he cut the price down for me to $650 all 4 mounted balanced for the next 4 years taking the Blizzaks off and mounting on my OEM tires on the stock wheels. They do have price guarantees at most tire places, you can haggle with them big time.

Good to know!!! We may give that a shot as there's a Firestone/Bridgestone shop right around the corner from my wife's place of employment. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Motodrew]

blizzaks W-50's

Blizzaks are the way to go. Night and Day comparison with my blizzaks compared to directionals. I get around better than any front wheel drive vehicle. I've had four on all winter and havn't noticed any tire wear. I havn't been to easy on the set either.

 

[02V8Sport]

Good to know!!! We may give that a shot as there's a Firestone/Bridgestone shop right around the corner from my wife's place of employment. Thanks for the heads up!

No problem, I thought the same way at first, but then I went in there and started haggling, works just like a car dealer, haha.

 

[KD00LS]

I'm almost positive you want to run skinnier tires in the winter, which should hack at some of the cost. Usually in the back of Motor Trend, Car and Driver, etc. they have a whole catalog of winter tires.

This is a 1999 Test, should give you a good idea about each company still.
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=4&article_id=3888

 

[Fastbird]

I'm almost positive you want to run skinnier tires in the winter, which should hack at some of the cost. Usually in the back of Motor Trend, Car and Driver, etc. they have a whole catalog of winter tires.

This is a 1999 Test, should give you a good idea about each company still.
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=4&article_id=3888

Already there. Was looking at 225/55/17's. Has a minimal effect on the speedo (<1.5%).