Snow/Ice winter tires

708 messages, Last post on Nov 10, 2009 at 12:57 PM

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What is this discussion about? Tires, Wheels

For the general tire discussion topic, have a look at the Tires, tires, tires topic.

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#631 of 708 Re: Question [driver100] by mz6greyghost Nov 12, 2008 (6:38 pm)
Replying to: driver100 (Nov 11, 2008 2:42 pm) Definitely check out Tirerack.com. I just priced out a set of 4 16" alloy rims and winter tires for less than $1000, MUCH less expensive than a decent used Subaru (in other words: not abused or 10 years old). A few other pointers: - Stick with 4 snow tires, as stated by others. - Blizzaks are indeed excellent snow tires, for the first two years. After that, they're indeed no better than all-seasons. I've had excellent luck with Dunlop and Michelin snow tires, each lasting 4-5 years, all offering excellent snow traction throughout. - Even if you don't deal with snowstorms every week, I've found snow tires to work well in cold weather, dry or wet. They're a HUGE improvement over ANY summer tire, and most all-seasons, when the temps drop below freezing. - The peace-of-mind they offer is stunning, especially if you've driven on all-seasons during the winter. Both my cars came with decent all-seasons as standard equipment, but they run snow tires/wheels from Thanksgiving to mid-April, and I can't imagine driving ANY car without snow tires anymore... Replies to this message: driver100 (Nov 13, 2008 5:54 am)
#632 of 708 Re: Question [mz6greyghost] by driver100 Nov 13, 2008 (5:54 am)
Replying to: mz6greyghost (Nov 12, 2008 6:38 pm) mz6 You have convinced me...if I could do it for $1000 I definitely would. And I like your comments about the different brands. I will look around to see if I can get a similar price up here in Canada. Thanks for the valuable info.
#633 of 708 Final decision by driver100 Nov 13, 2008 (7:20 am)
Just wanted to let you know what happened; Called 3 tire stores and total packages with rims were about $2000 Cdn or about $1600 U.S. Then I realized they probably weren't giving me prices for Run Flat Tires, so I checked and they weren't. One dealer had tires for $200 each and he said there was no advantage to putting them on rims...in fact it was more costly because of the air pressure sensers, so he could put on snows for under $1000. He said run flats would be $500 each - $400 U.S. Then I thought, maybe the dealer price of $1700 on with rims was better especially if they are talking Run Flats. So, the dealers price includes 4 RFTs, on steel rims, all balanced and ready to go, plus 4 tote bags, they know 2 will fit in the trunk and 2 on the back seat....and thats about $1300 U.S. installed so not bad considering. They are Blizzacks and I just looked up a great article that explained why the Blizzack won't last as long; Michelin claims its new tire will last 75 per cent longer than its main rival. The unnamed rival, I suspect, is the Bridgestone Blizzak. And that vast difference in wear rate would be based on the fact the Blizzak is a multicell compound for only 55 per cent of its tread depth. The remaining 45 per cent of the tire is a standard winter compound. To read more; Snow Tire Info Your comments were a big help. I really thought 2 snow tires would be enough, and I thought I would try to get through the winter without snow tires. But for $1700 the peace of mind is well worth it. Replies to this message: mz6greyghost (Nov 13, 2008 8:22 am) driver100 (Nov 13, 2008 1:41 pm)
#634 of 708 Re: Final decision [driver100] by mz6greyghost Nov 13, 2008 (8:22 am)
Replying to: driver100 (Nov 13, 2008 7:20 am) Which set of tires did you decide on? Replies to this message: driver100 (Nov 13, 2008 1:41 pm)
#635 of 708 Re: Re BMW 328i: Question [driver100] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Nov 13, 2008 (9:21 am)
Replying to: driver100 (Nov 12, 2008 6:38 pm) I doubt there's a tire in the world that would have made much difference. However, studded tires on four wheels PLUS a good driver might have at least gotten off to the side of the road without serious mishap, don't you think? They race on ice in Sweden after all Replies to this message: driver100 (Nov 13, 2008 1:45 pm) Mr_Shiftright (Nov 13, 2008 1:59 pm) driver100 (Nov 14, 2008 1:18 pm)
#636 of 708 Re: Final decision [mz6greyghost] by driver100 Nov 13, 2008 (1:41 pm)
Replying to: mz6greyghost (Nov 13, 2008 8:22 am) Which set of tires did you decide on? mz6 I had to go with the Blizzacks because that is part of the special package to get it at that price, all balances, with wheel covers, BMW knowledgeable staff (air pressure guage to be considered) and tire totes. I would like to have gotten the tires that last twice as long - Michelins and Dunlops, but I only do about 12,000 miles a year so these should last longer than I keep the car. This is part of what the article said about how long tires last..... Michelin claims its new tire will last 75 per cent longer than its main rival. The unnamed rival, I suspect, is the Bridgestone Blizzak. And that vast difference in wear rate would be based on the fact the Blizzak is a multicell compound for only 55 per cent of its tread depth. The remaining 45 per cent of the tire is a standard winter compound. Blizzacks are supposed to be extremely good along with Michelin and Dunlop, with the other 2 lasting longer. They all are far superior to the other tires that don't have the latest technology.
#637 of 708 Re: Re BMW 328i: Question [Mr_Shiftright] by driver100 Nov 13, 2008 (1:45 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Nov 13, 2008 9:21 am) However, studded tires on four wheels PLUS a good driver might have at least gotten off to the side of the road without serious mishap, don't you think? They race on ice in Sweden after all Mr_S, I wouldn't have wanted to be on those roads with studs and chains on my tires! Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Nov 13, 2008 1:59 pm) driver100 (Nov 14, 2008 1:18 pm)
#638 of 708 Re: Re BMW 328i: Question [driver100] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Nov 13, 2008 (1:59 pm)
Replying to: driver100 (Nov 13, 2008 1:45 pm) I remember seeing videos of US heavy tanks sliding off roads, so if it can happen to them it can happen to you. Of course, they win every argument in a collision. Replies to this message: driver100 (Nov 14, 2008 1:18 pm)
#639 of 708 winter tire sizing by pedrok Nov 14, 2008 (9:48 am)
My OEM size is 205 55 r16. If I get winter rims that are 16 x 6,5, Can I put P225 60 R16's on them and what effect would the larger size have. A friend is willing to GIVE me some one year old winter tires, but I was wondering what the larger size might do?
#640 of 708 Re: Re BMW 328i: Question [Mr_Shiftright] by driver100 Nov 14, 2008 (1:18 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Nov 13, 2008 1:59 pm) I remember seeing videos of US heavy tanks sliding off roads, I could be wrong, but I don't think those big rigs have snow tires on them. Do they change 18 wheels every season? I get my 4 snow tires next week. though I don't like paying $1700, I think it will be worth it in that one accident would cost way more than $1700. I am going ahead based on the comments from this site and the facts it lead me to look up.