Snow/Ice winter tires

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

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#652 of 708 more oregon driving by kurtamaxxxguy Dec 16, 2008 (8:47 pm)
This time came the big hills around Portland OR. We have several subdivisions built on Bull Mountain that have numerous winding, hilly streets. Most of those streets were covered with snow-swept ice, occasionally sprinkled with a few cinders. Some hills approach 20 - 25 degrees. One hill's lack of traction had sent a Jetta and a small MiniVan down their slopes. A number of FWD cars were spinning wheels as they tried to get going. The XT with Nokians, in all but one case, just went up and down the hills. As before, speeds had to be kept low, but the XT stopped and restarted on any hill, and stopped when going down the same hills. The worst case was when the ice was wet - the ABS definitely kicked in for those braking situations. Accelerating, I did not see any VDC/TC warning lights but felt some of the wheels alternating traction. There was little hesitation and no violent spinning of wheels. Only time the XT lost traction was when it was bounding/turning over a small hill at 5-10 mph. Loss of weight allowed tires to drift momentarily. Overall, WRG2's seem to work Replies to this message: ex_tdier (Dec 16, 2008 11:05 pm)
#653 of 708 Re: more oregon driving [kurtamaxxxguy] by ex_tdier Dec 16, 2008 (11:05 pm)
Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 16, 2008 8:47 pm) The XT with Nokians, in all but one case, just went up and down the hills. As before, speeds had to be kept low, but the XT stopped and restarted on any hill, and stopped when going down the same hills. The worst case was when the ice was wet - the ABS definitely kicked in for those braking situations. Accelerating, I did not see any VDC/TC warning lights but felt some of the wheels alternating traction. There was little hesitation and no violent spinning of wheels. That's interesting. Perhaps the tires weren't spinning due to traction control? The Michelin Ice Xi2s are one of the best if not the best studelss tire out there for ice. I was doing some more starting and going on ice today and my tires were spinning, irregardless how easy I was on the accelerator. I wish I could test drive these tires going up a snowy or icy hilll; however, my Mazda3 does not have traction control. I doubt it would make it.
#654 of 708 Re: You gotta be careful [kurtamaxxxguy] by hammerhead Dec 17, 2008 (8:52 am)
Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 14, 2008 10:50 pm) Yep, it's the ice... I agree, as it is snowing over the top of these icy streets here in Spokane Cheers! Paul
#655 of 708 recent snows in Portland Or by kurtamaxxxguy Dec 17, 2008 (12:35 pm)
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-164378 shows a lot of cars failing to climb a snowed/iced hill in Waterford (near Portland, OR). Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Dec 17, 2008 5:48 pm) ex_tdier (Dec 22, 2008 8:43 pm) hammerhead (Dec 17, 2008 6:09 pm) kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 17, 2008 7:15 pm)
#656 of 708 Re: recent snows in Portland Or [kurtamaxxxguy] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Dec 17, 2008 (5:48 pm)
Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 17, 2008 12:35 pm) It's interesting to watch that video and notice how some cars have no trouble at all. I'm wondering if we are seeing different levels of driver skills, since it didn't look like all the "successful" cars were AWD types. Replies to this message: ex_tdier (Dec 22, 2008 8:43 pm)
#657 of 708 Re: recent snows in Portland Or [kurtamaxxxguy] by hammerhead Dec 17, 2008 (6:09 pm)
Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 17, 2008 12:35 pm) And check out the weather uber-wimps in Seattle - they close schools upon the mere THREAT of snow!! Chained up 80% of the fleet of school buses, then had to take 'em off because they were throwing sparks! Cheers! Paul Replies to this message: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 17, 2008 7:15 pm)
#658 of 708 Re: recent snows in Portland Or [hammerhead] by kurtamaxxxguy Dec 17, 2008 (7:15 pm)
Replying to: hammerhead (Dec 17, 2008 6:09 pm) A fair number of drivers in Portland are using Chains or studded tires (which are legal here). ODOT mandated them a few days ago. There were plenty of people adjusting them as well.
#659 of 708 dumb question but... by homefry1040 Dec 19, 2008 (8:51 pm)
Dad's car currently has summer 195/70/14 tires, can I put Blizzaks that are 215/70/14's on it? 98 Camry-thanks in advance.... Replies to this message: shipo (Dec 20, 2008 6:16 am) paisan (Dec 20, 2008 6:36 am) shipo (Dec 20, 2008 6:41 am) homefry1040 (Dec 20, 2008 6:49 am) and 1 more... homefry1040 (Dec 21, 2008 5:12 am)
#660 of 708 Re: dumb question but... [homefry1040] by shipo Dec 20, 2008 (6:16 am)
Replying to: homefry1040 (Dec 19, 2008 8:51 pm) Hmmm, you can, but there are two issues to consider: 1) There is a very good chance that you will have fender clearance issues both during turning and when hitting bumps. Why? The 215s are fully 1.1" larger in diameter and 0.8" wider than the 195s that are currently on his car. 2) If you mount the 215s on the car, you will be traveling roughly 5% faster than your speedometer reads. Said another way, if you happen to roll through a speed-trap in a 65 mph zone on the highway and you "think" you're going 72 (per the speedometer), you'll actually be moving at just over 75. That might be just enough to get you a ticket. Replies to this message: paisan (Dec 20, 2008 6:36 am) shipo (Dec 20, 2008 6:41 am) homefry1040 (Dec 20, 2008 6:49 am) isellhondas (Dec 20, 2008 12:47 pm) homefry1040 (Dec 21, 2008 5:12 am)
#661 of 708 Re: dumb question but... [shipo] by paisan Dec 20, 2008 (6:36 am)
Replying to: shipo (Dec 20, 2008 6:16 am) 3) For Snow tires you actually want a narrower tire than stock or stock size. The Narrower tires will cut through the snow better than a wider floatier tire. -mike Subaru Guru and Track Instructor Replies to this message: shipo (Dec 20, 2008 6:41 am) homefry1040 (Dec 20, 2008 6:49 am) isellhondas (Dec 20, 2008 12:47 pm) homefry1040 (Dec 21, 2008 5:12 am)