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Post by TJM on Oct 18, 2006 9:34:55 GMT -6
I will soon be needing tires and I am considering a winter tire for use year-round.
I have no experience with winter tires; always gone the all season route, but the traveling I do every day justifies at least considering a better alternative to all season tires for safer snow driving.
Any thoughts?
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Post by 95mushroom on Oct 18, 2006 12:48:57 GMT -6
Winter tires don't come with a treadwear rating so longevity could be a question. From what I've read, the upgrade from All-Season to Winters is impressive for snow driving. Winter tires will feel very mushy/unstable in dry pavement though. I not 100%, but if you were to drive year round, it would seem to me that you would wear off all the little horizontal slits in the tread block and then the tire would just be another all-seasoner. I think that's why they don't come with any mileage info....
The best trade off is of course to have two sets of wheels. If you look around there should be a cheap set. I'll be selling mine shortly.
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Post by aurorabrain on Oct 18, 2006 13:22:16 GMT -6
I have 2 sets of rims. I buy a set of 4 winter tires for the stock rims , the fronts are toast by spring. The next winter I put the old rears on the front, and buy a new set for the rear. That way i always have 2 new snow tires on the rear, it helps with the car not oversteering.
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Post by JimW on Oct 18, 2006 13:24:46 GMT -6
I would recommend a dedicated winter tire as well. After all these years of slip sliding, I splurged and bought a set of Kumho KW 11's (225/60/16).
The number one reason, is the tire compound of traditional all seasons are only effective up to 7degrees Celsius, after that the ability for the rubber to stick to cold asphalt is not as effective. Winter tires have a rubber compound designed specifically for not only ice/snow/slush, but for cold temperatures.
$400 dollars on winter tires is money well spent, beats $4000 in vehicle damage in case of a collision.
Having 2 sets will increase the life of the tires, you wont be racking up yearly mileage on one set. .I pick up my tires tonight.
TJM, I understand your dilemma with only one set of wheels for potentially 2 sets of tires, maybe some winter steelies or Ebay'd stock alloys are in your future.
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Post by TJM on Oct 19, 2006 7:19:13 GMT -6
TJM, I understand your dilemma with only one set of wheels for potentially 2 sets of tires, maybe some winter steelies or Ebay'd stock alloys are in your future. Thanks for all the responses and Jim you hit the nail on the head. However, I have the additional issue of high mileage to consider and wheather or not I will get the full use from 2 sets of tires. Maybe I will get the winter set and then in the spring, see how my baby is doing...?? Next question - are the Kumhos quiet? (relatively speaking) |
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Post by TJM on Oct 19, 2006 10:35:07 GMT -6
I did a little research at TireRack and didn't find the Kumhos It looks like the Dunlop Winter Sport M3's may be the way I will go. |
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Post by algonquin on Oct 19, 2006 20:30:43 GMT -6
I did a little research at TireRack and didn't find the Kumhos. It looks like Dunlop Winter Sport M3's [/url] may be the way I will go.[/quote] Dunlop recommends mounting these as a set of 4 tires. |
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Post by TJM on Oct 20, 2006 5:45:52 GMT -6
yup - all 4, that's my plan and the reviews are outstanding.
And even better, Sullivan Tire in my area uses Hunter Road Force Balancing too.
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Post by luvmybravada on Oct 21, 2006 23:32:53 GMT -6
Need some winter wheels too?
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Post by TJM on Oct 23, 2006 6:31:49 GMT -6
Need some winter wheels too? That's something I have considdered but with 230k it may be a little late for any long-term planning. |
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