Winter Tires

[Werm9]

I found the following tires which i will use strictly for winter and having a hard time makin gup my mind. I don't know much about tred patterend and want to know what you guys think and what I will be better off with.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...65&rd=18&ar=40

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e1=yes&place=2

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....1=yes&place=15

http://www.wheelmax.com/product.asp?ProdId=2850

http://performanceplustire.com/produ...991#prodAnchor

[drdisque]

if you're just going to use the tires in the winter then why don't you get real snow tires? All the tires you listed are just a major compromise between a performance tire and an all-season tire. But to me the Avon and Continental look like they'd be the best in the snow.

[Werm9]

Originally Posted by drdisque

if you're just going to use the tires in the winter then why don't you get real snow tires? All the tires you listed are just a major compromise between a performance tire and an all-season tire. But to me the Avon and Continental look like they'd be the best in the snow.

strictly snow liek the blizzacks are more than i can afford. they are almost $200 a tire. should I buy 4 of the contenental or 2 blizzacks now and 2 later?

[rtx042]

Originally Posted by Werm9

strictly snow liek the blizzacks are more than i can afford. they are almost $200 a tire. should I buy 4 of the contenental or 2 blizzacks now and 2 later?

Just my experience...spend the extra few bucks and stay safe. If you avoid one minor accident during the winter because of your winter tires the change in your insurance premium alone will keep you riding on expensive rubber for years to come.
I've tried the older Blizzak's and have no complaints...the new "Revo 4" is supposed to be that much better. I dont have any experience with the X-Ice Michelins but for the money they are charging they should be great tires.
After doing some research and talking with some local dealers I went with the Nokian tires from Finland. They are comparable with the Blizzaks and Michelins and are just now breaking into the North American market in a big way. Mine came from MTC Tire in Cambridge, Ont. (888)664-5551. The total cost for (4) 225/60R16 XL Nokian Hakkapeliita RSI tires mounted and balanced was CAD$676.20.
We haven't had any major snowstorms here yet so I cant give any opinion on relative performance.
Also anything I have heard or read on the subject says that you shouldn't have 2 sets of tires on your vehicle with different grip characteristics.....especially on ice. If you went with the (2) Blizzak plan as you mentioned and mounted them on your drive wheels you might find your rear trying to pass your front the first time you turn at speed on ice. The Blizzaks have amazing grip on solid ice and would act as anchors while your all season tires would have little or no lateral traction.
If you really cant afford a full set of winter tires then you are better off with a full set of all seasons.
Good luck with whatever choice you make.
Here is a link to the Nokian website:

http://www.nokiantires.com/newsite/homeF.cfm

[Werm9]

i just got the continental Extreme Contact tires via UPS today and gonna have them installed and sipped tomorrow ( wednesday). suppose to get 1-3" of snow tonight and will let you guys know what i think em wednesday night.