Snow Tires?

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Tis the season, right?

I'm just trying to stay ahead of the game, I need a set of snow tires for my Buick to put on my spare set of wheels. I'm moving in Sept. to a place that is apparently one of the iciest places in the country (not sure if that's true, just what I heard). I talked to a guy who's seen snow in 8/12 months living there, which is quite a bit more than I'm used to. I've driven on fully iced over roads and up to 4" of snow with all seasons on my Camaro but what I'm moving into is going to be a bit more. I have no experience with snow tires.

I'm currently leaning toward the General Altimax Arctic Studdables, but want some opinions. Tirerack actually has the Blizzack WS60 studless rated higher in ice traction than the Altimax studdables, but I feel it might be comparing apples and oranges. I'd love to avoid studs if possible, but I thought the studdable option might be a nice one so I have the option in the future if needed. I've heard studs are useless and they are amazing so I'm not sure what to think.

What's your suggestion for good snow tires with an emphasis on ice traction? And should I stud them or not?

edit: I also considered low-balling this guy: http://salem.craigslist.org/pts/1848041669.html because they're cheap and have the white walls, but I've never heard of the brand and the only review I could find was a dude with 305s complaining that they hydroplane in heavy rain.

[unvmyrs]

Re: Snow Tires?

Look, I am from Molalla, which I am sure you are familiar with shlotzky, and it is snowy/icy there in the winter time. I did use studs on my jeep. They help a lot, especially because it was a rural area, with a lot of ditches. I don't remember which brand, I wanna say they were good years. They were great. Studs are prohibited though during parts of the year, so you'd have to make sure you change your wheels. Where are you moving to?

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: Snow Tires?

Moving down to Klamath Falls for the remaining 2 years of my degree. Might be three, not sure yet. Do you have any experience with non-studded snow tires? And you think the ones you had were the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice?

I'm going to be taking both sets of wheels, one with snow tires and one with my current all seasons. If I do go with studded, I'm going to try to avoid driving them on dry pavement as much as I can since I hate the sound.

Have you heard of PDXCPG? It's a car club I'm a part of based in portland; mostly gran prix's but a few camaros and a transam or two. You should check out the website, maybe we could meet up sometime.

[unvmyrs]

Re: Snow Tires?

Yeah, we should meet up. I live in Fort Lewis WA right now because I am in the Military, but I visit ol' mom frequently and it's not a far drive. To answer the question about the goodyears, I honestly don't remember. I got rid of it a long time ago. If I were you, I'd go with the non studded, the buick is a FWD, correct? Then you should have plenty of grip with regular ice/snow tires. :)

[97rs4life]

Re: Snow Tires?

if ice is of concern then definitely get some that are studded or have the option for studding them.

What size are you looking for and on what kind of vehicle, the camaro still?

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: Snow Tires?

This is for my Buick. '95 Park Avenue, and yes, it's fwd. 215/70/15 is the size I'm looking for. The only snow I've driven the Buick in was maybe 2 inches of powder and some slush. Even so it was much better than the Camaro.

[Bird_Of_Prey]

Re: Snow Tires?

Snow tires?!?! It's 91 degrees outside.

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: Snow Tires?

Now is the time to get the good deals on Craigslist when no one else is looking ;)

[Mogobs30th]

Re: Snow Tires?

Snow tires?!?! It's 91 degrees outside.

****ing 94 tomorrow.

[bwkmaro]

Re: Snow Tires?

cooper weather masters and get them studded. they are awsome ive have all kinds of snow tires these are the best they just dont handle well but piont and go even in a camaro lol

[kala]

Re: Snow Tires?

I use Blizzaks LM 25 on my 370z. I have driven all last year. I highly recommend them. AND best of all, there are being sold out on closeout price on tirerack. SICK pricing!

Here's my setup: http://www.the370z.com/wheels-tires/...cs-ak370z.html

My winter driving thread: http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-p...2-w-video.html

and remember this is a 332+ HP Rear Wheel Drive car and I was able to drive on snow fine (up to 4" of snow due to front bumper being low). Blizzaks FTW.

[Everglades W68]

Re: Snow Tires?

What are these "snow tires" you speak of?

[ACiFiC]

Re: Snow Tires?



??

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: Snow Tires?

I use Blizzaks LM 25 on my 370z. I have driven all last year. I highly recommend them. AND best of all, there are being sold out on closeout price on tirerack. SICK pricing!

Here's my setup: http://www.the370z.com/wheels-tires/...cs-ak370z.html

My winter driving thread: http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-p...2-w-video.html

and remember this is a 332+ HP Rear Wheel Drive car and I was able to drive on snow fine (up to 4" of snow due to front bumper being low). Blizzaks FTW.

Has any of your driving been very icy? And those are non- studded, correct?

Edit: I guess I'll take that as a vote for the Blizzak WS60 as none of the LM series is available in my size.

[97rs4life]

Re: Snow Tires?

I would go with Hankook Ipikes (W409) or cooper weathermasters for it. I run the Ipikes on my 98 Jimmy and love them in the MI winters