View Full Version : what winter tires do you use ?
henry33
10-13-2010, 04:23 PM
I have bought continental winter contact TS800 :thumbsup:
what about you ? what do you use and how are you satisfied ?
I have General Altimax Arctic's on my factory steel wheels,they worked great last year.I drove in all conditions and they performed great.
fnkngrv
10-13-2010, 05:35 PM
talking about that...not to jack your thread, but isn't there a toyota part number for snow chains?
fnkngrv
10-13-2010, 05:57 PM
I run Viking M+S 195/60's.
.Kevin.
10-13-2010, 11:29 PM
Good year all seasons, no big difference anyways
BailOut
10-13-2010, 11:44 PM
I run $54 all season Kumho Solus KR-21s, and keep Spikes Spiders on hand for dealing with the deep stuff.
jcemitte
10-14-2010, 12:06 AM
man it must suck balls to have to put new tires on every season, puts in perspective things i take for granted
.Kevin.
10-14-2010, 12:10 AM
Thats why you just get all seasons
Thirty-Nine
10-14-2010, 12:25 AM
Good year all seasons, no big difference anyways
You must not do much snow/ice driving. In the snow and ice, there is a much more noticeable difference in traction, braking, and handling in snowy and icy conditions. I drove for years on all-season tires in Minnesota and Wisconsin. However, it was a game changer the first time I bought a set of snow tires. Marked difference.
Anyway, I've had Nokians but just bought a set of Hankook W409s (studded).
.Kevin.
10-14-2010, 01:03 AM
You must not do much snow/ice driving. In the snow and ice, there is a much more noticeable difference in traction, braking, and handling in snowy and icy conditions. I drove for years on all-season tires in Minnesota and Wisconsin. However, it was a game changer the first time I bought a set of snow tires. Marked difference.
Anyway, I've had Nokians but just bought a set of Hankook W409s (studded).
Aslong as you arent sliding all over the place verything is well, just drive the speed limit imo
henry33
10-14-2010, 04:13 AM
I do not know about your conditions but here I would not start the car without winter tires in the winter so much dangerous without them.
all season are rubbish since they are not good in the summer nor in the winter. who wants to argue please try winter tires in snow and ice and you will see4 the difference or you can find tons of the videos on the youtube ;)
.Kevin.
10-14-2010, 06:08 AM
Well all seasons are more all around not in a specific area so obviously a full purpose tire wont compare to a tire dedicated to a single purpose.
Also I think russia winter is worse lol
henry33
10-14-2010, 06:20 AM
hehe I am not from Russia but Slovakia :)
SimTronik
10-14-2010, 08:13 AM
Just got some brand new TOYO Observe G02 Plus. Hope their good.
Winter is at the door here.
MUSKOKA800
10-14-2010, 10:11 AM
My Goodyear Ice radials are nearly done. They have plenty of tread depth but the rubber is stiffening up and not as grippy last winter as in the past. They say five years max. for winter rubber before it loses it's grip.
I'll switch to Michelin XIce when I take the plunge. They're a great all-round winter tire but should last 30% longer (mileage wise) than other winter tires. I'll run 175/70/14 on my 14" steelies to match the OEM 23.7" diameter of the stock 15" OEM rubber.
jcemitte
10-14-2010, 01:07 PM
hehe I am not from Russia but Slovakia :)
man when i was in school we had this teachers aide who was from slovokia, she was so HOTT it was rediculous i couldnt focus on my work during that period lol.
/end off topic,,,sorry :)
henry33
10-14-2010, 03:56 PM
man when i was in school we had this teachers aide who was from slovokia, she was so HOTT it was rediculous i couldnt focus on my work during that period lol.
/end off topic,,,sorry :)
agree girls are pretty here :thumbup:
Lil Abner
10-14-2010, 11:46 PM
I got some Pirelli Winter Carving snow tires, 175/65R-14, and a set of 14" steelies. I haven't used them yet, but winter is right around the corner!
SimTronik
10-15-2010, 08:15 AM
Yup. Getting colder.
Any 2010 top 10 best winter tires?
jstantherprsn
10-15-2010, 05:41 PM
There are wheels out there with diamond fragments and dust embedded into the tire. They are popular in iceland, you have to put like 5k on them before you wear off the outer protective rubber to expose it. Almost looks like winter tire with salt and stuff embedded in it. I don't know if they are in the states yet.
UTVitz
10-15-2010, 05:52 PM
Michelin X-Ice Xi2-lov'em. Fantastic grip and stopping on snow and ice. They get a little spongy feeling in temps above 60 degrees, but that's to be expected. They are great winter tires. I considered the Toyo G2 Observe a year ago, but thought the technology was old-using ground up walnut shell in the rubber compound to get the grip. But I am curious to read owners results.
henry33
10-18-2010, 12:14 PM
what weight index do you use ?
i have bought 88 T isn't this too much for yaris ? thanks
I had Fireatone Winterforce on a 1997 Crown Vic I had. They were narrower and taller than the regular size. Really fair price,awesome performance.
They are for sale. 205/75R-15, one on a rim, mounted & balanced. PM me if interested.
doc
Lil Abner
10-20-2010, 07:58 PM
what weight index do you use ?
i have bought 88 T isn't this too much for yaris ? thanks
The tires I got are listed as 86R tires (1168 lbs per tire). An 88 is listed as 1235 lbs per tire. I think your higher load just means it can take more load, but shouldn't be a problem on a Yaris. I found the info here:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=35
Hope that helps.
johnny_vitz
10-21-2010, 01:47 PM
I used Firestone winterforce the last 2 years on factory steelies - good tire for the price (cheap) Switching to 195 55 15 Michelin X Ice on 15" Heliums this year so we'll see how they are.
Kal-El
10-21-2010, 05:58 PM
Continental Extreme Winter Contacts. :thumbsup:
Yes, all season tires are junk in the snow. All season = no season.
Those who have never ran snow/winter tires have no idea what they're missing.
When you do, you'll never run all-seasons again.
I haven't gotten stuck in anything with these. And I if you were to set up cones on snow, I'd be able to slalom through them at a good speed.
firemachine69
10-22-2010, 05:47 PM
Bridgestone Blizzak.
Ironically, unlike the stock Bridgestones, they don't suck.
henry33
10-22-2010, 06:04 PM
Continental Extreme Winter Contacts. :thumbsup:
Yes, all season tires are junk in the snow. All season = no season.
Those who have never ran snow/winter tires have no idea what they're missing.
When you do, you'll never run all-seasons again.
I haven't gotten stuck in anything with these. And I if you were to set up cones on snow, I'd be able to slalom through them at a good speed.
agree:thumbup:
henry33
10-22-2010, 06:06 PM
The tires I got are listed as 86R tires (1168 lbs per tire). An 88 is listed as 1235 lbs per tire. I think your higher load just means it can take more load, but shouldn't be a problem on a Yaris. I found the info here:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=35
Hope that helps.
thanks you are right no big difference
hava talked to conti customers care :smoking:
SimTronik
10-22-2010, 06:07 PM
Continental Extreme Winter Contacts. :thumbsup:
Yes, all season tires are junk in the snow. All season = no season.
Those who have never ran snow/winter tires have no idea what they're missing.
When you do, you'll never run all-seasons again.
I haven't gotten stuck in anything with these. And I if you were to set up cones on snow, I'd be able to slalom through them at a good speed.
They look great. I always have regrets when i choose tires lol There is so much. Hope i did a good choice with my Toyo G02 plus cuz yours seems really great.
Kal-El
10-22-2010, 06:38 PM
They look great. I always have regrets when i choose tires lol There is so much. Hope i did a good choice with my Toyo G02 plus cuz yours seems really great.
Did a lot of research (Tire Rack .com is the most informative) and these Continentals always scored either #1 or #2 for overall performance in comparison tests. Blizzaks are the other top rated, but more expensive.
henry33
10-22-2010, 06:45 PM
Did a lot of research (Tire Rack .com is the most informative) and these Continentals always scored either #1 or #2 for overall performance in comparison tests. Blizzaks are the other top rated, but more expensive.
that is why I have bought continental:thumbsup:
Kal-El
10-23-2010, 02:40 PM
Here are a couple of demonstration videos comparing winter rubber with all seasons.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGfvyPtYR0Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCyiBoTxCao&feature=related
This is why Europe requires by law to install winter tires. They know the huge difference it is. Something the general American public hasn't seemed to pick up on (northern half).
I don't believe that government should create such a law in America but if everyone did install snows, winter driving would be 10X better for everyone. No more crawling at 20mph on the highway, 100s of thousands of accidents would be avoided, and the relief from white knuckle driving is invaluable. Trust me!
henry33
10-23-2010, 02:54 PM
yes the video says it all ;)
if you do not have winter tires in here the insurance will not pay for damage so that is the simple way how to force people to switch to winter tires ;)
think it is applied in all Europe
Kal-El
10-23-2010, 03:04 PM
Perhaps American insurance companies should offer discounts for those who install snow tires. After all, it saves them a ton of money from those who use them. And the winter season multiplies their claims 10 fold because most don't use them. It would just require a quick check of the tires at the start of winter season each year at an authorized insurance check point.
This discount perhaps would equate to the cost of the tires over the tire's 3-5 season life span.
:thumbsup:
Yea, and it would increase the accidents because people would think,"I have winter tires, yes I can't see 10 feet in front of me, but that doesn't matter." Just like they do now when they have awd or 4wd vehicles. Seriously more idiots in awd and 4wd vehicles get in accidents then people in 2wd cars, because people in 2wd cars use their brains.
Lil Abner
10-24-2010, 10:27 AM
Yea, and it would increase the accidents because people would think,"I have winter tires, yes I can't see 10 feet in front of me, but that doesn't matter." Just like they do now when they have awd or 4wd vehicles. Seriously more idiots in awd and 4wd vehicles get in accidents then people in 2wd cars, because people in 2wd cars use their brains.
That is so true! During bad storms and terrible roads, it's the 4WD/AWD's that are in the ditch!
SimTronik
10-24-2010, 10:31 AM
Yea, and it would increase the accidents because people would think,"I have winter tires, yes I can't see 10 feet in front of me, but that doesn't matter." Just like they do now when they have awd or 4wd vehicles. Seriously more idiots in awd and 4wd vehicles get in accidents then people in 2wd cars, because people in 2wd cars use their brains.
Thats how my Sedan 2009 passed out hit by a huge fearless pickup at night in a snow storm. I was 3min from a sure death (i got out). I hate pickup drivers. There is thoses days that you truly should have stay home.
Bluevitz-rs
10-24-2010, 10:49 AM
I run Dunlop Graspic DS-1, size 185/60R14 on first gen Prius wheels. Each wheel is 6lbs lighter than my summers.
Edit: Oh and they're amazing in on ice, or in snow.
Kal-El
10-24-2010, 11:15 AM
Yea, and it would increase the accidents because people would think,"I have winter tires, yes I can't see 10 feet in front of me, but that doesn't matter." Just like they do now when they have awd or 4wd vehicles. Seriously more idiots in awd and 4wd vehicles get in accidents then people in 2wd cars, because people in 2wd cars use their brains.
That point is true as well.
These SUV and truck drivers don't understand the fundamentals of TRACTION.
Even with AWD or 4WD, it is still the tires/rubber used that give you traction.
Many of them are running worn all-seasons and think they can still speed in snow. :rolleyes:
The main advantage in AWD is more grip when accelerating from a stop. As well a bit more stability to stay in a straight line. But again, winter rubber is still the most important part of traction.
If you're cruising down the highway in snow, it is the tires that keep your vehicle planted. Of course, if you're comparing specifically to RWD, then yeah, the possibility of losing control multiplies (fishtailing).
Stopping has nothing to do with having AWD or just 2WD. Again, it is the rubber. This is a huge point speeding SUV's forget.
schleppy
10-25-2010, 12:09 PM
Firestone Winterforce tires. They are cheap and somewhat heavy, but they work damn well. I went out driving in every blizzard we had last year in MA and I never had issues. They also seem to last forever too.
Kal-El
10-25-2010, 02:28 PM
Firestone Winterforce tires. They are cheap and somewhat heavy, but they work damn well. I went out driving in every blizzard we had last year in MA and I never had issues. They also seem to last forever too.
Those are one of the more traditional winter tread designs left. Very aggressive.
Definitely made for lots of snow.
I'm curious, how are they on dry pavement? I have a feeling they're loud and don't handle all that well. Could be wrong.
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/firestone/fs_winterforce_ci2_l.jpg
SimTronik
10-25-2010, 08:52 PM
I had those on a other car and my father too. Best tires i had. The Toyo G02 Plus i own now have come with my 2010 sedan. Will see how it goes.
staypuft
10-26-2010, 05:46 AM
anyone use the yokohama iceguards?
MUSKOKA800
10-28-2010, 10:26 AM
Good year all seasons, no big difference anyways
You are oh so wrong.
Anyone who says winter tires make little difference simply haven't tried winter tires. And once tried, you'll never drive a winter on 3-seasons again.
You are oh so wrong.
Anyone who says winter tires make little difference simply haven't tried winter tires. And once tried, you'll never drive a winter on 3-seasons again.
well, that is if you see snow in the winter.
Astroman
10-28-2010, 03:46 PM
I've got an appointment in 45m to get the Bridgestone Blizzak. I was looking for some used studded tires the past 2 winters on craigslist but can never find a pair the right size. Will be running 185/60R15 on OEM steelies. I was using the stock goodyear tires sipped and they were pretty good but alas they've worn down to be no good for winter, but fine for the rest of the year.
Kal-El
10-28-2010, 04:07 PM
I've got an appointment in 45m to get the Bridgestone Blizzak. I was looking for some used studded tires the past 2 winters on craigslist but can never find a pair the right size. Will be running 185/60R15 on OEM steelies. I was using the stock goodyear tires sipped and they were pretty good but alas they've worn down to be no good for winter, but fine for the rest of the year.
You're not just putting 2 winter tires on, are you? Unless you mean 2 studded, 2 regular snow?
Many people believe they only need snows on the drive wheels. Very dangerous! The demo videos I posted earlier in the thread demonstrates this danger. Basically, your car becomes bi-polar and each half of the car is going to do different things. In a FWD car with snows only in the front, your ass end is going to be everywhere other than planted.
SimTronik
10-28-2010, 08:21 PM
can only do this on a RWD. i heard.
Astroman
10-28-2010, 08:45 PM
What I meant by pair was a set. I know that with FWD you need to run studded on all 4.
Those are one of the more traditional winter tread designs left. Very aggressive.
Definitely made for lots of snow.
I'm curious, how are they on dry pavement? I have a feeling they're loud and don't handle all that well. Could be wrong.
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/firestone/fs_winterforce_ci2_l.jpg
I run these in the winter too. Yes, loud and sloppy handling in dry weather. Great in the snow.
johnny_vitz
10-30-2010, 12:54 AM
X2 Winterforces were noisy on the highway and you definitely feel all that tread
watersoilair
11-07-2010, 09:03 AM
I use Goodyear Nordic tires. Only available in Canada at Canadian tire. I love them.
http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/hl/images/goodyear_nordic_1-1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.canadiandriver.com/2007/02/08/winter-tire-test-goodyear-nordic.htm&usg=__imPPVNzYswvQRPHCL01xlCm9L1s=&h=188&w=250&sz=22&hl=en&start=0&sig2=c258polboWdLmROjD8nBUA&zoom=1&tbnid=0YM16n39RE_c2M:&tbnh=150&tbnw=200&ei=KaPWTPShKc-nnQfN58CXBQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgoodyear%2Bnordic%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den% 26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D619%26tbs%3Disch: 1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=678&vpy=121&dur=8065&hovh=150&hovw=200&tx=130&ty=84&oei=KaPWTPShKc-nnQfN58CXBQ&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0
MUSKOKA800
11-07-2010, 10:01 AM
I'm starting to re-consider straight winter tires (which I've always used for about 20 years) and might try a set of the Nokian WRG2's or the new Hankook OptimaS4 on my OEM alloys this winter. Both are snowflake rated with the OptimaS4's being available only in very limited quantities this year.
This strategy will allow me to drive on them deep into the spring while the winter road damage is cleaned up and then I can install the 18's once the potholes are filled.
This winter will be my 5th on Michelin X-Ice's. I've been pleased with them although the Yaris is too light in my opinion to be a real good performer in heavy snow conditions. I also carry cable chains and have used them at least once each winter when driving over the Coq. here in B.C.
mryaris
11-10-2010, 01:53 AM
I have General Altimax Arctic's on my factory steel wheels,they worked great last year.I drove in all conditions and they performed great.
Ditto for me. I have a set of these mounted on an extra set of steelies and they did me well last winter while I lived in Jackson Hole. I'm back in Denver now and our winters are usually pretty mild, so I probably won't install them for the entire season (I'll just install for bad storms then remove them when it all melts).
Anyway, I thought these did very well on the snow & ice and were much cheaper than the other options. They are studdable too, which may be a good thing depending on where you live.
longlivekel
11-11-2010, 05:48 PM
I live in KC MO...
We get some harsh moments occasionally and no one clears the roads... haha.
All season or Graspic ds3 for December 1st through April 30th.
If is dry out i am sure these snow tires disappear pretty fast?
Wa you think guys?
Should i spend the extra dough and drive snow tires for a couple cold dry months during the snow season or buy all seasons?
I live in KC MO...
We get some harsh moments occasionally and no one clears the roads... haha.
All season or Graspic ds3 for December 1st through April 30th.
If is dry out i am sure these snow tires disappear pretty fast?
Wa you think guys?
Should i spend the extra dough and drive snow tires for a couple cold dry months during the snow season or buy all seasons?
how many days out of the winter months do you think you will see snow? If it is only a few days a month, snow tires are a waste of money.
Kal-El
11-12-2010, 12:52 AM
how many days out of the winter months do you think you will see snow? If it is only a few days a month, snow tires are a waste of money.
If it snows just once all season and your winter tires save you from even just a fender bender, then the tires just paid for themselves (with most deductibles being at least $500). Never mind possible injuries.
Thing is, most of the northern half of the US gets plenty of snow and ice each winter. I never believed before last year that snow tires were "necessary", but after learning a lot about them and buying a set, my view is now that winter tires are an absolute must if your climate freezes. People may believe that their all-seasons are adequate, but the fact is they suck. You find that out really fast the first time you run dedicated winters in snow/ice.
Also remember, the benefits of winter rubber isn't just beneficial in snow and ice but also winter rain and even on dry pavement. All season rubber gets much harder and slicker under 40°F. Winter rubber stays flexible in the coldest of temps. So even on dry winter roads, you are safer.
birdman
11-29-2010, 07:57 PM
My '08 liftback came pretty loaded and I wrongly assumed it had ABS. It doesn't have VSC either. Being that I live in the Cascades where we can get some severe winter driving conditions what would be best studded or non studded winter tires? The studded General Altimax Arctics have impressive reviews on a number of consumer websites. What do you out there in YARISWORLD recommend?
Just got AltiMAX Arctic by General. The Eagle LS just are not inspiring the same confidence as their first winter. Went with a 185/65-14 as it is pretty close to the 185/60-15 eagles. Gonna mount them up tomorrow and find out if they were worthy of a win @ tire rack's winter shoot out. I had some Firestone WinterForce & they were really great on the Crown Vic I had. These are supposed to be better. We'll see.
doc
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