PDA

View Full Version : All Weather/Winter Tires


Superfly
11-08-2019, 11:02 PM
Hey guys,

I've been riding on some General Altimax RT43s here in the Chicago suburbs and they aren't bad. A bit noisy but overall decent traction but I have noticed some slippage lately on wet roads and in the snow we just had over Halloween.

My new position at work has basically all but ensured that I have to be there regardless of weather (unless it is a terrible blizzard) so I am debating if I should jump on traditional winter tires or try the new all weather tires being reviewed recently.

The problem with winter tires is that because I live in the burbs, outside of my early morning commute, the roads are generally plowed so there isn't much snow on them. I'd be looking at mostly slush and maybe a 1/2" on the roads. I'm afraid winters would be overkill and the reviews on CR and tirerack all show their dry/wet handling to be average at best. My local Costco has Blizzaks on sale for $150 off which is an amazing deal.

I was thinking of trying all weather but the Yaris doesn't have a ton of options. The Nokian WR G4 and the Vredestein Quatrac 5 are about it. Does anyone have experience with those tires? Are they similar to all-seasons or would they handle Chicagoland winters adequately? Just curious.

Thanks!

06YarisRS
11-09-2019, 08:11 AM
I'm a big fan of dedicated winter tires. They do make a significant difference. An extra set of rims is cheap for these cars and you save a lot of $$ not having to get the tires swapped out each season. I have no direct experience with the two tires you mention, but I think it's widely accepted that the Nokian Hakkapelitta tires are about the best winter tire available.

This is a good article that compares top winter tire brands. The Nokians are expensive but they are quite an amazing tire.

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15102773/best-snow-tires-for-winter/

WeeYari
11-09-2019, 09:36 AM
Go with the Blizzaks since you live in an urban environment.

Superfly
11-10-2019, 10:07 PM
I'm a big fan of dedicated winter tires. They do make a significant difference. An extra set of rims is cheap for these cars and you save a lot of $$ not having to get the tires swapped out each season. I have no direct experience with the two tires you mention, but I think it's widely accepted that the Nokian Hakkapelitta tires are about the best winter tire available.[/URL]

Thank you. I was looking at Nokian too. Plus Continental VikingContact7s. Really, I was looking at any and trying to figure out if they made sense for someone in a suburban area. I think I'm going to give it a try for the first time.

Go with the Blizzaks since you live in an urban environment.

Yes, the deal I can receive on them is pretty good so that is what I'm leaning towards. But my local tire shop is leaps and bounds ahead of Costco and I was toying with the idea of buying some other brand and having them install it instead.

Hershey
11-11-2019, 02:48 PM
Cooper Evolution winter tires . Very good tire with deep sipes .

CrankyOldMan
11-12-2019, 10:49 AM
I can feel your pain on the RT43's. Currently running an older set on my Echo and they're scary in the slush.

I've been very satisfied with the X-Ice line for fluctuating cold temperatures. Not great in the slush (nothing really is) but tons of grip in snow and hard-packed white surfaces. I ran Nokian Hakka's last winter--phenominal in sub-zero temperatures, horrible in the 30-50's.

suprf1y
11-12-2019, 12:33 PM
Nice username :laugh:

Hershey
11-12-2019, 02:56 PM
Go here for pics of the Evolution winter . https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/fit-wheels-tires/101676-studless-tires-hilly-areas.html

Niki Knuckles
11-17-2019, 01:15 PM
Sailun Ice Blazer are very good. 195 55 15

CB900F2
11-17-2019, 07:16 PM
I am running a set of "All Weather" Nordman WR on the Yaris my son drives now(Use to me my car).. and I just installed about a month ago a set of Toyo Celsius (All weather) on my 2017 Elantra and they are fantastic..

I took out the Yaris last year in the winter when we installed the all weather and I use to run just all session all year.. And these all weather tires are fantastic!!.. I live in the Toronto area. so generally the roads are plowed.. but when it did snow. I was pushing the tires hard, and man of man.. great traction..

I understand that Winter tires are the best option.. but again.. I love the convenience of only one set of tires for all year round

If I was living further north, then yes.. I would get full snow tires for the winter..