Winter tires... what is everyone running???

[million]

It's that time of season and I'm in the market for some new winter treads. I'm interested in getting some info from all of you. If you could help me out, I'd really appreciate it!

1. What tires do you run in the winter?
2. What do you like and dislike about them?
3. What tires have you had in the past?
4. About how much did you spend on them?

Right now I am currently looking at the General Altimax Arctic tire (about $100/tire) on the low cost side and the Blizzak WS70 ($138/tire) on the higher cost side. Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[ohsixspeedsix]

I've been running blizzacs on the winter 17's since I bought the car. I was fortunate enough that the full set came with the car when I bought it. And they had about 75% left on them. The go through the snow great especially with awd. I've only been stuck once. And that was because I backed out if my steep driveway too slow and got stuck in the drift from the plow.

 

[ohsixspeedsix]

Also at the rate this season is going, snow tires may not be deemed necessary lol.

 

[MN2010MZ3]

I bought a set of the general last year and what little snow we got it was night and day difference! def like the dedicated snow tire they are kinda loud but fairly smooth riding. I think i sent about $600 on my set. Im starting to wonder now maybe I should have gotten a good set of all seasons like the DWS's with what little snow we have had.

 

[007CobaltLS]

I had Hankook Winter iPike's for a few years when I bought my Cobalt...they were amazing. Can't tell you what I spent, don't remember for sure, but I know DiscountTireDirect.com had a deal I've never seen again...got a full set of steel wheels and a full set of the Winter iPikes for less than $300...they had $100 off a full set of tires and $100 off a full set of wheels plus the normal free mounting and free shipping...no wonder they don't have that deal anymore...lost too much money.

Anyway fast forward to last year. Picked up the General AltimaxArctic because they have a similar tread pattern...and they were a bit cheaper per tire...NOT as good of a tire. Last year wasn't a good use of them, but even in the little winter we had, they don't compare in terms of acceleration and stopping on ice. They're decent in snow, but the ice is where the Hankooks were the best.

Wish I knew how the Blizzaks were...that's probably my next set...also will consider Continental's EWC and Dunlop Graspic.

 

[million]

Found out that the Winter iPike 409(?) has been discontinued due to the 2013 version coming out... but they have not release it yet so retailers are just waiting. I'm still considering the General Altimax, based on price, but I know the Blizzak will preform better on ice.

Like ohsixspeedsix said, at this rate, I may not even need snow tires.

 

[1Kris06]

Conti DWS if I keep driving the 6, otherwise an unknown brand of M+S if I switch to the cobalt.

 

[YSOSLO]

I used to run Blizzak LM60s on my Subaru and those tires were the bomb-diggety! I drove across Nebraska after an ice storm with them and felt stuck to the ground while SUVs were in the ditch left and right because the roads were like lubed glass. Crazy slippery out, but not a problem at all (granted, I wasn't attempting a slalom course with them either).

I've been rolling with the Conti DWS the last couple of Winters and they did okay in the snow, but I certainly wouldn't want anyone to think they were anywhere near as good as a Blizzak in snow. I just put a new set of Conti PureContacts on, so I'm hoping for some snow sometime soon to see how they do.

 

[concealer404]

I run Firestone Winterforces. Got 'em brand new off of Craigslist for $150. They were probably stolen or something, but fuck it.


I bought them last season, and they've been great. Why? Because ever since i've bought them, i haven't needed to use them. I figure as long as i own good snow tires, we won't get a winter. I like.

 

[007CobaltLS]

Very good...keep them for many years. My winter tires will be worn out after this year and last at the rate we're going...what a bunch of shit in a way...but I really could care less about snow...as long as it doesn't get extremely cold this winter, that's what matters to me.

 

[007CobaltLS]

Have fun out there today! lol Luckily in my area they've been plowing pretty well. My mom said they haven't plowed her street yet which sucks, but oh well. I don't feel like going anywhere, otherwise I'd put my tires to the test for the first time since owning them (since last year doesn't count for shit).

 

[escort1991]

I'm running IceBear W300 right now. They were on the car when I bought it. I will be switching to some newer ones shortly.

 

[minitrucker@heart]

I had IceBears...They actually were really nice

 

[niterydr]

We have the General Artic's on my wife's GTI, it drives through the snow like a snowmobile! (well not quite, but does damn good for a turbo fwd).

 

[million]

The Blizzak WS70s are on my radar since they are good for snow and ice. I do like the price of the General Altimax Arctics but heard they aren't so great on ice.

 

[spek1098]

The Bilzzacks went on the Leaf this weekend after I slipped off the road while being fairly careful during the light snow we had on Friday night thanks to what can only be deemed as 3 season eco tires that came on it stock. This is the second season I've had the WS70s, if you can even call what little snow we had last year a real season, and I will not be daily driving any vehicle in winter without Blizzacks ever again. Yes, they are that good.

 

[007CobaltLS]

The General's are OK, but not that great on ice. I preferred the Hankook Winter iPike's more, but the General's do all right for the cost difference. You do get what you pay for with that type of tire for sure.

 

[RockLobster]

Michellin X-ice 2s
215/45-18s Bought em used with 1 season on them.

The ice and snow traction is ludicrous. As in, pull everything, including SUVs and 4wd trucks, from a stoplight by car lenghts in my speed6 crazy good.

But, in the dry, they are marginal. Feedback is vauge, they are very unpredictable near the limit of adhesion. In the wet, above 45deg, they are downright scary...

For a snow tire they are reasonably quiet. They have a vibration resonance speed at about 25mph. Good thing i dont spend a lot of time at 25mph.

 

[Retrax]

I am biased because I have a set of Blizzaks for sale on this board. After researching the heck out of winter tires I still found the Blizzaks to be the best.

 

[mndsm]

Goodyear GW3 Ultragrips on steelies. It's a discontinued tire, bought them with one season on them about 4 years ago. they spent a winter on my car, a winter on a friends car, a winter sitting in storage, and they're back on my car for now. Tons of tread still. Awesome tires, probably the only Goodyear product i'd recommend.