Registered: Nov 2003
Location: Pandora (South of Nowhere)
Snow Tires - opinions from the car-experts
So yea, i really dont want to (and shouldnt) do another winter w/o proper snow tires on my small, light yaris...
hated not having them last year, but budgeting them in simply wasnt possible.
this year, though its not convenient at all, i really feel i need to just incur the expense despite how much i dont need the added little bit debt added to a CC bill.
the tires I was set on getting last year were the Michelin X-Ices. I called, and to have them installed and balanced its ~ $500.
I'm going to try to check maybe Costco soon, and see if I cant get any put on my car for cheaper than that though...
But my question is this:
Need i bother buying top of the line ones or should I just go cheap ones? in your opinions, is that likely going to be a bad choice? im wondering how yall feel on the idea of getting cheaper ones in favour of the more expensive ones...?
also, i recall reading in some thread in the last few weeks, that apparently buying (and getting installed?) snowtires in the US (buffalo i guess then) is much cheaper than here??
can anyone confirm? personal experinces?
thanks for the feedback guys.
___________________
TECHNO IS THE BEST NOISE ON EARTH.
Save Techno - Stop Minimal / Tech-House
Nov-07-2007 20:49
zoogla
Guest
Registered: Not Yet
Location:
Hey Jemmers, just stepping out to pick up my car so no time for detailed response but I gave a lot of info in this thread on COR:
Let me know if you have any Qs! I try to know this stuff pretty well.
Nov-07-2007 20:52
Dr. DAS
Gain Control
Registered: Nov 2006
Location: Raccoon City
Tank tracks.
___________________
If you can't be good, be careful.
"Hey look, I can make a heart-shape with my hands!!!" So Fucking what? Stop it. You're a douche.
When life gives you lemons, squirt the juice in the eyes of your enemies.
Nov-07-2007 20:54
Jem_hadar
I remember...
Registered: Nov 2003
Location: Pandora (South of Nowhere)
quote:
Originally posted by fayraree
Hey Jemmers, just stepping out to pick up my car so no time for detailed response but I gave a lot of info in this thread on COR:
Let me know if you have any Qs! I try to know this stuff pretty well.
thx Fufu! ill read it when i get home, and let you know.
Very much appreciated fahad!!
___________________
TECHNO IS THE BEST NOISE ON EARTH.
Save Techno - Stop Minimal / Tech-House
Nov-07-2007 20:54
rabbitjoker
aural sadist
Registered: Aug 2002
Location: Toronto, ON, CANADA
IMO - Winter tires are a must (as are summer tires).
In Ontario - one is best suited with a good set of summer tires and a good set of winter tires.
People will tell you there are not necessary and that you are fine with a good all-season - but those are usually people who have never owned good summer and good winter tires.
The difference (both in summer and winter) is incredible and if you enjoy driving and want to ensure maximum safety having the proper rubber is a very wise investment.
Don't skimp and buy cheap ones either - remember your tires are the only thing connecting you to the road.
Summers - I like BFGoodrich g-Force T/A's. I've had Continental ContiSportContact2 tires are they are great but wear quicker than the BFGs. I've also had Firestone Firehawk SZs and they are good as well but I found the ride to be not as smooth as the BFGs.
tires are one of the most important items on your car. So don't cheap out...and buy a set of four.
people who put on two winter tires and two all-seasons are morons. Having radically different grip and performance characteristics between the front and back tires is generally not a good thing.
perhaps most importantly, I'd factor in the driving conditions you typically encounter before choosing tires.
i.e. do you drive a lot on rural, unplowed roads or mostly on dry or wet highways? do you get a lot of snow and ice or does winter usually mean dry or wet, slushy roads?
in the city of Toronto, much of winter means driving on cold but reltatively dry pavement. Getting a pure ice/snow tire is possibly going to compromise your traction for the majority of the season...so you want more of a performance-oriented winter tire that will grip on cold, dry or wet pavement yet still give you better snow/ice traction than a typical all-season tire.
if you live somewhere outside of the city and deal with heavier snowfalls or drive on unplowed roads, you may want a dedicated snow and ice tire.
bottom line is that no tire provides top notch performance in dry, wet AND snow/ice conditions. you make sacrifices in some areas and need to figure out which type of tire you need based upon your vehicle and what "winter" means for you.
keep in mind the guy at costco probably knows a lot less about tires than a guy at a reputable tire shop
what kind of car do you have? I'd check with dealers, car forums for your make/model and dedicated tire shops for decent info.
Nov-07-2007 21:25
I_Am_Vince
aka Invasionmix
Registered: Jan 2006
Location: Mississauga, ON
any snow tires are better than any normal tires, you don't have to buy the best ones, the moderate ones are good enough you can even go cheaper if you like.
Nov-07-2007 21:25
rabbitjoker
aural sadist
Registered: Aug 2002
Location: Toronto, ON, CANADA
Go see the guys at Kipling Tire - they'll take care of you and store your summers during the winter (and vice versa).
For your Yaris, which is FWD and doesn't have a ton of power on the wheels, I think you can go with the X-Ices from Costco without a problem. DEFINITELY should invest in some, though, regardless of your budget (borrow $$$ from rents if you have to for the safety factor).
You'd only want to go expensive if you want superior dry-weather handling, higher speeds, or run flats. More expensive does not necessarily mean they will last longer.
I would go with choosing steel rims that are 1" smaller than your stock rims with tires that have a smaller width than your stocks. This will improve your performance. You have to make sure the overall diameter of the tire is as close as possible to the stock, though. Tire shops will be able to help in this regard.
Good luck, buddy!
ps. my Dunlops were feeling AWESOME today!!!
Nov-08-2007 03:20
oldschool420
Supreme tranceaddict
Registered: Feb 2005
Location: Toronto/Alberta
We have a set of Toyo Winter tires, and Toyo Summer Tires. Totally recommend them! Smooth ride and great traction. I have never had any issues and have been extremely happy with both.
Nov-08-2007 03:39
UmmiE
The Cure And The Cause
Registered: Jan 2007
Location: Brampton
quote:
Originally posted by Invasionmix
any snow tires are better than any normal tires, you don't have to buy the best ones, the moderate ones are good enough you can even go cheaper if you like.
+ 1
I bought mine used $30/tire drove all last winter and summer and have them still on......(good Shape).
Snow Tires - opinions from the car-experts
