Cheap Tires

[GameBoy27]

If you feel that strongly about it, then you should also only buy vehicles from the top table in the link:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...rs/best-and-worst/breaking-distance/index.htm

The table (which is 4 years old btw) lists shortest stopping distance on dry pavement. I'm talking about winter vs. all season tires. If you're going to drive in the winter, put winter tires on. That's what I feel strongly about!

I'd have no problem with dumb people buying knock off tires and killing themselves in the process, but when you put everyone else's life at risk i get a bit annoyed.

Exactly!

Hopefully dummies who get these cheap tires only hit the guard rail or a tree and not another car, unfortunately that's not usually the case.
On top of everything else everyone else gets to spend 3 hours sitting in traffic while the tow trucks and cops clean up these wrecks.

Ever notice how many AWD/4WD vehicles you see in highway ditches in the winter? There's a very simple explanation. Although AWD/4WD with all seasons will have better acceleration than 2WD vehicles, it gives drivers a false sense of security and control. There is however little advantage when it comes to steering, overall control and stopping distance.

The tires are on these vehicles are typically wider than passenger cars which compounds the problem in deeper snow and slushy conditions. Snow tires are typically narrower, for that exact reason.

 

[nottyboi]

The table (which is 4 years old btw) list shortest stopping distance on dry pavement. I'm talking about winter vs. all season tires. If you're going to drive in the winter, put winter tires on. That's what I feel strongly about!



Exactly!



Ever notice how many AWD/4WD vehicles you see in highway ditches in the winter? There's a very simple explanation. Although AWD/4WD with all seasons will have better acceleration than 2WD vehicles, it gives drivers a false sense of security and control. There is however little advantage when it comes to steering, overall control and stopping distance.

The tires are on these vehicles are typically wider than passenger cars which compounds the problem in deeper snow and slushy conditions. Snow tires are typically narrower, for that exact reason.

So stopping in the summer is less important then the winter? Yes I do agree that AWD does give you a false sense of security and is really not necessary unless you tow.

 

[KBear]

Ever notice how many AWD/4WD vehicles you see in highway ditches in the winter? There's a very simple explanation. Although AWD/4WD with all seasons will have better acceleration than 2WD vehicles, it gives drivers a false sense of security and control. There is however little advantage when it comes to steering, overall control and stopping distance.

Have also noticed all the AWD utility type trucks in the ditch on bad winter days. Think they want to be out on the road to test just how good their AWD trucks are on nasty winter days, and impress themselves with how they can race by all the other people on the roads who are driving cautiously. Trucks having a relatively high center of gravity and short wheel base does not help when the truck loses traction and starts to slide.

 

[GameBoy27]

So stopping in the summer is less important then the winter? Yes I do agree that AWD does give you a false sense of security and is really not necessary unless you tow.

It's not that stopping distance is less important in summer vs. winter, it's your winter tire choice that makes the greatest difference. Did you watch the Tire Rack video?

If you can't understand why it's important to use winter tires, I can't help you.

 

[pablice]

Not to be too judgemental but why is it that each time we see people off in the ditch they tend to be women...now why can't they all take MJLs pointers get some serious mean blizzaks and drive like they're on a mission...I think this would significanly improve the safety of our GTA highways...my advice is just listen to MJL's advice and you should be fine ... although I failed at this and went with Michelin's instead...sorry MJL I know this will cost me some favour points and am probably way past the hole now

I agree it's all about attitude and how you drive regardless of AWD or not...just drive to Quebec city during one of their major snow storms and you will see how well they drive and put us in the GTA to shame men or women...those guys don't slide they glide!

Have also noticed all the AWD utility type trucks in the ditch on bad winter days. Think they want to be out on the road to test just how good their AWD trucks are on nasty winter days, and impress themselves with how they can race by all the other people on the roads who are driving cautiously. Trucks having a relatively high center of gravity and short wheel base does not help when the truck loses traction and starts to slide.

 

[GameBoy27]

Not to be too judgemental but why is it that each time we see people off in the ditch they tend to be women...now why can't they all take MJLs pointers get some serious mean blizzaks and drive like they're on a mission...I think this would significanly improve the safety of our GTA highways...my advice is just listen to MJL's advice and you should be fine ... although I failed at this and went with Michelin's instead...sorry MJL I know this will cost me some favour points and am probably way past the hole now

I agree it's all about attitude and how you drive regardless of AWD or not...just drive to Quebec city during one of their major snow storms and you will see how well they drive and put us in the GTA to shame men or women...those guys don't slide they glide!

There's another reason... Winter tires are mandatory on all passenger vehicles registered in the Province of Quebec. Quebec’s Highway Safety Code requires winter tires between December 15 and March 15.

 

[Stradler]

I have read an article on all weather tires. Has anyone had experience with these?

http://www.wheels.ca/guides/all-weather-tires-are-not-the-same-as-all-season-and-heres-why/

http://www.kaltire.com/all-weather-tires/


Strad

 

[GameBoy27]

I have read an article on all weather tires. Has anyone had experience with these?

http://www.wheels.ca/guides/all-weather-tires-are-not-the-same-as-all-season-and-heres-why/

http://www.kaltire.com/all-weather-tires/


Strad

I've heard good things about these tires. Far superior to all seasons. If you're not going to spend money on winter tires, these are an excellent alternative. Now there's really no excuse to not have proper tires for winter conditions.

Although I prefer to have two sets, performance tires on mags for the summer and dedicated winter tires on steel rims for the winter.

 

[nottyboi]

I've heard good things about these tires. Far superior to all seasons. If you're not going to spend money on winter tires, these are an excellent alternative. Now there's really no excuse to not have proper tires for winter conditions.

Although I prefer to have two sets, performance tires on mags for the summer and dedicated winter tires on steel rims for the winter.

They are better then all seasons in snow, but they tend to be noiser then summer tires and have higher rolling resistance. They would also have to have a softer rubber which means their wear in high temps would probably be higher.

 

[whitewaterguy]

I've heard good things about these tires. Far superior to all seasons. If you're not going to spend money on winter tires, these are an excellent alternative. Now there's really no excuse to not have proper tires for winter conditions.

Although I prefer to have two sets, performance tires on mags for the summer and dedicated winter tires on steel rims for the winter.

I had a set of nokian all weathers on one of my cars a few years back, when I was averaging about 25,000'km per year. By the second winter on these, they pretty much sucked in the snow, worse than all season tires, so I went back to a true winter tire by nokian for winter time. I wouldn't recommend them if year round, you do a lot of driving. They are as well, a compromise, if you enjoy spirited summer driving, both in braking, cornering, as well as acceleration

 

[Hard Idle]

I had a set of nokian all weathers on one of my cars a few years back, when I was averaging about 25,000'km per year. By the second winter on these, they pretty much sucked in the snow, worse than all season tires, so I went back to a true winter tire by nokian for winter time. I wouldn't recommend them if year round, you do a lot of driving.

The problem is if a tire is made of a compound that is truly capable of remaining soft & flexible in cold weather, that compound is bound to degrade when driven regularly in hot weather. It becomes hard and tends to slip badly on wet roads, especially cold bad roads. Drive such a tire year round (especially with any amount of highway driving) and you basically reduce it to a 3rd rate all-season tire within 20-30 ooo kms.

 

[Hard Idle]

There are good deals to be found out there. Inexpensive doesn't always mean crappy.

Here is some feedback on GT Radials' winter tires.

http://www.auto123.com/en/news/new-winter-tires-from-gt-radial/41329/

http://www.odyclub.com/forums/15-wh...adial-champiro-winterpro-hp-winter-tires.html

 

[bver_hunter]

If you intend to buy a new car and keep it for the life of the car I would always recommend a separate set of good quality winter tires with their own rims. You can extend the life span of your all season by quiet a few years especially if you do a lot of mileage. Always good with the OEMs recommended size and if they are okay with smaller tires then that would be a preferred winter set. Costco is not that economical anymore but they sell higher end tires for the same price as a normal supplier. They are worth it for winter tires.

 

[happ]

Im pleased with chinese made Westlake tires so far. My sedan seems to be riding smoother and quieter since getting them. Rode them in the snow no problem. Cost set of four $480 installed. Seem a little meatier around the edges maybe theyll be more durable.

 

[richaceg]

you should let your mechanic find some for you. otherwise go to any dealer that ONLY sells tires and wheels...avoid the upsell.