Do you switch to snow tires?

[LoveThemGirls]

Just wondering how many of you actually use snow tires. I've been driving for almost 20 years without them, my cars were always good in the snow with the all seasons (I've driven Civics, Maximas and now a PT Cruiser).

I am thinking of getting snows, I survived last year with my new car but would like to know if there is a noticeable difference with snow tires in terms of grip and peace of mind. Is it worth the price of 6-8 massages to get snows?

 

[papasmerf]

New set of all season on the front will do it

 

[langeweile]

Just wondering how many of you actually use snow tires. I've been driving for almost 20 years without them, my cars were always good in the snow with the all seasons (I've driven Civics, Maximas and now a PT Cruiser).

I am thinking of getting snows, I survived last year with my new car but would like to know if there is a noticeable difference with snow tires in terms of grip and peace of mind. Is it worth the price of 6-8 massages to get snows?

It depends on your driving habbits. If you commute mainly within a cities boundary, most all seasonals will do the job.
If you like me have to commute a substantil distance away fron any major cities i would use snow tires. IMHO and experience thay make a big difference in heavy snow and unplowed roads.
None of them work on ice.

 

[Macator2003]

Snow tires are such a good idea, even if we get a no-show of a winter, there will still be those few times when they come in handy. All Season Radials have been responsible for many deaths, due to the fact that they aren't All Season tires.

I believe any new all season tires approved for snow must have a Snowflake symbol on the treadwell. BUT, snow tires give you much better stopping power on snow and ice, they give you a better ability to steer and better stability. I switched about 8 years ago after doing a 360 on some black ice (in October) and now feel like I'm driving a 4 wheel drive vehicle. I can't remember the last time I got stuck.

Go to Canadian Tire, it cost me a little over $280 which translates to just a couple of visits to your MP, but at least you'll get there.

 

[Malibook]

I use Pirelli Winter Ice tires.
Along with my Audi Quattro all-wheel drive I love driving in the winter.
Plus they provide a nice quiet smooth ride.

For the amount of snow we get and the little time it is actually on the road, I see no need for snow tires but they are obviously much better than summer tires or all-seasons.
They are just too loud and rough for me.

All-seasons are horrible and potentially dangerous if it is really cold like below -20.

 

[mtl_guy]

https://terb.cc/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=68277&highlight=snow+tires

https://terb.cc/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=66140&highlight=snow+tires

https://terb.cc/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17771&highlight=snow+tires

 

[papasmerf]

Putting different tires on the front and back is the most asinine piece of advice that I have yet to see on this board.

Always put 4 matched tires on your vehicle.

As long as you properly rotate your tires, you will have even wear and will need to replace all at once.

As for snows, the issue is more complex than just the tread. The rubber is softer, and able to perform better at lower temperatures on snow tires, even on dry pavement.

If you drive mainly in the GTA, you can get away with good all season tires. If you drive north of Steeles, west of Guelph line, east of Oshawa on a regular basis, get snows.

Now where did I say 2 completely different tires???

You're reading into this. You never mix tires as you owners manual will also say. My lord why would you jump to a conclusion in an attempt to critize me? What I said is a set on new all season on the front should do it.

Speaking of asinine, how are you?

 

[flyingdgn]

Won't make a difference 99% of the time.

But that 1% when you need it might save you from an accident.

It's initial investment that always gets you. The best way is to get some cheap rims for the snow tires. That way you don't have get the tires installed twice/year, you can change the tires yourself at home.

With the insurance hikes these days it might be a good idea to prevent every accident possible.

 

[Sargeant StiffCock]

Snow tires are worth every penny. Like Winston mentioned, not only because of tread design but also because of their softer compound. I was talking to a friend of mine who owns a tire shop and he mentioned that insurance companies are seriously considering making having 4 matched snow tires on a vehicle mandatory. Tires are one of the (if not THE) most important part of any vehicle. Look at how much R&D goes into the design of a tire whether its a racing tire or a tire designed for commercial use. Those big tire companies dont spend all those bucks for nothing. A tire is a tire is Not a tire.

Elfgonebad, no need for racist remarks

 

[shack]

My regular tires (Z-rated) are absolutely treacherous in any snow. My car spins out and it's next to impossible to control at more than 20 km/hr. Snow tires are a must for me. I've got a set that has crushed walnut shells in them for extra traction. Same idea as studs, but not as destructive to the roads.

 

[calloway]

I do a lot of highway driving and last winter I switched for the first time ever to 4 high quality winter tires. No regrets and I thought it made a significant difference. The only tough part was coughing up the extra cash.

 

[C Dick]

I think for GTA ice tires are more useful than snows, they really do grip icy roads a lot better. Particularly handy for freezing rain. I have a set for my wife's car, they are going on this week. They are Blizzacks. They have special pores that grip the ice.

 

[Keebler Elf]

I was talking to a friend of mine who owns a tire shop and he mentioned that insurance companies are seriously considering making having 4 matched snow tires on a vehicle mandatory.

Not gunna happen.

Your friend has wishful thinking. There would be public lynchings if every driver in Ontario was forced to shell out for a full set of snow tires. At best, those with snow tires might get a rebate on insurance.

 

[pleasurehunter]

I change all four tires to snow tires every fall.
all season tires are not the best for winter driveing.
worth the cost for the added safety.
also your summer tires will last londer given the shorter
road time.

 

[RogerRabbit]

Is there a cheaper place than Costco, to buy winter tires?

 

[SirWanker]

RogerRabbit,

What brand/size are you looking for?

I've dealt with Superior Tire ( http://www.superiortire.ca/ ) in the past and have yet to get any bad service or price from them.

 

[JeremytheWicked]

Try www.oktire.com as well. They have many locations and I just bought 4 snows from them after price shopping. They were the best price by far.

I travel from Barrie to Woodbine/Steeles every day, and snow tires are pretty much mandatory for me.

I just bought a set of Kumho I'Zen KW17 at $80 each, and they rock. I was up in Sturgeon Falls this weekend, and a snowstorm hit. They are the best tire I have ever had in the slush and ice. I though the Blizzaks I owned previous to these to be the best, but have changed my mind.

 

[Leggy Linda]

the " shaggin wagon "

plows thru anything with just seasonal tires

 

[goodtime]

Highly recommended

Like Flyingdgn said, for that few time when you can't start or worst stop, you'll be glad you have winter tires. With Winter tires and my front wheel drive, I out-drove others with SUVs, 4wd, traction control in snow and ice. I'm the designated rescuer as everyone knows I can pick them up whenever they get stuck.