Snow Tires

[Dave Barker]

Need to get some new snows 215/60-16 or 225/55-16. Checking at the Tire Rack site seems like the Dunlop M2 might be good but it seems this tire is almost unheard of here in Canada. Most Blizzaks seem to die in 2 seasons from what I hear. Haven't heard good things about Michelin Alpins. Anything from Pirelli??
How about the new Toyo snowprox ( sounds like a disease doesn't it?). Yes this is for my Camaro which ,with snows, is actually fun in the winter and actually suprises quite a few front drivers. (I just love coming down the roads near our local ski hill and seeing various sport utes in the ditch with their all season radials while I, on my snows, scoot on home but my old Yokahamas are just too old to make sure that continues to happen).

[JohnC]

Dave, what about Nokia? They're from Sweden, I think. I had a set on my Outback and they were quite grippy. Not sure about in your size though.
John Charles

[Martini Focus]

We are going to get some Nokia's for the IS300 this month, anybody know if one of our sponsors sells them??

I thought I would ask before I call steelcase.

[TFGR]

Originally posted by Martini Focus
We are going to get some Nokia's for the IS300 this month, anybody know if one of our sponsors sells them??

I thought I would ask before I call steelcase.

Yup....Wheel and Tire Zone have um.....Haka's are best.

[ice/solo racer]

Yeah the haka's are good,used to be a bunch of guys using them but most have switched to blizzacks.The blizzacks don't last to bad if you remember to put them on late and take them off early.Sidewalls are really soft so you need to run mid 30's on the street or the car feels more like a boat.
Since I started ice racing I allways ran yok's as my tire sponser pushes the yoks over bridgestone(free tires are free tires)The guardex 600's are pretty good(won a championship on them),had the guardex 720's last year,bought a pair of blizzacks after a couple of weekend when I wasn't quite fast enough-turned out the blizzacks were no better as I tried combo's front and rear with nearly no change in handling balance.
Also the snow tire from walmart(I know I know)called the winter mark are dirt cheap and work very very well in snow and slush,easily able to propel my alltrack in 4-6" of wet snow during testing with amazing acceration(14 lbs of boost isn't easy to hook up)
I've heard some good things about the toyo observe with the walnut bits in the rubber,never tried them myself however.
I won my first fwd ice race ever when I switched to alpins on the drive wheels(I ran them backwards for acceration),but I think it was a fluke-never did like those things and they didn't tractionize worth a damn,only got a handfull of races before the tread chunked and dissapeared.

[CobraStang]

Originally posted by Dave Barker
Anything from Pirelli??
I've used the Pirelli's (210's) for several seasons, and have only got stuck once, and that was on a hill with wicked ice everywhere. They were on my Mustang Cobra, and I drove it through every winter since I bought it!

I now have an SUV, so I'll likely look to sell the 245-45-17's I have.

[roooo]

Nokian is from Finland

http://www.nokiantyres.com/

[JoeT]

For my Subaru Outback, I use a set of Hakka 1's and for my Legacy GT, I use Blizzaks.

In the future, I'll be using Hakka 1's for both my cars. The Blizzaks are great for Ice, but when the roads get messy like just after a snowstorm, or when things are slushy, they have a hard time keeping the tread clean.

The Hakka 1's just plough through all that mess without problems, always clean tread, for good snow byte. Yes they lose out slightly in the pure Ice scenario, but the differences are marginal and not worth the it. IMHO

With the Hakka's I've used the Outback to visit my mothers place in the laurentians, they have a home on top of Morin Heights, just behind the ski hill. The Hakka 1's feel right at home on the steep slopes.

Hakka's all the way!!!

[miataboi]

Originally posted by JoeT
For my Subaru Outback, I use a set of Hakka 1's and for my Legacy GT, I use Blizzaks.

In the future, I'll be using Hakka 1's for both my cars. The Blizzaks are great for Ice, but when the roads get messy like just after a snowstorm, or when things are slushy, they have a hard time keeping the tread clean.

The Hakka 1's just plough through all that mess without problems, always clean tread, for good snow byte. Yes they lose out slightly in the pure Ice scenario, but the differences are marginal and not worth the it. IMHO

With the Hakka's I've used the Outback to visit my mothers place in the laurentians, they have a home on top of Morin Heights, just behind the ski hill. The Hakka 1's feel right at home on the steep slopes.

Hakka's all the way!!!

I visited her on Blizzaks with no problem! I don't know what you're talking about...?


:eek: :D

(well worth the trip BTW!)

[StewPiddass]

Ouch! that's harsh!!! My Blizzaks are fine too (not for visiting Joe's mom, just overall) but I've never had the Hakka's. I have used the Toyo Observe (with the little walnut shell bits) on my Civics and have been very happy too, and I live up in Barrie not in the city where apparently you can just put stock 14" steelies on the front of your Civic and leave your 17's on the back so that everyone knows you have cool wheels!!!

[JoeT]

Originally posted by miataboi
I visited her on Blizzaks with no problem! I don't know what you're talking about...?


:eek: :D

(well worth the trip BTW!)

Sorry I couln't reply as quick as I'd like. I was seriously trying to get your girlfriend off me. Man she's got energy.

(3rd round and counting)

[philip_240sx]

I thrashed a set of Nokian Hakka 1's for 3 winters (used all season tires during the summer BTW). Snow, ice, rain, mud, gravel, dry... it didn't matter... they just gripped. They easily had +50,000km and they still have life in them. They saw me through the worst storms. I highly recommend them. :) Speaking of that, I have to order a set of Hakka's for my Altima.

[AndyC]

I have been running Goodyear Ultra Grip GW-2 for 2 winters and they have 6mm tread left - so good for at least one or two more winters. This tire is aimed at good snow and ice performance but unlike most other winter tires the dry and wet handling is very good. I used to hate putting the winters on and having the car handle like mush. With these you hardly know you are on winters. The turn in is crisp with very little noise and very good in the wet. They are not as good as Blizzak's on ice and not a replacement for the summers - but if you like decent performance in the dry and good on snow and ice - not the best![ It is always a compromise] these are recommended. Talk to Pete or Andrew at Wheel and tire Zone in Mississauga - they like them a lot and think well of the Dunlops as well. For this year both Goodyear and Dunlop have come out with their latest versions -GW-3 and M3 respectively.
P.s - do not confuse with the Firestone Ultra Grip Ice - these are for- as their name says, ice and do not handle the dry/wet as well

[Chris P]

I hate that winter tires only really work for 1 winter and after that they never really have the same grip. Actually it was the same deal for rain tires on the go kart. Only good for one race and then pretty much junk.


So how many people sport Drifto style setups in the winter?? For me, its all about Winters on the front and all seasons on the rear. The rotation is very useful when the hand brake on the winter beater doesn't work :eek:

FWD setup...........ofcourse :cool:

[Logan]

I ran both hakkas then blizzaks (in the same size) on my old honda.
I found the hakkas to be too soft in the sidewalls, they gave the car a real mushy feeling, unless I had a gazillion pounds of pressure in them.
The blizzaks are a much better drive. I bought another set for my new car.

[miataboi]

Originally posted by Logan
I ran both hakkas then blizzaks (in the same size) on my old honda.
I found the hakkas to be too soft in the sidewalls, they gave the car a real mushy feeling, unless I had a gazillion pounds of pressure in them.
The blizzaks are a much better drive. I bought another set for my new car.

Blizzak lm-22's by chance?

[RedRabbit Racer]

I bought a set of Dunlop M2's last year and would rate them as average. my previous snows were Yoko Guardex 600 which provided less wheelspin and more lateral grip.

[Dave Barker]

Yoko Guardex 600 is what I have had and I thought they were very good. What does Yokohama make for snows now? Also has anyone heard about the Toyo Snowprex??

Also when talking Blizzaks please mention which kind as there seem to be quite a few.

Who sells Hakkapalitas anyway ?

[philip_240sx]

Originally posted by Dave Barker Who sells Hakkapalitas anyway ? [/B]

Steelcase Tire in Markham has them. Here is the dealer listing from Nokian's website:

http://www.nokiantires.com/newsite/dealer_output.cfm?location=Ontario

[Logan]

Originally posted by miataboi
Blizzak lm-22's by chance?
WS-50's

[Chris91GT]

I've driven the Nokias and the Michelin Arctic Alpins.

They were on different cars (Nokias fwd, Alpins rwd). I found that both had excellent grip. The Alpins were actually a decent dry tire... and I abused them as such. :p They turned my previous 5L into an all-weather beast.

[Carguy]

I'm considering the Toyo Garit HT in 205/55-16 size. They are made of the same rubber/walnut shell compound at the Observe G02-plus. The differences are in the tread design, H rated and available in peformance-oriented widths and profiles. Does anyone know of a link with a review of these tires?

For Dave Barker: the Dunlop M2 are available here link (http://www.talontire.com/) if you are willing to pay for shipping (located in Montreal). They have a broad selection of tires including r-compound and seem to have decent prices as well.

[roooo]

Nokia == cellphones
Nokian == tyres

[Rob McAuley]

I've had my Pirelli P210's for 4 seasons now, and they are still going strong. Lots of tread, and the car drives like a tank in the snow.

Definitely recommended.

[haniforama]

I run the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice.

Extremely good in ice/slush/snow/wet but a bit sloppy in the dry.

Extremely quiet for a winter tire and look like they will give me 40-50,000kms (2-3 winters for me).

I've run the HAKA's before and found them to be as good in the snow, not quiet as good in the ice, but had decent dry grip.

I spend most on my time in the snow belt or commuting on the 401 so the Goodyears seem to be a good fit for me.

Hanif

[Carguy]

I just picked up 4 new Toyo Observe G-02 plus winter tires at my Acura dealership today (Camco Acura in Ottawa). They are currently running a special on winter tires and the 195/65-15's I bought were on sale for $127 per tire (listed at $210). Talon in Montreal sells them in that size for $118 plus shipping. I don't know if all Acura dealerships are participating but it may be worth a phone call if you're interested in this particular tire for the winter. Note: I know you guys in the GTA have many cheap tire outlets but there are very few tire shops that deal in the Toyo brand here in Ottawa. I bought 4 new 15" steel rims at Frisby tire for $65 buck a pop and they fitted and balanced the tire for $10 per corner. Compared to $102 per rim and $15 per corner at the Acura dealership I'd say not a bad deal at all - about $900 total for a brand new set of steelies and winter tires.

Cheers!

[miataboi]

Originally posted by roooo
Nokia == cellphones
Nokian == tyres

I have a set of hakkapalita 10's... and they say "NOKIA" on them...

SERIOUSLY!!!

[Jay]

Dave - Get yourself some Crappy Tire "Ice Traks"

..... Bang for the buck you can not beat them. DO NOT get the CT "Winter Trak" they are garbage. Way too much squirm in the dry.

Jay

[JoeT]

Were having a group buy shortly for winter tires for our club. If you have any special sizing, I'm sure our sponsor can accomidate.

Here's an example:

Subaru WRX, Legacy, 2.5RS
Winter Tire Size: 205-55-16
Brand: Kumho KW-11
Price: Under 400 bucks total, out the door. This includes taxes, mounting balancing.

Stay tuned to the SPDA web site for details, it will be posted on the main page.

[Chris P]

i need 2 13", narrower the better.

[soloZ]

Since I am pretty frugel [(spl)cheap] I have gone three years with the cheapest set of snow tires I could find. The tires I have I think are called Monarch and they are a Goodyear Ultragrip copy not the new style tread though they are the multi blocks non symetrical. So far I have been really happy with them they can handle about 20-25 degrees in yaw while still staying in the lane, easy way to get ride of people on your tail. I have 205/55R16 and I paid 64 for each tire and I use all four.

[MiG-29 Foxbat]

Originally posted by JoeT
Were having a group buy shortly for winter tires...

Here's an example:

Subaru WRX, Legacy, 2.5RS
Winter Tire Size: 205-55-16
Brand: Kumho KW-11
Price: Under 400 bucks total, out the door. This includes taxes, mounting balancing.

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[msix]

Quick question:

I have a 2001 Outback with 225-60-16 Summer tires on it and I am looking for a new set for the winter.

I want to go with a narrower tire for the winter (205 or 215).
Now somebody is trying to sell me 215-65-16, which I don't believe is the right size.
As far as I understand tire sizes, if I go narrower, the height (60) still stays the same??
It's only if you increase Rim diameters you need to decrease Sidewall height.

This guy (Tire salesman) tells me that if I go narrower, I have to increase the proportion in height.

Somehow it does not sound right to me.

I am trying to decide between Pirelli Scorpion ICE, TOYO G02
PLUS or YOKO GEO IT.
I have never heard anything about the KUMHO KW-11. How is it on Snow, Ice and Dry?

I live in the Country, so lots of snow, but I also want good Dry-road grip. Not the squirmy Blizzarks. I don't need a 'H' rated tire, because my last ones were Michlein Pilot Alpin, which were good on dry roads, but not that good in the snow.

Thanks,

Klaus

[Carguy]

Actually Klaus your tire salesman is right, but a tire width of 205 would be better for speedo/odo readings. Follow this link (http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html) - it illustrates the effect of tire width, rim size and aspect ratio changes very effectively. It's a good way to check up on the "advice" we get...

[msix]

Thanks for the link, carguy, this explains it very well.

However, Joe T. from the Subaru Club is offering this group buy on the KUMHO, and they go with a 205-55-16.

I thought the regular tire size on the WRX, Legacy and RS is the same size as mine, 225-60-16?

That would be quite a reduction??:confused:

[JoeT]

No worries,

Like the post says, if you want other sizes just let me know when I post the group buy details.

It's as easy as that. We don't make a cent off this, it's a committment we make to our sponsors. So the savings are great!!

I'll be posting details shortly. Within the next couple of nights.

BTW: OEM Tire size for the Legacy / WRX is 205-55-16
OEM Tire Size for the Outback is 225-60-16

I own an Outback VDC as well as a Legacy.

[Doug P]

Joe, are you able to do group buys on Kumho race rubber also?

Doug

[JoeT]

Doug,

We usually do that for the Subaru gang in the spring time. But the answer to your question is: Yes!

[Logan]

mmmm 710 group buy...

[msix]

Thanks for the clarification guys,

Now, how does the KUMHO KW-11 compare to other Winter tires??

Klaus

[JoeT]

Okie Dokie,

Winter Tire Grop Buy pricing has been posted on our web site. Check out the rules on the main page.

http://www.spda-online.ca