Mitch Cronin Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Might we hear from some of you critics of snow tires now? ...Do you still think your "all season" tires are fine? ....just thought I'd gloat a little... I saw you guys without snows all across yyz today... pathetic... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deicer Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Slowed down a bit, left a little more space, drive to work took approx 5 minutes longer. No problem. Has been that way all winter. Iceman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Specs Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 I don't think I was a critic but I was skeptical. It's quite coincidental I was thinking of the snow tire thread as I was driving home tonight. Drawing on the collective wisdom of the AEforum star chamber braintrust I decided to experiment and bought a set of 4 around new years. Practically gave up trying to find any of them in YYZ but green and ross on Markham rd had a set. Michelins! As for the results versus buying new all seasons radials every two years. Well, Even in tonights snow storm I can't say I've noticed a big difference but then I drive overly cautiously at off hrs on lightly travelled back roads. I will say they're's enough of a confidence boost that the drive is a bit more carefree. If there was any advantage at all I'd say they do seem to plow through the deep stuff more easily and track more comfortably in the snow and they are a bit softer in terms of the ride on the really cold days. Of course, In the past, on days like this I might have worked from at home instead of driving in. Al in all, In my particular case - no significant advantage gained. For somebody on more regular hours, real or imagined, definitely more peace of mind about not getting stuck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moon The Loon Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 No problem-oh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Dundee Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Wait until the snow get packed down and turns icey. You will be very happy with your snow/ice tires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Check Pilot Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 There is no substitute for getting a good set of tires designed for snow/ice/slush IMHO. I've installed Michelin's in the winter time for about 20 years now and the Arctic Alpen's as they used to be known as of a couple of years ago now, or now the X-Ice tires (even better) have saved me from at least 2 crashes in the last 5 years or so. (I've never had a crash BTW). Winnipeg, when I lived there, had some of the crappiest conditions on the street in the country when it came to ice and packed snow. The Michelin's always worked well enough to stop 2 tons of steel in a reasonable distance compared to when I still ran all season tires. I had an incident last week in Edmonton on cold snow packed streets and someone in a large pickup truck went pisswhistling through a stop sign about 75 feet in front of me and the Michelin's saved the day even when the anti-skid lit off and got me stopped. At least I could still steer. (I had to go and try and help the guy out after he hit a light standard though). Those tires did their job. If I'd still had the all seasons on I'm sure I would have broadsided the guy. About the only downside to a good set of Michelin's is that they have to come off in the spring and then put back on in the fall because they wear out very quickly at road surface temps above about 5C for any length of time. That just reminds me in the spring to change the synth oil in the engine however. There is another maker - Nokian - that apparently can take summertime roadway surface temps without needing changing and wearing out prematurely, but I'm waiting a bit longer to see what other folks experience have with them. In the end I wouldn't drive any other tires right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canus Chinookus Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 i'm on my very first set, Goodyear Nordics. While I don't see much difference accelerating(probably a good thing), the stopping performance is significantly better. Glad to have them. They're great for cornering too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Innuendo Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 The benefits of proper snows will be even more noticeable if you are using any type of low profile performance summer tyres. I have 18" 45% profile Bridgestones and even cold temps make a difference. They are designed for warm temps. Run onto any snow and they might as well be skis. The side walls and tread are too firm to throw out any snow so they essentially become slicks. Four snows on their own steel rims are the way to go IMO. They may not look too pretty but they look better than a deployed airbag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boestar Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Tire profile and width make a huge difference. Even all season 188 60 14 will get me places where a 225 just cant go even on snows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 i'm on my very first set, Goodyear Nordics. While I don't see much difference accelerating(probably a good thing), the stopping performance is significantly better. Glad to have them. They're great for cornering too! Had Nordics last year, went with Hakkaapiilittaas this year, holy jumping!!!! what a difference. We got about 20cm yesterday here in YOW and the travel in this AM on snowy roads was not a problem, where as last year, the car was sliding all over, do not even want to contemplate what it would have been like with all seasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Check Pilot Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 I've got 2 questions.... 1. Where did you get them in YOW, and; 2. just how the double hockey sticks do you pronounce that name other than Hakka's when trying to explain it to the tire guys? 4 different tire shops hadn't heard of them when I tried to let them know what I wanted.. I'm in Edmonton so maybe those names haven't made it out here in the stubble jumping part of the country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canus Chinookus Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Hakkaapiilittaas?? Lol is that really how it's spelled? How are they price-wise compared to the nordics? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rattler Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 I've got 2 questions.... 1. Where did you get them in YOW, and; 2. just how the double hockey sticks do you pronounce that name other than Hakka's when trying to explain it to the tire guys? 4 different tire shops hadn't heard of them when I tried to let them know what I wanted.. I'm in Edmonton so maybe those names haven't made it out here in the stubble jumping part of the country. Edmonton, even there you could visit a Kal Tire outlet the same as we can in YYC. How about those Oilers??? Hakkapeliitta Q Passenger Winter Features/Benefits Constructed to offer responsive handling and driving control on all types of road conditions while providing a smooth ride combined with a long tread life for safe winter driving. Innovative Spiral Sipe System offers tremendous grip on ice, improving braking capabilities, particularly with ABS braking systems. Aggressive tread design with hundreds of biting sipes provides for a self cleaning tread to expel ice, snow and water from tread area for exceptional winter traction. Meets Rubber Association of Canada severe snow performance requirements. Speed Rating Q Tread Sizes 155/80R13 165/70R13 165/80R13 175/70R14 185/R14 195/70R14 195/R14 205/70R14 205/65R15 225/70R15 195/75R16 205/65R16 205/R16 215/65R16 215/75R16 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fido Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 No 19" rims? These are just made for little cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 I've got 2 questions.... 1. Where did you get them in YOW, and; 2. just how the double hockey sticks do you pronounce that name other than Hakka's when trying to explain it to the tire guys? 4 different tire shops hadn't heard of them when I tried to let them know what I wanted.. I'm in Edmonton so maybe those names haven't made it out here in the stubble jumping part of the country. They are pronounced HAKA Pal Ita I goy mine at Frisby Tire. You will have to look under the name of NOKIAN. I have 195-55-15. These are with out a doubt the best winter tires I have ever had. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Cronin Posted January 30, 2009 Author Share Posted January 30, 2009 Good on ya Robert! They're awesome tires. Our Celica is on the second set and my g35 is also wearing them... and they're made for larger vehicles as well... I had a set on my Suburban. (at least they were, maybe they've stopped?) You can check sizes at http://nokiantyres.com Unbelieveable control in snow! ...and on a speed rated tire! I don't buy that bunk about long tread life though... the first set we had on the Celica only lasted 3 winters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Good on ya Robert! They're awesome tires. Our Celica is on the second set and my g35 is also wearing them... and they're made for larger vehicles as well... I had a set on my Suburban. (at least they were, maybe they've stopped?) You can check sizes at http://nokiantyres.com Unbelieveable control in snow! ...and on a speed rated tire! I don't buy that bunk about long tread life though... the first set we had on the Celica only lasted 3 winters. Thanks Mitch, I agree, they are the best. I wanted to get a set for my wifes Matrix, but due to the new tire law in La Belle Province, winter tires here in YOW are difficult to find. I found a set of Gislav nordfrost, did some research on them and found the reviews were excellent. I had them installed yesterday and they are very good in the snow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AME Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 http://www.joe-ks.com/archives_sep2006/Tweel.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thebean Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Bean had Dunlop 315/35/R20 on the back and 275/40/R20's on the front and they were as useful in snow as a sliding patio door on a submarine. Changed over to Dunlop 255/55/18's and I'm considering a drive to the peak of Mt. Washington this weekend. Anyone who thinks All Seasons are as good as winters is dreaming. Buy 4 snows, put 'em on inexpensive rims, (cause they'll get beaten up in the winter) and you'll never regret your decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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