Is it worth buying snow tires for my area?

[Foxcolt]

Tires is at the bottom of my automotive knowledge so please help if you can.

For the people in the NO VA are as you all know were execting a bout of snow tommorrow. And I'm worried that my car won't handle worth sh*t. Would you guys reccommend that I get some steelies and snowtires for the rest of the winter?

How much better will is handle in the snow?
How bout dry? Rain?
If so what tires should I buy (tire rack) How much should I spend?

Any help would be great.
Thanks!
Jed
Who knows that anything would be better than the slicks he's riding on now <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'>

[uiuc240]

There are TONS of snow tire choices. &nbsp;I personally have the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 on my car. &nbsp;AWESOME in snow and ice, decent in the wet (good for hydroplaning). &nbsp;The only drawback is they are weak for braking and cornering in the dry. &nbsp;But that's the way it goes.

I think if I were going to buy them again, I'd consider the Michelin Arctic Alpin, or perhaps the next step up in the Blizzak line. &nbsp;The only thing there is that they are quite a bit more expensive.

Snow tires are the shiz...get them

Eric

[Foxcolt]

Thanks Eric. My personal safety is a big one on this. I was planning on buying a truck before winter started but like always the funds weren't their. So I figure this is the next best step.

You said those blizzaks were good for hydroplaning?? Is there an inexpensive tire that will handle good in the rain as well as the snow?

Thanks
Jed

Edit: ok just looked on tires.com and tirerack.com. Found the blizzaks but I can't find steelies to put on em. Any tips? I figure I can call em but I'd like to get a full price asap. I'm looking at 300z tires cause I want something that'll clear my brakes.

Jed
No don't buy those borbet type T's Jed you need know tires. NO!!!

[uiuc240]

The Blizzaks are good in the straight line in the rain. &nbsp;Lots of sipes. &nbsp;Greasy all the time in the turns...too soft.

Call them about the steelies...otherwise just grab another set of S14 alloys or something, yo.

Eric

[HippoSleek]

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/baaa.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':baaa:'>

My bald RE71's will be GREAT in the snow tomorrow &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/lookaround.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':look:'>

I might take a drive just to see how bad it could be... it's just that I'm afraid I won't be able to make it back up the hill I live on. &nbsp; <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'>

Anyone care to make a bet on how many 240s are injured in the Mid-Atlantic region over the next few days?

Oh yeah - I think snow tires are overkill around here. &nbsp;I have a set of all seasons that weren't too bad in the dusting we got last year, but for all the more snow we get, it seems a waste of money unless you have to drive a lot (and early, before the plows get out).

[Foxcolt]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (HippoSleek @ Dec. 04 2002,3:41)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"><img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/baaa.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':baaa:'>

My bald RE71's will be GREAT in the snow tomorrow <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/lookaround.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':look:'>

I might take a drive just to see how bad it could be... it's just that I'm afraid I won't be able to make it back up the hill I live on. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'>

Anyone care to make a bet on how many 240s are injured in the Mid-Atlantic region over the next few days?

Oh yeah - I think snow tires are overkill around here. I have a set of all seasons that weren't too bad in the dusting we got last year, but for all the more snow we get, it seems a waste of money unless you have to drive a lot (and early, before the plows get out).</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Yeah, I'm fooking scared poopless about tommorrow.
Honestly my confidence is shot since my accident in the rain a few weeks ago. I don't want something like that to happen again.

Since you think snowies are overkill. What would you reccommend to fortify my car for the winter? Should I run to a tire place and get a set of good all seasons? If so which ones'?

Thanks
Jed

[240 2NR]

If you want to drive in the snow, Snow tires are the bomb! &nbsp;I've had extremely limited expeience driving my 240 with all season and summer tires, and I'm glad that's all it was, it was pretty scary how little grip they have. &nbsp;Just getting my car in the garage last week with my kuhmo's on took 15 minutes. &nbsp;Snows and some steelies are so worth the money if you can spare it. &nbsp;But like Eric said, they're quite a compromise in dry weather. &nbsp;They still work, they're just not good for much spirted driving.

[uiuc240]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Foxcolt @ Dec. 04 2002,3:45)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Yeah, I'm fooking scared poopless about tommorrow.
Honestly my confidence is shot since my accident in the rain a few weeks ago. I don't want something like that to happen again.

Since you think snowies are overkill. What would you reccommend to fortify my car for the winter? Should I run to a tire place and get a set of good all seasons? If so which ones'?

Thanks
Jed</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
My mom didn't want to have two sets of tires for her Accord. &nbsp;They live in Denver. &nbsp;I went to the tire store with my dad and we got her a set of Michelin XGT V4's and had them "siped". &nbsp;They work awesome in the rain and snow and they even handle GREAT in the dry. &nbsp;$$$ though.

Eric

[vg30s12]

In the Southern areas such as Virginia and my home in North Carolina, snow tires do seem like overkill, unless you can easily afford to have 2 sets and have them changed for the seasons. &nbsp;I've found that good all-weather tires can be adequate for winter driving. &nbsp;(I used to run all-seasons on the Accord hatch I had in college, yes it was FWD, but that was in BUFFALO! &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'> ) &nbsp;The important thing is that they be relatively new, so they have good deep tread. &nbsp;Older tires suck, even with a FWD (I got that Honda stuck several times on hills when the tires were older.)
In preparation for this storm, which is supposed to drop mosly freezing rain on this area, I put my "weight pack" in the back of my S12 last night. &nbsp;It consists of my toolbox, and a tupperware tub containg four gallon milk jugs filled 2/3 with water (to allow freezing), a gallon of antifreeze, a gallon of washer fluid, (I need those anyway), and a 35 lb. dumbbell. &nbsp;These are all things I had around the house. &nbsp;I'm not sure exactly how much it weighs, but it's quite a bit all together. &nbsp;I have it sitting in the hatch, up against the back seat, right over the rear axles, secured with bungee cords so it doesn't move. &nbsp;Adding weight over the axle really helps traction in RWD cars.
Personally, with the exception of AWD, my ideal winter car setup is a RWD manual, preferably a 4-cylinder. (My V6 has too much torque, the ass end is all over the place when it's slippery.) &nbsp;I HATE FWD. &nbsp;True, it's harder for the front tires to break loose, but when they do, the car is totally unpredictable and almost uncontrollable. &nbsp;With RWD and a little skill, you can almost always keep control even when the rear wheels lose traction. &nbsp;And a manual is much better since you can compression-brake the car to slow down without using the brakes and risking a skid.

[West]

Anyone know why east coasters freak out about snow and buy 2 weeks of supplies like they were in lock down when it snows like 4"?

I like driving in snow with 240's, with blad tires even <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

Just so im not post whoring...

I dont know if it ever snows in NO or VA so I would have to say no, you dont need snow tires. Save your money.

[HippoSleek]

Yeah - I think any of the XGTs are good in all season format - the Pilot all seasons are supposed to be the hot ticket (think year round AND high performance - of course they cost as much as a set of winter tires and a set of summer tires. &nbsp;Honestly, I'd check TireRack's reviews for good all seasons - a good set of those should be more than enough for most cars.

The other thing is that snow tires wear FAST on dry pavement - which is what you get in DC 95% of winter. &nbsp;I don't think you'd get more than one winter out of a set of Blizzaks. &nbsp;All seasons can either be run on your rims or get a new set and keep reusing them until they get hard. &nbsp;(If I were thinking ahead, I would have bought a second set of wheels b/c the second time you swap them, you just bought some cheapos! &nbsp

Mine are sitting in the closet and will likely go back on the car before long b/c a) the RE's are shot; b) its winter; and c) I'm selling it and don't want the new owner to see what I've done to the tires on there &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>

[Foxcolt]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (WeST @ Dec. 04 2002,5:13)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Anyone know why east coasters freak out about snow and buy 2 weeks of supplies like they were in lock down when it snows like 4"?

I like driving in snow with 240's, with blad tires even <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

Just so im not post whoring...

I dont know if it ever snows in NO or VA so I would have to say no, you dont need snow tires. Save your money.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Yep I used to be like that too. Till I 180'd on the highway because I couldn't control my back end at 60mph. HA! And I thought I was good <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'>

Thanks for the replies guys. At this point in seems like a good set of all season plus some weight in my trunk should be good enough.

Jed

[HippoSleek]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (WeST @ Dec. 04 2002,5:13)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Anyone know why east coasters freak out about snow and buy 2 weeks of supplies like they were in lock down when it snows like 4"?

I like driving in snow with 240's, with blad tires even <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

Just so im not post whoring...

I dont know if it ever snows in NO or VA so I would have to say no, you dont need snow tires. Save your money.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
he he

The funny thing is that everyone gets excited... then it snows... and it is just like any other day. &nbsp;Accidents are on par w/ any rainy day. &nbsp;Traffic is slower (as it should be). &nbsp;

hell, last year I went out when we go 6" and I actually had to try to lose the car.

[xS1LV1Ax]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (HippoSleek @ Dec. 04 2002,3:41)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Anyone care to make a bet on how many 240s are injured in the Mid-Atlantic region over the next few days?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
ha

I will leave my car in the garage. &nbsp;Not going to risk it...

*note: &nbsp;The forecasters always call for snow but then it turns out to be just rain. I &nbsp;hate that! &nbsp;But i am really hoping for snow tomorrow.....no SCHOOL YAY!!!!

[direb0y]

It started snowing here a few hours ago, right after I put my car in the shop &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'>

So I guess the super-dori action will have to wait till tomorrow...8 inches of snow &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

[Brssmnky6]

Here in Richmond we are supposed to be getting ice so the 240 will be off staying parked tommorow, better safe than sorry. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

Last year it wasn't too bad, my advice is to weigh down the rear end. Just throw all those old ricer magazines in the trunk like I did. It helped alot because before that I couldnt get moving because the tires would sit and spin, afterwards it was no problem. (I knew they would be good for something) <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

[uiuc240]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (HippoSleek @ Dec. 04 2002,5:21)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The other thing is that snow tires wear FAST on dry pavement - which is what you get in DC 95% of winter. I don't think you'd get more than one winter out of a set of Blizzaks. </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Totally wrong. &nbsp;Sorry, bro.

This is my 3rd season on my Blizzaks and they still have plenty of tread...and I've done many improper things with them. &nbsp;They lay rubber EEEEAAAAASSSSYYYY &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'> <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':hehe:'>

Anyway, they work just fine. &nbsp;They are cheap too...mine were like $57 each.

Eric

[HippoSleek]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (uiuc240 @ Dec. 04 2002,10:10)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (HippoSleek @ Dec. 04 2002,5:21)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The other thing is that snow tires wear FAST on dry pavement - which is what you get in DC 95% of winter. I don't think you'd get more than one winter out of a set of Blizzaks. </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Totally wrong. Sorry, bro.

This is my 3rd season on my Blizzaks and they still have plenty of tread...and I've done many improper things with them. They lay rubber EEEEAAAAASSSSYYYY <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'> <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':hehe:'>

Anyway, they work just fine. They are cheap too...mine were like $57 each.

Eric</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blush.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':blush:'> &nbsp; Oops. &nbsp;Aplogies,.

I thought I heard that before - something like the rubber is soft, so using them on normal roads would destroy them.

[Alias]

I just got new tires myself. The car came with Kelly Charger HR's on it. They seemed to have very good dry traction, I just got done driving with them in the snow and they are OK. Not the best, but better than my bald tires. $400 installed with an alignment at my local shop.

[AKADriver]

So how was it, folks? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

I drove my GTI, coddled by ABS and traction control and FF. &nbsp;The roads in Germantown and Gaithersburg were completely unplowed even at 9:30 this morning. &nbsp;I-270 was unplowed. &nbsp;So much fun!!!

[gmgs14]

I just got new rears, pirelli p3000s and got them siped. &nbsp;We have since got a few inches here in MIchigan and the tires are holding up great. &nbsp;I get traction but when I want i can still always slide around!

[Foxcolt]

Sittin at home. Didn't even bother trying to take the 240 out. Car looks pretty cool flat black with a layer of snow around it.

[AutoDestruct]

Just got back from busting out some "drifts" in the snow piles. &nbsp;It is really coming down. &nbsp;But yeah snow tires make all the diff. around here. 70 bucks for a set of Coopers. &nbsp;Cheap and very good traction. &nbsp;Way better than toyo's out back. &nbsp;My car sits so low though, im getting a plow effect going on. &nbsp;Very pleased. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

[AceInHole]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Foxcolt @ Dec. 03 2002,6:24)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (WeST @ Dec. 04 2002,5:13)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Anyone know why east coasters freak out about snow and buy 2 weeks of supplies like they were in lock down when it snows like 4"?

I like driving in snow with 240's, with blad tires even <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

Just so im not post whoring...

I dont know if it ever snows in NO or VA so I would have to say no, you dont need snow tires. Save your money.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Yep I used to be like that too. Till I 180'd on the highway because I couldn't control my back end at 60mph. HA! And I thought I was good <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'>

Thanks for the replies guys. At this point in seems like a good set of all season plus some weight in my trunk should be good enough.

Jed</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
lol.... in my S13 on Cooper Cobras I drove an hour to see my girlfriend at the time (because i'm uhh.. "dedicated"). &nbsp;This was during a huge ass blizzard that closed all of CT a couple years ago. &nbsp;There were like 4 or 5 cars I passed that had spun out into the ditch dividing the highway. &nbsp;

Right now on dedicated snow tires.... I can't imagine driving through snow without them. &nbsp;They're soooooo key &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'>

[SimpleS14]

I'm posting pretty late in this thread, but I had first hand experience with the damn snow. It was late at night around 1am. I was leaving my school and there was nothing but fresh snow everywhere. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'>

I was freaking out as I had a couple of near slips going up a hill, braking or making a turn. What really sucked was the fact it was late and the trucks JUST started to plow the streets....so most of the time I was crusing on fresh snow and ice going no more than 30 mph. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'> &nbsp;

What really pissed me off was this damn SUV that decided to have a little fun and bug me. I saw him a mile away, blinked and next thing I know he's tailgating me and flashing his high beams, then the damn Land Crusier switches lanes and cuts me off. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':angry:'>

It took me an hour and 40 mintues to get from Fairfax to Woodbridge.

I NEED WINTER TIRES.....actually I need new tires period, my front tires are bald. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/unhappy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':unhappy:'>

The snow sucks and this was the first time I had to drive like a little bitch.

excuse my language...I'm just upset right now.

Does anyone know where I can find some 5-lug steelies for my car? better yet any good all-season tires out there?

[Kreator]

I took my escort to work today. All the while i was driving through the neighborhood (the road was still white), the only thing i was thinking was "Shit, now i wonna be a rally driver!" &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':hehe:'>

[vg30s12]

Speaking of weather, Raleigh looks almost like some kind of war zone today after last night's ice storm. My power was out only for about 3 hours last night, thank God. Much of the Triangle area still has no power. There are trees down all over the place. I went out a little while ago to see if the grocery stores were open. Only one store nearby has power, and there is a line to get into it! Roads blocked by trees, branches, and power lines all over the place, and the branches are still falling, I saw two big ones fall.
The few open gas stations have lines of cars stretching out into the street, it looks like it's 1974. This town is shut down, these people have NO IDEA how to handle weather like this. They can't drive in it at all. Having come from Buffalo, I don't have a big problem with it, but the natives are scared out of their wits on the road.
Here's some pics I snapped in the area:

This is right in front of my apartment:


The poor tennis court took a beating. This tree wiped out the fence and everything.


A parking lot nearby. Looks like a bomb went off.


I call this one "S14 and f'ed up trees." Poetic, huh?


This is one of the parking spots in front of my building. I am REALLY glad I parked my 200SX across the street.


My CB antenna is having personal problems. Anybody got any S12 Viagra?


What a day. At least we have power and therefore heat, unlike about 400,000 other people in the area, including the apartment complex right next to mine. &nbsp;My cable even works!

[uuninja]

Snow tires Bah! Not necessary in northern VA. My crappy Dunlop misc, all season M+S tires on the s13 did just fine. Good driving habits will probably do more for you than any snow tires around here.

[ridebmx]

man all i have to say is even with snow tires where i live(houghton, michigan..the nothernest part of upper michigan) i wouldnt drive my car in the winter, wouldnt be able to make it anywhere, with my tires now firehawk gta2 (i think) i can't barely move on flat ground(when i decide to take it out and run it alittle)going above 30mph is scarey as shit...my 95 240 had snow tires on it and winter hadnt even hit and i ended up wrecking it(sold it) i have had my car put away since the beginning of october...and whoever said put sand bags in the truck, that isnt a really good idea, when you do lose control its a hellaofa lot harder to get it back with the added wieght, tho it does help traction, but if your willing to take the risk, with you people that get 4" of snow in a day i would say just get all season tires, as for here we can get 2 feet in a day...so yeah my car is staying off the road untill spring...well thats my story and 2 cents

[AceInHole]

what kind of snow tires did you get?? &nbsp;i've been plowing through pure powder in my S14.... the only time there's trouble is when the snow reaches my front bumper, and that's only because my car is too low <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>