Winter Tires?

[movindirt]

My mom who lives in Billings, Montana needs to put new tires on her Subaru. I had her on Hankook's. She is looking at getting some Goodyear Viva 2's since they are a bit cheaper.

So for those of you that live in a similar climate which tires do you prefer for winter time?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Chris Tobin]

I'd suggest checking out the reviews on Tire Rack.com to see what others are saying who have put a lot of miles on the tires... They also seem to have very good prices and you may even be able to do a set of take-off wheels so youm mon does not have to swap tires on the wheels just swap the tires and wheels like a rotation.

[jeff]

I've had a few Subaru's and each has run winter specific tires come winter. The difference between an all-season and a purpose built SNOW tire is night and day. Last year I ran a set of Blizzak WS-50 that I bought from Tire-Rack.com for $105.00 each with a free shipping deal. They were so far the best set of winter tires I've used yet. I ran a set of Toyo Observe series tires the year before and they were so-so. The Toyo Observe has crushed walnut shells in the tread that is supposed to give the tire more "bite" on hard ice. The walnuts might have worked better if I had a narrower size. I went a little too wide and while the tires were ok on loose snow they weren't as good on ice. I'd spend the money on a Blizzak - it's way cheaper than fixing a fender bender.

Aloha

[JEFFRPM]

Whatever tires you select have them siped meaning small razor slices across the tread
it works wonders.

[K5 out of water]

Most if not all winter specific tires are a softer compound as well as having tons of siping on all tread blocks. Some people have their all seasons siped for better winter traction, but I don't think you'd have to sipe snow tires.

[ciscokid8]

also, most tire shops that i have dealt with over time will match the tire rack prices and then add $30 for the shipping. fair enough in my eyes.
just me $0.02

[movindirt]

Thanks for all the responses. My mom has decided to stick with the same tires since they worked well. The only problem is they are gone @ 30k and they are 80k tires. I feel this is due to running them in the summer but they are all weather tires and the shop said they would be fine (I was there @ the time). And yes she will be seeking pro ration.

[woundedyak]

I have found that any mid level snow tire combined with 300lbs sand bag in the back works best!

[1wayne]

:rolleyes:What is snow?:rolleyes:

[jeff]

Well don't ever put a set of purpose built snow tires on your moms car because she'll never want to change back to regular all-seasons. Like I said before, the performance difference is night and day.

Most California tire dealers don't stock snow tires and have a hard time getting them. Matching price is easy, getting the tire has proven difficult. Plus with Tire-Rack there is no sales tax.

Aloha

[firedog]

I would look into the Nokian tires. We had a couple of sets on cars that we taught winter driving classes with, night and day difference between them and an all season. They are developed in Finland and I believe they have a year round winter driving track for testing. 2nd tire I would choose is the Blizzack. I was told by a Nokian rep that a big difference between the two tires is that the Nokian has a winter (soft) compound through the whole tread and the Blizzack has a split compound, winter for the first half and an all season compound for the 2nd half so the performance drops off after the tire is half worn.

[jeff]

I would agree on the Blizzak. That dual compound idea worked out AOK for me. During the 1st part of the winter season the Blizzaks were great in the snow. Toward the end of the season the tread depth was reduced due to wear and that seriously hurt their snow performance. But then when the snow melted I left the tires on the car and just wore them out. They behaved and handled very good on dry pavement. I go through two sets of tires on the Subaru every year, a winter set and a summer set so tread life isn't really something I concern myself with. No matter who makes the tire I'll wear it out in about 15-20,000 miles driving the roads I drive at the speeds I drive.

Aloha