Auto tires for winter driving

[riverc0il]

I agree with the suggestions, such as Marc's that not all conditions are the same and in some conditions AWD could easily trump 2WD with snows. But overall, for those doing a lot of snow travel, I think the snows are more important overall.For types that didn't drive during snow storms constantly during the winter, AWD without snows probably are fine, pending there is no over confidence in the AWD. I actually need reality checks with over confidence in my snows.

[TC]

you can always try and buy a used pair of winter snows for cheep money. Get them mounted at a reasonable garage and there you go. I just bought a used set of 4 (one season) for $120.00. I thought it was a deal. Tires can be expensive, you have to watch ou that you dont over pay. Snow tires work great they give you that lateral traction and friction that you need if you get cought in a storm. Just keep your eye out. What size are you looking for?

[uphillklimber]

As I was growing up, my father had a stud gun and a huge stock of studs, so studding tires was free. He suggested that I didn't really need studded tires most of the time. (Rear wheel two wheel drive cars back then). He was right, I didn't really need them, most of the time. But at every intesection, it was always packed ice and I couldn't get going real well, and pulling out in front of vehicles required lots of room.

Later, I moved out and took the gun with me, along with his stock of studs, since he didn't use it, and I studded all my snow tires for many years. They really made a difference at intersections and rain on ice days.

Then, in 2001, I bought a 4WD Ranger. Flip a switch on the dash, and I'm in 4WD. These tires were bigger (read that more expensive), so I didn't get an extra set of rims and stud the tires on them. Acceleration has not been a problem at intersections. Braking is somewhat better, due to improving technology in ABS and tread design and rubber compounds. (Bet it'd be awesome if I had studded tires to brake on also).

My wife is a city girl and we live on a camp road. She could not drive this road and the neighbors have dubbed her the city girl.... Having worked in a tire garage (long ago), I still remembered a few things about tires and studied up one night on the web. I settled in on some Traction T/A's for her and asked her regularly how were the tires. All last year, no problems, and some of the hills on this road ice up real good. This year, she has a Subaru AWD, and the same tires. All is well and she is happy!

Have you noticed that on many of the roads, they are dry and clear the next day? Snow removal and de-icing have come a long way since the 70's when I started driving. So now, I do not stud my tires. Yes I still have that gun, and a stock of studs. I used to be a firm believer in studded tires. Of course they are a tad harder on the road surface. But take the extra $$$ studs will cost and buy a better tire, and you'll probably be all set.

[deadheadskier]

Originally Posted by riverc0il

I will take that challenge. It isn't about "running circles" around other cars, it is about getting to the mountain safely. Make no doubt about it, AWD with snow tires trumps all and 2WD with snow tires still gets a little squirrely in the back end. But you couldn't talk me into AWD without snow tires over 2WD with snow tires in the winter.

Agreed. I drove a 2000 Audi A6 last winter with all seasons and while it wasn't horrible in the snow, it did not perform as well as front wheel drive cars I have had in the past with decent snow tires.

[snoseek]

Originally Posted by riverc0il

I will take that challenge. It isn't about "running circles" around other cars, it is about getting to the mountain safely. Make no doubt about it, AWD with snow tires trumps all and 2WD with snow tires still gets a little squirrely in the back end. But you couldn't talk me into AWD without snow tires over 2WD with snow tires in the winter.

You are sooo right. I drive a little civic with snows into the mountains almost every day, especially when its snowing, and have yet to have any problems. I used to have 4wd, but got rid of it because of the crappy mileage. I spent a grand total of 160$ for cheap snows at sam's and they get me through the most horrific driving conditions, as long as the road is open I'm good. I get well over 40 mpg, I will never own awd or 4wd again.

[ALLSKIING]

Originally Posted by Marc

I was skeptical of the all season's that came on the Outback I just bought

Did you sell the Audi S4?

[SKIQUATTRO]

i just picked up the Volvo XC70 (200 and its got all season Conti 4x4 contacts.....I think i'm going to put some Conti Extremes on it...i have those on my Audi and they are a great tire! (not a dedicated snow--dont need it here on LI)

[billski]

Originally Posted by mlctvt

I agree with Riv on this one. Do yourself a favor and get a second set of rims with snow tires mounted.

I already did that last month for my wife's car. I'm just not in the position to buy three sets of tires and two sets of rims all at once, as I originally described.

My plan is to get some good all-weather tires right now for my all wheel drive and make it through this winter (I have done that for 25 years on front-wheel), then by winter tires next fall. Spread out the cost.

[tjf67]

Originally Posted by riverc0il

I will take that challenge. It isn't about "running circles" around other cars, it is about getting to the mountain safely. Make no doubt about it, AWD with snow tires trumps all and 2WD with snow tires still gets a little squirrely in the back end. But you couldn't talk me into AWD without snow tires over 2WD with snow tires in the winter.

Thanks dad.

[billski]

Originally Posted by riverc0il

I agree with the suggestions, such as Marc's that not all conditions are the same and in some conditions AWD could easily trump 2WD with snows. But overall, for those doing a lot of snow travel, I think the snows are more important overall.For types that didn't drive during snow storms constantly during the winter, AWD without snows probably are fine, pending there is no over confidence in the AWD. I actually need reality checks with over confidence in my snows.

I have driven frontwheel drive for 25 years on all-seasons and always gotten to/fro the mountain safely. My new wheels are all wheel drive with all-season tires and I noticed a marked improvement in handling on snow. I am not much of a "car person" but even pedestrian-me could notice the grip.

The "squirlliness in back" that riverc describes is not there. I suspect it's because the new car has stability control, which is purported to eliminate fish-tailing amongst other ailments. It also has traction control, (another new feature for me) but I've not been in a wheel-stuck-spinning situation yet, so I've not experienced the downside (sometimes you need a little slip to "dig" for traction.) These new features can be disabled from the dashboard.

There is one very long, very steep hill at Stowe that a front wheel drive on 4-seasons cannot get up when snow-covered. My friend says he's never bought snows for his subie in Stowe (he's has his priorities, ski pass first, tires and food second..) In fact, the time my frontwheel got stuck, he walked back, got his subie and rescued us. At that point, his tires were nearly bald, kid you not....
I'm really enjoying it so far. Especially having back the heated seats which I had 10 years go and gave up last car.