Well, the first mod for my MR is going to be a good set of snow tires. Safety first.

It appears that the LM-25 has a higher load rating, and is V-rated as opposed to being H-rated. Aside from this though, what are the differences between these tires? Neal?

Winter here usually isn't terrible. Fair amount of black ice, lots of slush and light snowfalls (4" or less), yet with the occasional decent storm (> 12"). Ideally, I'd like the best of both dry handling, and great snow handling.

 

Good thinking Initially, the LM-25 will be an addition to Bridgestones performance winter tire lineup. However, it will eventually replace the current LM-22. The 25's are XL load rated so they do carry a bit more weight. They have a bit deeper tread depth than the 22's and come in a V rated instead of H rated in this case. They should perform very similar to the 22's, but provide a bit better handling and life.

LM-22


LM-25

 

Neal, think the LM-25s are the best bet for the Evolution in these sorts of conditions, or do you feel there is a superior choice?

 

are full winter tires really needed since we have awd? i was thinking of getting Michelin Pilot Sport AS to use during the winter

 

I have the lm22s and they are great in the rain, ice and or snow. Dry handling isn't too bad. The sidewalls are alittle on the soft side.

 

Remember, AWD cars need to stop and turn too. AWD doesn't help with that. Traction starts with good tires.

 

AWD doesn't equate to invincibility.

There's a woman here with a twin-turbo AWD Dodge Stealth, and she told me that' AWD is worthless in the winter because her car is apparently "too powerful". That wasn't the case. Her problem is she ran the summer tires (which had no tread left anyways) through the winter, which rendered them as useful as the plastic tires on a Tonka truck.

I run all-seasons (ContiExtremeContacts) on my Eclipse, and having had a close call with them, I'd still like to take a step further by moving to winter tires to minimize the chances I'll end up in an undesirable situation.

 

Move to snow tires, and you will never own all-seasons again.

 

Sorry for the delay. Missed yesterday cause I hit a deer with my G-35.. Sucks but I got the car sort of driveable. That was my fun yesterday

If I had to choose between the LM-25 or 22, I'd go with the 25. I would because the 25 will be replacing the 22 in the future, making it hard to find a 22 if you need a replacement down the road. Its also the newest tire in its class, so its produced with a bit better tech than the older 22.

whitet777 - couldn't be more right! An all season cant touch the winter performance a dedicated snow provides. I started with the Blizzak line and never looked back. All of my cars (except my 73 Charger) run snows.

 

Neal,

How does the new LM-25 compare to the WS-50? It looks like the WS-50 might be more for hardcore snow and the LM-25 is for a more realistic mix of snow and dry.

Tim

 

what kinda price do the LM-25 run. I still have a few months to worry about it. Tennessee doesn't usually see snow till late december-till feburary,march.

 

I saw LM-25's last night in a 235-45-17 for the Evo on Tirerack for $188/each I think.

 

Thats right!

 

Exactly. The WS-50 is the more aggressive version. If you want to be overly prepared or live in a rural area where you see a lot of snow, then this is the better tire. The LM-25 is the lesser aggressive performance based snow tire. Better used in urban areas where you see a lot of plowed roads and highways. The LM's will handle better, but the WS will perform better in harsher conditions.

 

Thanks Neal. Generally for a better performing snow tire in the snow, is it better to go with a narrower tire? I have heard that narrower is better in the snow. Sure you are going to give up some dry cornering with a narrower tire. I see that there are various sizes of tires for 17" wheels and just want the optimal width. I assume a variety of widths will fit on the Evo's stock wheels.

Tim