Neal, is there any way to equate how well a tire like the ContiExtreme would do against a winter tire like the PA2s? Being in Nebraska, we of course see quite a bit of snow. However, we have quite a few days during the winter season when roads are cold but quite acceptable. I think a tire like the Conti is more suited for me, but the main intent is to purchase a tire that is better in the snow.

Opinions?

 

I actually do live in rural vermont and need a dedicated snow tire.. what would you suggest as the best tire to go through heavier snow/slush and ice for our cars??

 

Its very hard to compare across classes, especially when one of them is a dedicated winter tire. If the PA2's were a 9 in snow I would say the Conti's are a 7.5 or 8. BUT AGAIN these tires really aren't comparable. Both work very well in different ways. If your main concern is snow traction, get the snow tire. Otherwise look at the Conti for a bit less snow traction but better life and handling on clear days

 

Has anyone used or have any opinions on the Nokian WR's?????

 

Neal,

I was looking into the conntinental contact extreme for a winter tire in Michigan. A lot of people have told me to get a smaller size width to reduce surface area and increase snow traction. If I did this I would get a smaller wheel with a 7in width to hold the tire. How much sacrafice in dry road handling would this be and how good would it be for snow? Would it be worth it , or would I be better with the stock sizes. I'm in Detroit, and we get occasional snow, but it is usually a couple of inches only, however there is about two or three days that it could be deeper. Thanks for the reccomendations.

Adam

 

I live in Montreal myself and most of my driving is in the city and on the highways. However, I do go skiing in the Laurentian mountains and deal with deep snow from time to time. Anyway, I find the Dunlop Graspics in the stock size. They work very well and don't cost too much. I would recommend them.

Someone asked about Nokians. The ones I've used have had really soft sidewalls and worked very well in deep snow. However, they were really crappy in the rain and in the dry. They were obviously designed for Scandinavian conditions...but really didn't work too well in the Northeast!

Emre

 

I got a set of Toyo T1-S they are the best tires I have ever had in the rain and they still have enough performance in them to do ok (not like the advans but not bad) for normal driving too. I haven't had a chance to test them in snow yet.... but Ill follow up here when i do.

 

The only other size that would really work is 215/50-17, but they only fit wheels that are 6.00 to 7.50" wide. That wont work on the stock 17x8's. You could go to a narrower wheel, and the smaller tire would help a bit in overall snow traction. However, I really thing if your going to downsize it would be more beneficial with a dedicated snow tire. Your a step ahead of the game with AWD, and it sounds like on the clear days you still want some handling traits. So, I would just stick with the stock size and save some $ if using the Contis.

 

Neal,
I was considering a 17x7 wheel and tire combo (dedicated snows) for Michigan winters also. Any suggestions? The wheels don't have to be fancy. I figured the narrower wheel would help with traction and minimize the crap the gets thrown on to the car. Is that worth the cost or would it be best just to put snows on the stock enkeis? (I have Dunlop SP 5000s now and they are decent but not great in the snow).

 

I know of several Nokian users. They swear by them.

I'll probably be going with Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22's though. I have to go at most 2 blocks on roads/highways that aren't well plowed. I just need to find a decent set of wheels since I really don't want to run the MR stockers in snow and salt.

And then I need race wheels still. Bah. I'll just get those custom fabricated.

 

go with the dunlop graspic tires on tirerack. THey are about 500 somethin bucks on tirerack.com and Dunlop make one of the best all season/winter tires. I will be purchasing them in a few months when the weather starts getting cold and snow comes down

 

The narrowest wheel I have for the EVO is a 17x7.5. The narrower wheel will allow for a narrower tire like 215/50-17. This will help aid in cutting through the snow better than the wider tires. The 215's are too small for the stock 8" wheels, so you have to use the 7.5's. Otherwise, I would go with a snow tire in the stock 235 size. Most go with a tire and wheel pack that can be easily changed between seasons. Tires and wheels dont like to be mounted and dismounted often. It exposes the tire/wheel to damage every time their seperated. Theres also fees involved every time you do that.

The wider tires will provide a bit better handling on clear days, and the narrower tires will provide maximum snow traction. So, it really depends on what you want most from the tire.

The ASA KA3 is the 17x7.5 wheel we offer:

 

ContiExtremes are the whip!! Had them on all last season and only spun when I wanted too!! My local tire guy hooked me up.

 

They really only work well in "Scandinavian" conditions. The sidewalls are so soft and the treads squirm so much that they're really pretty scary at highway speeds. But they work great in deep snow at low speeds.

Emre