Winter Tire/Wheel Discussion

[Robk0000]

Running Blizzak ws60's now, they are freakin Awesome!

[Nate8409]

I am still waiting on someone to pony up and buy my winter 16's.

[TrickyDik]

I am still waiting on someone to pony up and buy my winter 16's.

Too small for me.

[Murphy2012]

I heard great things about Blizzaks. Read the tireracks buyer reviews....hey help a lot. Car specific reviews as well.

[2mprzya]

blizzaks are supposted to be a good tire, but dont last long at all. if you have the cash, throw out for some dunlops. i dont know if they still make the m3s or not

[Nate8409]

Blizzaks are amazing in season one.

[doylfish]

I am still waiting on someone to pony up and buy my winter 16's.

hey man, hold your horses lol, if you can wait till around thanksgiving i'll take them, just can't store them till first snowfall, gotta wait it out, no room in tiny ass boston apartments

[f1vlad]

This is what I got:

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/product/tires/hanst1.ang.jpg

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/findTireDetail.do?yr=2007&c=1&sw=true&cs=225&pc=11231&rd=17&vid=009419&ar=45

$99 a piece. Really amazing tire for the price. Superb grip. My friend who had blizzaks liked mine better and eventually ended up buying same.

[TrickyDik]

The price seems good to me vlad, I'll check those out.

[Nate8409]

mmmm studded. That is what is going on the sentra this winter. :D

[kb1043]

stupid question but, Do all impreza models 02-07 have the same bolt pattern? Just wanted to make sure before i spent the money on rims and tires.

[2mprzya]

no. 02-07 wrx and 04 stis are the same 5x100, and 05-07 sti are 5x114

[Skidder]

Winterforce M&S... I have used them on several cars and they usually don't disappoint. The one time they let me down is when I was running them bald.

These tires don't use fancy compounds or anything... they rely solely on a very deep and aggressive tread design.

Also the studs in the studded version remain in the tire better than other studded tires ive seen

And they are cheap!

[starhm]

yeah, i think i will just drive the truck, but i do believe the car will handle better since it has better weight distribution and a better awd system than the 4x4 on the truck. will have to wait and see. never been much on snow tires, even in indiana.

[GrassyKnoll]

yeah, i think i will just drive the truck, but i do believe the car will handle better since it has better weight distribution and a better awd system than the 4x4 on the truck. will have to wait and see. never been much on snow tires, even in indiana.

you will absolutely love the winter with a 2006 legacy ~ok~

[ValuePack]

My $ .02:

The Bridgestone Blizzaks are about the best you can buy without getting into super pricey exotics, about up there with Nokian's legendary Hakkapelitas. The WS-50 has my vote, though it's now discontinued for the Revo 1(better in dry, worse in deep stuff). Their LM-22 is also great(if not more appropriate) for anything with decent power. I don't yet know anything about their new WS-60, but I'll probably give them a shot this year.

Nokian Hakkapelitas: the reputation speaks for itself. These are fabulous, though there's been a rash of out of round tires the past few seasons.

The Winterforce(semi-officially under the wing of Firestone) is great if you care far more about max snow grip than dry handling. They won't last more than three seasons with careful driving and are loud as hell at full depth, but holy hell are they cheap and aggressive. You won't get stuck with these, *ever*.

Continental? Don't bother with anything under their label or their cheaper Semperit sister company. There's far, far better out there for similar cash.

Pirelli Wintersport 210 and 240s are halfway decent, though are nothing special in deep snow. Good dry/wet grip. I'd opt for their Winter Carving tire, myself.

I've heard good things about Dunlop's Winter Sport M3, though I haven't tried them personally. Their slightly newer Winter Sport 3D looks good as well. Their Graspic DS-2s look like a great compromise tire, though yet again, I haven't tried them.

Michelin's Pilot Alpin PA2 didn't impress me in the least... yet another in a line of tires priced on reputation, not on performance.

Those Hankooks that Vlad has look PISSED in person... look into a set.:)

[Nate8409]

Winter driving is about vehicle weight. Oh the highways of vermont is super bad storms little clammy Neons and other small car are always blowing by us like hahaha you suckkkkk.

[TrickyDik]

Those Hankooks that Vlad has look PISSED in person... look into a set.:)

That's all I needed to hear.

[fzanetti]

My $ .02:

The Bridgestone Blizzaks are about the best you can buy without getting into super pricey exotics, about up there with Nokian's legendary Hakkapelitas. The WS-50 has my vote, though it's now discontinued for the Revo 1(better in dry, worse in deep stuff). Their LM-22 is also great(if not more appropriate) for anything with decent power. I don't yet know anything about their new WS-60, but I'll probably give them a shot this year.

Nokian Hakkapelitas: the reputation speaks for itself. These are fabulous, though there's been a rash of out of round tires the past few seasons.

The Winterforce(semi-officially under the wing of Firestone) is great if you care far more about max snow grip than dry handling. They won't last more than three seasons with careful driving and are loud as hell at full depth, but holy hell are they cheap and aggressive. You won't get stuck with these, *ever*.

Continental? Don't bother with anything under their label or their cheaper Semperit sister company. There's far, far better out there for similar cash.

Pirelli Wintersport 210 and 240s are halfway decent, though are nothing special in deep snow. Good dry/wet grip. I'd opt for their Winter Carving tire, myself.

I've heard good things about Dunlop's Winter Sport M3, though I haven't tried them personally. Their slightly newer Winter Sport 3D looks good as well. Their Graspic DS-2s look like a great compromise tire, though yet again, I haven't tried them.

Michelin's Pilot Alpin PA2 didn't impress me in the least... yet another in a line of tires priced on reputation, not on performance.

Those Hankooks that Vlad has look PISSED in person... look into a set.:)

Very well put ValuePack...

Couldn't agree with you more...

Blizzacks will be coming soon to my wagon...


Flavio Zanetti
Boston, MA

[Jon]

I'm going on my third season with my M3's and i LOVE them. They are better all around than the re92s that came on the car, even in the dry warm weather! They ride nice, are quiet, are great in the dry and AWESOME in the snow. I have about 18,000+ on them right now and i'm not even near half way through them. I've heard that the blizzaks are better snow tires, but not as good in the dry. I've also heard that they don't last nearly as long as M3s. I've very happy with the M3's and would buy them again if i needed too.

[Nate8409]

Firestone winterforces are here for the old Sentra. They look even more aggressive in person and are studdable.

https://www.1010tires.com/tire.asp?tirebrand=Firestone&tiremodel=Winterforce

[Kevin]

This is what I got:

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/product/tires/hanst1.ang.jpg

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/findTireDetail.do?yr=2007&c=1&sw=true&cs=225&pc=11231&rd=17&vid=009419&ar=45

$99 a piece. Really amazing tire for the price. Superb grip. My friend who had blizzaks liked mine better and eventually ended up buying same.


I have these same tires but I paid 79 a tire. I have 225/45/17's. I got them from tires.com. there pretty good in the snow and fun in the dry cause all I do is spin.

[TrickyDik]

I just bought those too, did not get the nice $79 a tire price though. None-the-less I still paid less then when I started looking so I'm happy. They should arrive tomorrow.

[GrassyKnoll]

I'm goin for the Blizzak LM-25s.

[chris07outback]

check out the gislaved nord-frost, cames across this company in my volvo days. super tire made for the rough winters over in sweden and scandanavia.

[Murphy2012]

I can get the Winter I Piks that vlad has for 96 bucks a tire, shipped. Thats for 225/45/17. 215/45/17's would be a little cheaper. Let me know if anyone is interested. I am making an order probably monday for my and jamies cars. ~ok~

[kb1043]

me too?

[banned4life]

i have dunlop graspic DS-2s, this will be my 3rd season. no issues, lots of drifting ~bounce~

[Murphy2012]

ya ken, you want some?

[kb1043]

ya ken, you want some?
yes please

[FreakBurrito]

Just ordered some M3s from Tire rack last night. Hopefully I'll have em on before the next storm.

[2mprzya]

they still have m3's?

[FreakBurrito]

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Dunlop&tireModel=Winter+Sport+M3

[Murphy2012]

M3's = great tires, but too much money for what theyre going to give you....

[Kevin]

might as well get michelin alpine sports if you want $$$ winter tires

[wagonmafia]

i just got blizzaks and i think they are great. but then again im comparing them to all season tires.

[GrassyKnoll]

yea i just got LM25s and love them.

[Nate8409]

Winter sport M3's are excellent. I am not a fan of the graspic ds-2 though. Although all the bridgestones rock!

[Bu11dogg2]

I have a set of Viking SnoTechs and I have been pretty satisfied with their performance.

Tread wear is great!! this is my second season and they are running strong :)

[wagonmafia]

so ive had time to test my blizzaks in all conditions(snow,ice,rain and highway), even a 6hour cruise on the highway. Anyways id recommend these bridgestone blizzaks to anybody looking for good snows.

[Bu11dogg2]

YOu seemed to get a lot better traction the other night then we did :spin:

Probably because they are so new :)

[Nick S.]

I recently upgraded to some nice 15" rota's from my stock 16" wheels. I got some M/T 24.5 x 8 x 15 ET drag slicks for them too.

The wheels weigh about 11lbs per coner or 21lbs with the tires which is about half the weight of the stock wheels and tires. I should save a ton of rotating weight and get much better sixty foot times. They should be around 1.4s with the slicks.

I'm also thinking about uprading back to the single piston calipers instead of the retarded dual pistons weighing down my front end.

[Alex Corbit]

Nokian snow tires, if you have the $ are hands down the best winter tires. I run the Hakkapeliitta RSI, a bit squishy, but unparalleled performance in snow or on ice. check out davies tire on islington st in portsmouth, they are the local Nokian dealer in the area, and they have fair prices.

[Kevin]

putting on my i-pikes right now.
my bald re070's were starting to scare me when it dips below 40 lol

[Bu11dogg2]

Probably picking up a set of these this week :)

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=X-Ice+Xi2

[Bu11dogg2]

DON'T EVER BUY WHEELS THAT TAKE 235/45/17 TIRES

EVEYTHING IS SO EXPENSIVE :unamused:

[Murphy2012]

You dont have to get the exact size tires everytime you know...in fact, if it is winter, i would go with a tire not as wide.

[SilverSubie2.5]

Probably picking up a set of these this week :)

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=X-Ice+Xi2

I've run the previous model of the X-Ice the last 2 winters and I LOVE them. Very predictable tire, but also great to have fun with.:)

[Bu11dogg2]

You dont have to get the exact size tires everytime you know...in fact, if it is winter, i would go with a tire not as wide.

TPMS :unamused:


A wheel and tire set is $1600 :unamused:

[Murphy2012]

So you have to run the same size tires/wheels with TPMS...that is mega gay.

[Bu11dogg2]

yeah.... plus I have a 5 year 100k mile warranty and wrong size tires = void powertrain.

The funny thing is though... the package they sell is 16" wheels with smaller tires :lol:

[Mike Honcho]

Running Nokian WR G2s year round now. More than good for winter use, so much so I'm going to sell my Hakka 1s

[Bu11dogg2]

Bumpin this up.... get em now before the snow falls!

[RebDovid]

I've narrowed my consideration of winter tires to these three, all in size 225/60/17. (We're leasing our Outback 2.5i Limited for three years. All prices are from reputable area dealers and include lifetime seasonal change-over of the tires at no additional cost.)

Installed, the Hakka R comes to just under $544; the Toyo Observe and Michelin Xi2 are each about $625. In each case, the price includes sales tax. (At Tire Rack, which does not currently show wheel and tire packages for a 2010 Subaru Outback, the cost of the tires, shipping, and one-time mounting and balancing from an approved Tire Rack installer would be $800 for the Michelins -- before a $70 rebate -- and $623.80 for the Toyos.)

Is there any reason not to go with the Hakkapeliittas? (On a prior car, a VW Passat, that we owned, I ran minus-sized Nokians on steel wheels.)

Most of our driving will be in Boston's western suburbs, with possible trips to southern New Hampshire (not skiing), central Massachusetts, and Philadelphia.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/images/statusicon/user_online.gif http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/images/buttons/report.gif (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/report.php?p=28537143) http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/images/misc/progress.gif http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/images/buttons/edit.gif (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/editpost.php?do=editpost&p=28537143)

[mdungelman]

I say go for the Nokian's. I just picked up a set of used Hakkapeliitta 2's for my girls Chevy Cobalt and I'm really looking forward to see how they do on a small FWD vehicle.

[Bu11dogg2]

yeah, now is the time to buy if you haven't!!!

[drdabbles]

Blizak Revo1's for two seasons. This will be the last. They lasted a good while longer than I expected, but the first season is where they REALLY shine. I mean nothing stopped me ever.

My next tires might be something I can stud, because we get more icey and packed snow conditions than anything else. The only thing that makes me think twice is that you really only need the studs DURING a storm. Within 6 hours, the roads are just wet.

[DC679731]

[QUOTE=f1vlad;18573]This is what I got:

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/product/tires/hanst1.ang.jpg

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/findTireDetail.do?yr=2007&c=1&sw=true&cs=225&pc=11231&rd=17&vid=009419&ar=45


this is what i have as well

[RebDovid]

I say go for the Nokian's.

In the end, I did go for the Nokian Hakka R tires, even though I'm paying more than the $544 mentioned in my original post. It turns out that that vendor, Town Fair Tires, although it advertises that its price includes snow tire changeover (http://www.townfairtire.com/tf2005/tftTireQuote_2.aspx?type=size), charges $40 each changeover for balancing. (Because we're leasing our new Outback, I decided not to buy separate winter wheels.)

Instead, I'm buying (once again) from Direct Tire. Although they would only meet me part way between Town Fair's price and their original quoted price, I've bought all my tires from Direct Tire for the last 25+ years, I trust them, and their seasonal changeovers truly are included in the up front tire price.

For those in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine who want a particularly good deal on Nokian tires, I also can recommend Vianor, a chain owned by Nokian, that has a special sale this Thursday and Friday, October 29 and 30. (I used a quotation from Vianor to get a price match from Town Fair.) The sale price also includes mounting and balancing. So, if you have dedicated winter tires you shouldn't have to worry about future changeovers. Also, my understanding is that you only need to pay for the tires on the 29th or 30th. You can arrange for later installation.

[RCKSTR]

Anyone got a set of rims that'll clear brembos? :lol: I need to do something for winter... Only low pro winters I found for 235/45R18s were blizacs (spelling?). And they were $250 each... That makes me want to put stock
brakes back on and get some good winter tires for the stock wheels...
That'd actually be much cheaper even though I'd be buying everything new again since I got rid of my stock brakes... :(

thoughts anyone???

[squeethebee]

Do the stock brakes thing. That way you can rip it this winter instead of the ranger. I bet you could sell your stock brakes again (to me) in the spring.

ed

[tehsbean]

Anyone got a set of rims that'll clear brembos? :lol: I need to do something for winter... Only low pro winters I found for 235/45R18s were blizacs (spelling?). And they were $250 each... That makes me want to put stock
brakes back on and get some good winter tires for the stock wheels...
That'd actually be much cheaper even though I'd be buying everything new again since I got rid of my stock brakes... :(

thoughts anyone???

You can buy a whole set (wheels plus tires) for $1000 on Tirerack. They're "suggested" package for an '04 STi actually comes in at $1004, and that's with some pretty pricey (albeit nice) Dunlop Wintersports. Swapping them for a cheaper set of snows could cut the price back a good chunk.

[Rooster]

Cant wait to swap over to the Blizzaks! Bought them on Tirerack over the summer for a redonkulus price of $306 SHIPPED! Size: 245/45-17's..

[DHGurs]

Cant wait to swap over to the Blizzaks! Bought them on Tirerack over the summer for a redonkulus price of $306 SHIPPED! Size: 245/45-17's..

Which ones? I switched over to my WS50's a couple weeks ago, when it was supposed to start snowing.

Fast forward two weeks to today; it is 70 degrees, and I can hear my expensive tires being worn away on the highway :unamused:

Edit: Those are some wide winters Mike!

[Joe]

Anyone got a set of rims that'll clear brembos? :lol: I need to do something for winter... Only low pro winters I found for 235/45R18s were blizacs (spelling?). And they were $250 each... That makes me want to put stock
brakes back on and get some good winter tires for the stock wheels...
That'd actually be much cheaper even though I'd be buying everything new again since I got rid of my stock brakes... :(

thoughts anyone???

You should pick up my OZs!!!!! Sales keep falling through, so they are available again. 18x7 +35, so i am pretty sure they clear brembos. And you can run a 225 tire on it. i am asking 600 for the wheels, but might move on it if you can actually agree on buying them :unamused: :lol:

[method]

Setup I picked up http://www.wrxfanatics.com/index.php?showtopic=60977

Decided to actually get snow tires this year, and got a pretty good deal on a tire + wheel setup from discounttire.com

$857 shipped for: Hancook Icebear W300's 205/50-17 + RAYS G-Games Blizzard (17x7), new nuts, mount, road force balance...

Cheap tires and cheap wheels. But the tires have had pretty good reviews on most sites.

http://vatires.com/img/p/23-86-large.jpg

Wheels:

http://www.geckdev9.com/ImagesUpload/wheel/ggabli.gm.ang.jpg

Had mixed thoughts on the wheels but I got them dirt cheap.

Found a pic of the wheels on another subie:

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w104/jimbobrand/100_0891.jpg

Not using the center caps though.

[ishredNH]

^^Method i saw your car today leaving nicoles...did u put these wheels on yet? If my horrible memory serves me right i think i saw them on and they looked good.

[mdungelman]

You should pick up my OZs!!!!! Sales keep falling through, so they are available again. 18x7 +35, so i am pretty sure they clear brembos. And you can run a 225 tire on it. i am asking 600 for the wheels, but might move on it if you can actually agree on buying them :unamused: :lol:

You may want to check on if they do clear brembo's. I know the 17x7.5's will only work with a spacer. Your offset may be different though.

[method]

^^Method i saw your car today leaving nicoles...did u put these wheels on yet? If my horrible memory serves me right i think i saw them on and they looked good.

Yeah I have them on. I ran over a nail in my summer setup. I need to get the tires swapped off them.

[ishredNH]

Yeah I have them on. I ran over a nail in my summer setup. I need to get the tires swapped off them.

I had the sidewall on my right rear tire give out with a nice 1 inch+ crack driving back from OSG on friday. Thank you TPMS. I had to switch over to my winter setup already. Totally Weak.

[method]

I had the sidewall on my right rear tire give out with a nice 1 inch+ crack driving back from OSG on friday. Thank you TPMS. I had to switch over to my winter setup already. Totally Weak.

I haven't been to OSG in years...i need to head back up there sometime. I dont think I've been up there since 2002.

[HamSocks]

Ordered a set of Nexen WinGuard 231's on steelies through Town Fair. They talked me out of Blizzaks because of their limited longevity. These are basically a rip-off of Toyo's winter tread design without the walnut shell fragments in the tire compound. We'll see how these bad Larrys work out. Never driven a car with dedicated snow tires before so I'm sure anything will be an improvement over all-seasons.

http://www.nexentireusa.com/images/products/92B0D73A9E6C38E140B1A6500ABBBAE9.jpg

[ishredNH]

Ordered a set of Nexen WinGuard 231's on steelies through Town Fair. They talked me out of Blizzaks because of their limited longevity. These are basically a rip-off of Toyo's winter tread design without the walnut shell fragments in the tire compound. We'll see how these bad Larrys work out. Never driven a car with dedicated snow tires before so I'm sure anything will be an improvement over all-seasons.

http://www.nexentireusa.com/images/products/92B0D73A9E6C38E140B1A6500ABBBAE9.jpg

You will be stoked how much better the dedicated winters are over all seasons. Have fun!

[Melissa8483]

So I've been flipping through this thread trying to make some decisions myself and have decided that I'm going to need to spring for snow tires this year in order to preserve my all seasons longer. The way I drive (:D), if I kept my all seasons on this winter, they'd be done by the spring.

But after reading Bulldog's post from last winter about how much money he had to spend because of the TPMS, I'm worried about the same myself. How do I get around that if I end up buying cheap wheels with the tires in favor of easier changeover every year?

[ishredNH]

So I've been flipping through this thread trying to make some decisions myself and have decided that I'm going to need to spring for snow tires this year in order to preserve my all seasons longer. The way I drive (:D), if I kept my all seasons on this winter, they'd be done by the spring.

But after reading Bulldog's post from last winter about how much money he had to spend because of the TPMS, I'm worried about the same myself. How do I get around that if I end up buying cheap wheels with the tires in favor of easier changeover every year?

I didn't put the monitors in my wheels. You just have to deal with a little yellow light on your dash all winter.

[Melissa8483]

I didn't put the monitors in my wheels. You just have to deal with a little yellow light on your dash all winter.

Awesome. I'll just trick out my dash with some sweet pink duct tape. :hahano:

BTW - I :wub: your car. I wanted an STI but a) I didn't have enough money and b) I was told I shouldn't have a car with that much power. You know, having a family someday and all that BS.:shrug::p

[MAINIAC SPEC B]

I run Dunlap 215x50-17 Wintersport M3`s on ASA AR1 17x7 wheels for the winter. I have over 20k on them and they still have plenty of thread left and are quieter than my summer Bridgestone 050A`s.

[ishredNH]

Awesome. I'll just trick out my dash with some sweet pink duct tape. :hahano:

BTW - I :wub: your car. I wanted an STI but a) I didn't have enough money and b) I was told I shouldn't have a car with that much power. You know, having a family someday and all that BS.:shrug::p

Thank you! It's treats me nice :devil: Yea, the sti is expensive. I can barely afford it as it is but it's just so worth it :D And as far as you not having an sti because of power...I say booooooooooooooooooo to that!

[Kevin]

picking up i-pikes from town far tire for 101 each after they beat the cheapest online price I can find.

I ran the last set for 3 seasons and they were great. I almost went with the hankook icebear but it had awfull reviews.

[method]

picking up i-pikes from town far tire for 101 each after they beat the cheapest online price I can find.

I ran the last set for 3 seasons and they were great. I almost went with the hankook icebear but it had awfull reviews.

Depends what site your looking at. I noticed it was love or hate on the Icebears...no middle ground haha.

[Kevin]

ya I did notice that too lol but I just went with the i-pikes due to the past expericence I had with them.

this your first set of snows for since you moved up to the sticks lol

[Murphy2012]

General has a new tire out for winter, looks a LOT like the I pikes, and the same price....I recommend I pikes to anyone, they are grrrreat.

[Evoeater]

They doo look great and you cant beat the price..

[KJ's Paint & Customs]

I Just swapped over my wife's snow tire/wheels. I bought this set off of craigslist for $300! They are studded Hakkapeliitta's on 16 inch alloys. The tires are like new, but the wheels were in rough shape. Good thing I'm a painter.... So I sand blasted them and painted them white and here they are. They are a little bit bigger than stock, but they work.

Before:
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg45/kgj996/DSC_0844.jpg

After:
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg45/kgj996/DSC_0847.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg45/kgj996/DSC_0849.jpg

[Melissa8483]

I'd like to buy my snows in NH, just to avoid stupid MA sales tax. And I can't afford wheels this winter anyway, so I need to go somewhere that will do a cheap changeover. Anyone have any recommendations of good service places right over the border in southern NH? I'd be coming up from 95 or 1 in MA.

[ishredNH]

I'd like to buy my snows in NH, just to avoid stupid MA sales tax. And I can't afford wheels this winter anyway, so I need to go somewhere that will do a cheap changeover. Anyone have any recommendations of good service places right over the border in southern NH? I'd be coming up from 95 or 1 in MA.

I have no idea about places to go since I'm from central/northern NH, but go online and find tires, get the internet price (shipped) and bring that around with you. Most places (that are worth going to) will at the least match the internet price. If your looking for solid fairly inexpensive snows, I had General Altimax Arctic tires on my RS and they were fantastic.

[Xise]

was thinking of getting a set of goodride winter treads...anyone ever try these out? it averages out to about $80 a tire, and supposedly they have a summer compound so they won't burn up after winter. just seeing if anyone knows about these.

[tehsbean]

was thinking of getting a set of goodride winter treads...anyone ever try these out? it averages out to about $80 a tire, and supposedly they have a summer compound so they won't burn up after winter. just seeing if anyone knows about these.

Never heard of them. IMO, when it comes to tires, buy something brand named. Winterforces (Firestone) or the General Altimax Arctic's are both very cheap, and are definitely plenty to handle winter weather (I've gone some very interesting places and managed to do some amazing stuff on unstudded Winterforces, despite their small price tag.)

Also, it's worth it to run a set of winter/summer tires. Then you can run the knobbiest winter tires you can find, and not have to worry about how they handle summer.

[Melissa8483]

I just called Direct Tire and they quoted me $744 for a set of Dunlop 3Ds. That doesn't seem right... considering Tirerack is asking $98 or $108 a piece... :wtf:

[method]

I just called Direct Tire and they quoted me $744 for a set of Dunlop 3Ds. That doesn't seem right... considering Tirerack is asking $98 or $108 a piece... :wtf:

Doesn't your car use 205/50-17?

[Melissa8483]

205/55-16

[ishredNH]

205/55-16

You shouldn't need to pay more than like 100 bucks a tire for a good set of snows. Bring the tire rack quote and see if they'll match it...if they wont tell them to E.A.D and go somewhere else

[Kevin]

I just picked up my 225/45/17 i-pikes from town fare tire for $101each
they were $173 there and they beat the lowest price I could find online.

[Nick D]

I am itching to try out my new Winter Force Tires! :)

[Bu11dogg2]

I love K&J's winter set up :lol:

[Rogue]

What's the smallest wheel you can fit on a '08-'10 WRX? I want to try to get away from the low profile tires for winter.

[DHGurs]

What's the smallest wheel you can fit on a '08-'10 WRX? I want to try to get away from the low profile tires for winter.

The smallest I have ever seen is 16x6.5. I have seen a few steelies that size on WRXs and the 02-05 WRX wheels fit as well.

[jonny-rockets]

these ipikes are beast mode in the snow. http://smiliesftw.com/x/eek5jerk.gif

that is all.

[method]

I'm liking the W300s I have too.

[98Wagoon]

psshh.. 14x6 steelies with pirelli something-or-others! wheels and tires cost $500 new. :lol:

[ecks_man]

i just bought a set of 17" 05 legacy gt wheels. i wanna put them on my 99 forester but the tires look like rubber bands, does anyone know how big of a tire i can fit on them, in order to take up some of the wheels gap? and where to find them?

[Bu11dogg2]

containment bump :lol:

Just pulled mine out of storage in Fremont and moved them to Portsmouth.

Not putting them on for at least another month (I hope)

[jwebsta32]

I have mine in storage at work FTW.....but I just got involved in a winter wheel swap.....pics to come when I do said swap. Aside from that I am on my third winter with my blizzaks. Best winter tire IMHO

[apkarian100]

Going on my second season with the General Altimax Arctics. I can't wait for snow. The tires grip great, good price too.

[Joe]

Yokohama Geloanders FTW!!!!!!!!




wait...... :(

[MAINIAC SPEC B]

Yokohama Geloanders FTW!!!!!!!!




wait...... :(
THey are not real winter tires Joe.:lol:

[WDPballer]

Had blizzaks last year and loved them but sold the bugeye with em on it :unamused: So I decided to try out Michelin X-Ice Xi2, seems to compare to blizzaks but dont wear as fast. Got them for $430 which isnt too bad.

[2007st3]

I really like my General AltiMAX Arctic tires. They have been great in the snow. I've had them on for 2 seasons now and think I might be able to get 4 out of them. And they arn't priced so bad.

[hiprsha666]

Stock 2010 WRX recommendations for winter tires.

GO!

[hiprsha666]

I have stock rims, I'm buying a house in the next month or two so I'd rather not have to purchase new rims either.

[2007st3]

Stock 2010 WRX recommendations for winter tires.

GO!

I really like my General AltiMAX Arctic tires. They have been great in the snow. I've had them on for 2 seasons now and think I might be able to get 4 out of them. And they arn't priced so bad.

I have stock rims, I'm buying a house in the next month or two so I'd rather not have to purchase new rims either.

Way better to purchase even a steel set. Cause mounting and balancing costs will outweigh the cost of the wheels in a couple of years. IMO.

[surlyobs]

+1 on the Nokian Hakkapelitas. They are unstoppable in my OBS. I've run them for three seasons and they still have tons of tread left and that's with me not driving them nicely...
________
Michigan Medical Marijuana Dispensary (http://michigan.dispensaries.org/)

[duey]

a question for previous/current owners of blizzak ws50's, how long do they generally last you mileage wise? aggressive or conservative attached to those miles would be nice to know also.

I picked up a used set with only 1k mi's on them for a deal recently and was just curious on how long they might last me.

[Bu11dogg2]

70 degrees today.


wonder when the first snow will come....

[civic si hb]

Take 20 degree's off that starting tomorrow :spin:

[Berge56]

Are we going to do a guess the snow depth on X date thread again?

[WeldingHank]

got some firestone winterforce's going on this yet, can't wait!

[Kevin]

picked up some asa wheels for my hankook i-pikes for the sti
and some nokians for the nissan

[Evoeater]

Have my Blizzak WS60's on OEM BBS rims but....my car may not be back on the road this winter to go out and enjoy a couple storms..last year though I drove through 2ft of fresh powder up north and not one issue in full lock..Best winter tires IMO

[Demetry]

Have my Blizzak WS60's on OEM BBS rims but....my car may not be back on the road this winter to go out and enjoy a couple storms..last year though I drove through 2ft of fresh powder up north and not one issue in full lock..Best winter tires IMO



blizzak's are the best winter tire I have ever had. Wish i bought them for my car, instead I went with a performance winter tire and it is still plenty grippy but wouldnt mind a little extra...

[Bu11dogg2]

Are we going to do a guess the snow depth on X date thread again?


sure :)

[liquidoxygen22]

So i had my heart set on Dunlop Wintersport 3ds, Town Fair Tire said its going to be $800 all said and done (225/45/17) Its a little more than what i wanted to spend on a winter tire, so im looking at other options. I noticed alot of people seem to like the Hankook IPikes, does anyone have any experience with the i*cept evo? Tire rack doesnt have them on their site and couldnt find a lot of info on them

[Berge56]

Take a look at the general altimax arics. Awesome wintertire that competes with the blizzaks. :)

[apkarian100]

+1 I've had mine for one season and love them. Nice price too, compared to the Blizzaks.Take a look at the general altimax arics. Awesome wintertire that competes with the blizzaks. :)

[Kevin]

So i had my heart set on Dunlop Wintersport 3ds, Town Fair Tire said its going to be $800 all said and done (225/45/17) Its a little more than what i wanted to spend on a winter tire, so im looking at other options. I noticed alot of people seem to like the Hankook IPikes, does anyone have any experience with the i*cept evo? Tire rack doesnt have them on their site and couldnt find a lot of info on them

I love my i-pikes on my 2nd set 1st set lasted 3 winters and only cost 79 a tire shipped and the 2nd set was 101a tire shipped from tires.com

for the money you can't beat them

don't go to town fair they suck lol

[BogeyBones]

Went to Town Fair Tire on Friday, and asked about the Blizzaks that you all know and love. But that was out of my budget around 750-800 clams... And I just don't care for Generals (reminds me of those stupid insurance commercials :lol:) So I went with some NEXEN Winterguard Sports (215/45/R17) for $615 with a four wheel alignment! Since I drive on the highway a 100 miles/day, these have a slightly higher speed rating. Also, the smooth shoulders from tread-to-sidewall increase the life of the tire and decrease the noise for a frequent highway driver like myself.

So far, the noise is not even noticable. They have been great in the recent december rain so far, with nice grip around the long, curvy on/off ramps of Rt. 101. But, I can't wait for the snow and let you know how they do. Nonetheless, I am confident.

http://www.nettivanne.fi/image.php?img=6616_0_roadstone_(nexen)-winguard_sport.jpg

[liquidoxygen22]

Went to Town Fair Tire on Friday, and asked about the Blizzaks that you all know and love. But that was out of my budget around 750-800 clams... And I just don't care for Generals (reminds me of those stupid insurance commercials :lol:) So I went with some NEXEN Winterguard Sports (215/45/R17) for $615 with a four wheel alignment! Since I drive on the highway a 100 miles/day, these have a slightly higher speed rating. Also, the smooth shoulders from tread-to-sidewall increase the life of the tire and decrease the noise for a frequent highway driver like myself.

So far, the noise is not even noticable. They have been great in the recent december rain so far, with nice grip around the long, curvy on/off ramps of Rt. 101. But, I can't wait for the snow and let you know how they do. Nonetheless, I am confident.

http://www.nettivanne.fi/image.php?img=6616_0_roadstone_(nexen)-winguard_sport.jpg

I almost got those! I was in the same boat with the wintersports. Ended up getting the Ipikes instead. Let me know how u like them...when we get some real snow!

[SCCNH]

I just had a set of Mastercraft Glacier Grip II, yes with studs, mounted up.

225/45-17 and $440 for the tires. Loud and super aggressive, love it.

http://www.mastercrafttires.com/FI_Uploads/mastercraft/products/tires/enlarge/glacier_grip_II.png

Drove 200 miles on them last night in the snow and it was awesome. I loved getting on it and hearing the rears scrabbling for traction and then launching me. ABS was activated just once despite me driving way faster than I should have been on Rt. 123.

[Dave_02]

I went with Gislaved and love em, this is gonna be my second season with them,and they run great. and for only 60$ a tire great deal

[08vtwrx]

bought a set of 205 50 17 blizzaks for the fsxt an absolutely love them! Just put 800 miles on them after making my trip from vt to pa and back. love the narrow tire in the snow.. super grippy!

[jessickascarling]

I just had a set of Mastercraft Glacier Grip II, yes with studs, mounted up.

225/45-17 and $440 for the tires. Loud and super aggressive, love it.

http://www.mastercrafttires.com/FI_Uploads/mastercraft/products/tires/enlarge/glacier_grip_II.png

Drove 200 miles on them last night in the snow and it was awesome. I loved getting on it and hearing the rears scrabbling for traction and then launching me. ABS was activated just once despite me driving way faster than I should have been on Rt. 123.

i picked up these same tires (no studs though) from javasti2004. can't wait to actually try them in the snow! glad to see a good review on them.

[SCCNH]

My only comment is that they are LOUD. But I don't mind, that's why I got the upgraded stereo.

[jessickascarling]

are they only loud because of the studs??? have you tried them without the studs? i haven't noticed if they're loud or not... i can usually block out what i don't want to hear :lol:

[SCCNH]

Never had them without studs so they may be the deciding factor.

[BogeyBones]

SOOOO first ride from manchester to porstmouth this morning with the Nexen WinterSports was actually kind of fun. Is that all you got "Blizzard 2010"?! haha it took a whole hour and fifteen minutes from a usual 50 minute commute. Route 101 was CAKE, however I-95N was tricky to find the "lanes" since its 5 wide. The confidence on the highway was great, passing FWD cars going 40 mph in the right lane. Probably averaged 50-55 mph on the cruise.

The grip around the back roads from my house to the highway was unreal. This is my first winter with the rex, and boy am I pumped I got these winter tires.

[Bu11dogg2]

I had to move my car for the plow guy to get my driveway cleared..... Dccd in full lock with snow tires is amazing :wub:

[2.5GT driver]

Went to Town Fair Tire on Friday, and asked about the Blizzaks that you all know and love. But that was out of my budget around 750-800 clams... And I just don't care for Generals (reminds me of those stupid insurance commercials :lol:) So I went with some NEXEN Winterguard Sports (215/45/R17) for $615 with a four wheel alignment! Since I drive on the highway a 100 miles/day, these have a slightly higher speed rating. Also, the smooth shoulders from tread-to-sidewall increase the life of the tire and decrease the noise for a frequent highway driver like myself.

So far, the noise is not even noticable. They have been great in the recent december rain so far, with nice grip around the long, curvy on/off ramps of Rt. 101. But, I can't wait for the snow and let you know how they do. Nonetheless, I am confident.

http://www.nettivanne.fi/image.php?img=6616_0_roadstone_(nexen)-winguard_sport.jpg

I put a set of those on my 08 Legacy GT last winter and have them back on now. For the price you can't beat them and with AWD you can't stop them.

[Bu11dogg2]

This my first set of michelin x ice tires.

Im overly impressed by both braking and turning and also lateral grip.

Sucks they're $150+ each :(
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:6eDOMut4oHJt2M::www.8thcivic.com/forums/wheel-tire-upgrades/182977-what-tires-you-running-winter-4.html&t=1&usg=AFrqEzdvMurXWtJIrWVGxNq6DrwAm6jCLA

[Berge56]

This my first set of michelin x ice tires.

Im overly impressed by both braking and turning and also lateral grip.

Sucks they're $150+ each :(
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:6eDOMut4oHJt2M::www.8thcivic.com/forums/wheel-tire-upgrades/182977-what-tires-you-running-winter-4.html&t=1&usg=AFrqEzdvMurXWtJIrWVGxNq6DrwAm6jCLA

Now that you have run winter tires you will never go back to all seasons. :devil:

[Bu11dogg2]

I don't own a pair of all seasons :lol:

I have 17" ASA wheels For the winter

[LimitedWRX11]

This is what I got:

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/product/tires/hanst1.ang.jpg

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/findTireDetail.do?yr=2007&c=1&sw=true&cs=225&pc=11231&rd=17&vid=009419&ar=45

$99 a piece. Really amazing tire for the price. Superb grip. My friend who had blizzaks liked mine better and eventually ended up buying same.

Looks like the hankook tread pattern tire i had for my jetta

[LimitedWRX11]

Anyone ever try these out? Im getting them thursday with a new set of rims installed, tpms sensors and calbration for the tpms sensors for 1,300. Right now i cant even stop the stock tires are horrible, but im glad they werent allseasons so its not a waste =D

[Penguinetti]

I have all-seasons on mine, but I just put winter ones on my wife's car. NEVER go to NTB in Newington... their prices are horrible (I found that out after the fact) and I had to wait 3 hours. Bull****.

[Penguinetti]

So i've come to the point where I think I should get winter tires. I've read the reviews on here, but I notice most of you ride on 17's... I've got stock 225/60R16s on mine. Price change between one and the other?

Also, someone posted that buying wheels is worth the cost... would it be better to buy wheels for the winter and use the stock wheels for the summer or vice versa?

[duey]

So i've come to the point where I think I should get winter tires. I've read the reviews on here, but I notice most of you ride on 17's... I've got stock 225/60R16s on mine. Price change between one and the other?

Also, someone posted that buying wheels is worth the cost... would it be better to buy wheels for the winter and use the stock wheels for the summer or vice versa?

16's are slightly cheap sometimes but usually not by a huge amount. I'm running OEM size blizzaks on my stock wheels. Keeping the nicer/bigger aftermarket wheels for summer usage.

[liquidoxygen22]

So i've come to the point where I think I should get winter tires. I've read the reviews on here, but I notice most of you ride on 17's... I've got stock 225/60R16s on mine. Price change between one and the other?

Also, someone posted that buying wheels is worth the cost... would it be better to buy wheels for the winter and use the stock wheels for the summer or vice versa?

having a second set of rims is better, i think. This is my first year running summer/winter tire set up. You can usually score a set of rims off someone for cheap. keep your nice ones for the summer. I got ipikes for my winter tires. i love them.

[tehsbean]

So i've come to the point where I think I should get winter tires. I've read the reviews on here, but I notice most of you ride on 17's... I've got stock 225/60R16s on mine. Price change between one and the other?

Also, someone posted that buying wheels is worth the cost... would it be better to buy wheels for the winter and use the stock wheels for the summer or vice versa?

You want as narrow as a tire as you can run in the winter without compromising dry grip when it isn't snowing. You also want as much sidewall as possible to soak up frost heaves and potholes and other road hazards. 16 inch tires are usually a chunk of change cheaper than 17s. Most people are probably buying 17s to clear big brakes (or because they're not versed in these rules. ;))

I would suggest looking at 205/60 or 205/65/16.

[ImprezaSoldier]

Im runnin on Continental ExtremeContact DWS, Ultra-High Performance All Season Tires.. So far I love them, no issues and great traction in the snow and all.

[Penguinetti]

Someone brought up pirelli's outside of this thread... Any thoughts?

[duey]

Im runnin on Continental ExtremeContact DWS, Ultra-High Performance All Season Tires.. So far I love them, no issues and great traction in the snow and all.

My buddy has those tires and LOVES them too. He and I had to drive around to our parents house the other day during the storm to shovel their driveways and he only ran into one issue that even with snow tires couldn't have helped (high centered on a mound of snow). He had more wheelspin than I had with my blizzaks but overall from what I saw they're definitely a decent set of tires.

[Fibber2]

Hi guys. New around here. Wandered into this site while researching a completely different topic. 2002 OBW.

I just replaced my Dunlop Wintersport M2 tires 225/60-16 on Sport Edition Fox 5 rims (TireRack package) with a set of Continental ExtremeWinters in 215/65-16 on Sport Edition F10 rims.

The wider Dunlops were very good, but these Conti's might be even better. The narrower width bites in well, and the higher profile softened the ride up quite a bit - but at the expense of a noticeable decrease in dry road handling. So it is with winter tires!

[tehsbean]

Someone brought up pirelli's outside of this thread... Any thoughts?

What model?

I suggested a friend pick up Winter Carving's for his Sentra Coupe (200sx, whatever) and they work quite well for him. Even with FWD and real, northern VT snowfall he's managed to get around fine in all the weather we've gotten and hasn't gotten stuck yet. I'd be the first to know if he does, too, I offered tow strap service. :lol:

[SCCNH]

I can say that my car was absolutely unstoppable during this past storm.

Until I got high centered on a big berm of snow because I killed my momentum.

[SCGT]

I'm on my third season with nokian hakkapeliitta rsi's. They're the best non-studded tire I've used, I replaced blizzaks with these and have been very pleased. They also seem to last longer than the blizzaks. Did a winter performance driving course @ loudon yesterday and 3 separate instructors commented on how hooked up my car felt, even on the ice. They were a little pricey, want to say it was around $700 installed on my oem wheels.

[Penguinetti]

What's the difference between winter tires and AT tires, and would AT tires be just as effective in the winter?

[Joe]

What's the difference between winter tires and AT tires, and would AT tires be just as effective in the winter?


A snow tire is designed for snow and mostly passenger cars. an AT is a All-Terrian tire. Mostly for trucks. they do extremely well in all weather, but suck in deep mud. I ran BFG A/T on the Dakota. the ones i sold to Rory. very nice tire.

[Berge56]

The BF A/T tires for trucks are an awesome tire! Expensive as all hell. General makes a copy cat General Grabber AT/2 that is half the price and work just as good if not better.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=Grabber+AT+2&sidewall=Outlined%20White%20Letters

[Penguinetti]

A snow tire is designed for snow and mostly passenger cars. an AT is a All-Terrian tire. Mostly for trucks. they do extremely well in all weather, but suck in deep mud. I ran BFG A/T on the Dakota. the ones i sold to Rory. very nice tire.

very nice tire. Until they explode on the road. You think that was the tire that did it, or rory's driving?

The BF A/T tires for trucks are an awesome tire! Expensive as all hell. General makes a copy cat General Grabber AT/2 that is half the price and work just as good if not better.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=Grabber+AT+2&sidewall=Outlined%20White%20Letters


Ooooh... okay. Gotcha. Yea, i was reading some things on the scoobytrucks forum for bajas, and people were using A/T's on their bajas, so I was just wondering... since, you know... it's a cruck.

[Rogue]

What's the difference between winter tires and AT tires, and would AT tires be just as effective in the winter?

They're more effective than all season tires but they are not more effective than dedicated snows.

Snow tires have several aspects that A/T tires don't have.
-tire compound made exclusively for cold weather
-sips to improve traction on ice and hard compacted snow
-tread patterns that are designed specifically to prevent snow from caking in. (although most good a/t tires have an open enough tread pattern to prevent the snow getting caked in they generally aren't as good as snows in this aspect though.)

A/T tires are generally made of harder rubber and design to work better on dirt, gravel , rocky stuff. They usually start to become less effective in deep mud though where the tread pattern starts to get caked up with mud an essentially turns them into slicks.

[Penguinetti]

hmm. so the best would be to just get snows then, huh...

[Berge56]

I am a firm believer of dedicated snows for the winter months and a sumertire for the spring, summer and fall. The other great benefit is you don't have to buy tires as often since you are rotating between 2 sets.

[Joe]

I am a firm believer of dedicated snows for the winter months and a sumertire for the spring, summer and fall. The other great benefit is you don't have to buy tires as often since you are rotating between 2 sets.

Agreed, but he needs to get a decent summer wheel first.


Alex, right now its your best bet to run your all-seasons until they need to be replaced, then pick up some snows and some summer tires.

[Penguinetti]

I am a firm believer of dedicated snows for the winter months and a sumertire for the spring, summer and fall. The other great benefit is you don't have to buy tires as often since you are rotating between 2 sets.

Agreed, but he needs to get a decent summer wheel first.


Alex, right now its your best bet to run your all-seasons until they need to be replaced, then pick up some snows and some summer tires.


Gotcha. These suckers have pretty good tread still, so that'll be a while. Now time to buy some LEDs for the dashboard.

[Berge56]

:up:

[98Wagoon]

you crazy kids are gonna have to start dusting these ****ers off.... :hide:

[squeethebee]

Dust 'em off? I've been running them all summer!

ed

[Berge56]

Mine are sealed in plastic bags.

[Joe]

Mine have been on all summer too.:hide:




Continental ExtremeContact DWS. nice and wide too, should make it more fun. :P

[Berge56]

I bet the S is worn off Joe.

[Joe]

I bet the S is worn off Joe.


Not with my 8 mile roundtrip commute and secondary vehicle to drive. :D

[Berge56]

Damn you and your short work commute!

[Joe]

Damn you and your short work commute!


It was originally 60 miles roundtrip, but then i got to pick the house location since i had the job at the time. :lol:

[ImprezaSoldier]

I have the Continental ExtremeContacts as well. Deff an awesome tire. I commute about 120 miles a day all highway.. Have had the tires since last Thanksgiving and there still in awesome shape. will deff be good for this winter.

[El Pi]

any reviews in Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3

[Berge56]

I knew some coworkers that had those tires and they were great in ice and snow but were a bit more then they wanted to spend. The General Altimax Arctic's are very affordable and rate very high on the snow and ice category..... right up with the blizzaks.

[El Pi]

looking in 245/40/18 (sorry for lack of information)

[heffery5000]

I have oem size nexens i snagged from bratman after his brembo upgrade. I think i needa pick up some lug nuts for em...which reminds me anyone know the thread pitch for 11the wrx

[Berge56]

1.25 pitch.

[heffery5000]

1.25 pitch.

Thanks dude von dudenstein:)

[polycrono]

Ordered my 16" general altimax arctics today :D

[Berge56]

Congrats! You won't be disappointed

[DHGurs]

Mounted my Blizzak 245/45 WS50 on Saturday. Much fun had on Saturday night... :devil:

[jwebsta32]

getting my blizzaks mounted on the morrow

[SicRedGt]

Ahhhh, we ain't gettin no snow this year, LOL.

I like the new Generals myself. If I had the coin I'd get a set. Right now I just park the LGT and take my truck when snow flies.

[serioussubaru]

I just picked up new Continental Extreme Winter Contacts for the legacy. I really want to throw snows on the Porsche and take it to the mountains :devil:

[CanonShooter]

Still haven't put 'em on yet...

http://www.canonshooter.com/photos2/fxtsnow-11.jpg

[Berge56]

Me either! Crazy winter so far this year.

[CoupedUpSubie]

I am still running on my cheap summer tires while making the money to buy a set of snows. I'm stuck between the Generals(which I ran 3 seasons with studs) and the Firestone Winterforce. Being front wheel drive I need all the bite and dig I can get due to a steep driveway and responding to fire calls.

Anyone recommend one over the other?

My driving is approx. 250 miles a week and they will be on until the end of april depending on weather.

[Berge56]

Generals..... I had the winter forces on my olds but the generals had more grip.

[JBroadz32]

Got my set-up off good 'ol craigs list. There no name wheels that i had to paint because someone thought it would be a good idea to use steel wool on them :lol: Tires are 225/45-17 Toyo Observe Garit KX. paid $400 bucks for everything and the tires are 95%. I just put them on yesterday because the stock tires throw up way too much sand.

http://i39.tinypic.com/14sp01u.jpg

[CoupedUpSubie]

I ended up with the Generals. Instead of staying with the 175/70/14 that is stock on my car(I know... civic tire size) I went with 185/65/14. I ran this size the past 2 winters and if anything I need a bit more surface area then I do cutting ability where most of my problems are on ice.

The day I got them it decided to snow. On the way I went around a roundabout and had the rear stepping out a bit due to the junk tires I had on. Once I got my nice snows I was able to drive anywhere without sliding.

[CanonShooter]

Still haven't put 'em on yet...

http://www.canonshooter.com/photos2/fxtsnow-11.jpg

I put 'em on today.