Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires dry road performance of Blizzaks... Luke?

Ok, let me preface this by saying that the WS50's (bought at Tirerack)are absolutely outstanding in snow, ice, and rain. They just grip!. The gripe i have is that on dry roads i get a bit of a "brrrrrrr" noise, and a speeds above 50, a bit of vibration through the floorboards and wheel. This gets worse as my speed increases... First of all, what is a "safe" top speed for the blizzaks? I have gone max of 75 with them, after that, vibration gets disconcerting and i slow down.
Does this sound like a balancing issue, or is the vibration inherant in the tires? I have the tire pressure at 32 front and rear.

Thanks,

Chris
2000 SE Sport

Although I do not have snow tires on my Contour, I had a set of 205/60R15's on my last car and now on my current winter car have 185/65R14's. On both sets have I driven 100mph, but just for a shprt time. However, I have sustained 80mph on the 205's for 2 hours without blistering.

Noises are no problem, vibration is. If you only hear a noise, then you should be fine.

Top speed for the WS-50 is 99mph. Vibration is usually a balance issue. Winter tires such as the blizzak will make more noise than many summer tires do to the tread design.
Thanks, luke

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Luke Pavlick
Performance Specialist
ASE Certified Master Tech
for more info or to place orders please call 800-428-8355 ext. 362

I have Blizzak WS-15's. No vibration, but I sound like a 50's sci-fi movie at 50-70 MPH.Actually, it isn't that noticable unless the window is open and I'm next to the cement wall on the freeway.