Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires Performace All Season VS Winter tires

Ok need new tires for the 99 SE since I'm in MI snow is coming and I can see the wear bars.

Now I've tried to find some sites with actual test data on some good performace all seasons but no luck.

mainly I'm wanting to get some good performace tires but still have some traction for snow.. and some GOOD grip for rain. I know the Kumho's and the Toyo's rock in rain but snow? any one got some feed back on that?

Thanks in advance (TIA),
Ray

Try the Tirerack site. No foolin. There are quite a few comparison tests in there, and I don't think they're just trying to make themselves look good. Also customer survey ratings and other data.

You have to decide for yourself. Personally, I want the best snow tire and best summer tire. I had some P7000 Supersports that I liked a lot and they got me through a few winters, but I'll never give up my Blizzaks now. I just drive too far to work for there to be a compromise in snow. I used to drive 4 miles to work which was fine with all-season tires, now at 34 each way, I'm glad I can still drive 65mph on snow.

Michigan??? Blizzacks.. they are rated #1 in just about every tire comparison.

Do NOT use Kumho's in the snow! I could barely get out of my driveway with them last winter, even with traction control!

Alex in Boulder, CO
95 SE MTX
157hp 151 tq

Ok did some research and some friends suggested looking at BFG KDWS... I did a search and some of you guys run them... do you like the balance? They seem to be better vs. the stock FS in dry and rain... but they decent enough in the snow.. or is my money better spent on a set of snow tires and a set of summer tires when it comes to it?

My commute is mostly freeway in the way of mileage but almost 75% of the time is getting on and off the freeway... (I live in rochester, MI work in Southfield)

thanks for the feedback so far...

Ray

Big Jim is the only one I know that has them and he swears by them. However, I don't know where he lives so I don't know how much snow he has to drive in. I live in Sterling Heights and work in Dearborn which is even longer of a commute than you. You'd have to pry my Blizzaks from my cold, dead hands in the winter. If you've never driven a car with dedicated winter tires, you will, quite frankly, be grinning from ear to ear. Mom's in SUV's will be passed with dropped jaws.

The first time I bought them was for my wife. Her 4x4 F-150 was on order and not due in for 6 weeks. The wheels bolted to either her car or my car at the time. She drove from Sterling Heights to Farmington Hills every day at the time. She was so pissed because all the trucks and SUV's wouldn't get out of her way on 696.

Drive the current tires until cords are showing or the first cold spell. Order up the 15" steel wheel/Blizzak packer from Luke @ Tirerack and come the first snowfall, you'll be itching to drive in the snow.

If you don't like them (yeah, right!), then I may be willing to buy them off you next year. I don't have Blizzacks for my SVT, but another car. That car may not make it to long and winters are killers for old Jap cars. If you decide on all-season tires this fall, I'll meet with you come first snow fall and let you drive my Blizzak car just so you know what it's like.

Aaron

APT,
How do the Blizzaks do in everyday dry conditions? We do have bad winters here in Denver but at the same time we have a lot days that its just cold and wet or cold and dry. I need a tire that has good dry/wet charateristics versus only snow/ice. In your opinion do they do okay on dry/wet roads? Thanks.

The tire compound is super soft. The speed ratings is a Q, IIRC which is 99mph. The first 500 miles are super squishy. After that, they are still very soft. Hard conering significantly reduces treadlife. But, I drive 80mph every day on them and the car floats a little, but it isn't too bad. Last winter was really bad because of the super worn suspension on my wintermobile. Unfortunately, wet sucks. It's not they they do not channel water, but the compound just doesn't take to water and it's pertty slippery on moderate to heavy braking. That is the only big downfall and if you lived in Seattle, I'd skip the Blizzaks for an (gasp) all-season. I don't know how much driving you do in the rain under what conditions, but you'll have to decide for yourself. Slush is no problem, but pure water is. I manage just fine in the rain, but I usually drive the SVt unless snow is forecasted for the day.

Aaron

If you encounter lots of dry pavement days between snowfalls consider the Michelin Arctic (or Pilot) Alpin. They perform better (handling and wear) than a Blizzack when the going is dry.