Originally posted by EO1702:
Hi folks, I thought I'd see if anyone on the board knows of any good deals on snow tires.
I've got a set of Yokohama Guardexes for my Focus that look like they might be ready for retirement.
Need either 205/55/16 or 205/50/16.
Also, does anyone have any experience, either good or bad with Hankook Ice Bear snow tires? I found those on Tiretrends.com for under $120.
All tips & advice appreciated!
Ray V.
I'd forget about the 16-inch snows...unless you have an SVTF. The thinking with snow tires is that thinner is better. Some 15-inch steelies on an non-SVTF will make winter life easier. Also, the 16-inch Focus rims are VERY pricey if purchased new. The last thing you need to do is smack one and have to replace it 
If you insist on running 16-inch wheels, going with the 205/55s will cause a SLIGHT discrepancy on the speedometer (only a few clicks slower than you really are going). However, that size is a bit more common. The 50-series may run you a bit more $$$.
Right now, Costco has a sale on BFG and Michelin. That being said, our club's tire specialist stated the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2s were rated the worst in a German test.
A bunch of us run Nokian tires (I run the WR on the ZTS). We've had the best wear and traction from them. Others have had great luck with no-name brands that are actually made by the big manufacturers.
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