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  #1  
Old 11-30-2012, 03:16 PM
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Squirmy snow tires: Federal Himalaya WS2

So I took my car to a local shop and they put on these Federal Himalaya WS2 tires. I've had other brands of snow tires, but never experienced this: when accelerating on an on ramp or turning corners at modest speed, I frequently see my traction control kick in. This happens on completely dry pavement when accelerating say from 40-60 mph.

I guess my concern is that they will be less than impressive in snow conditions, but perhaps they are squirmy on dry pavement and great in the snow.

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  #2  
Old 11-30-2012, 08:13 PM
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These look like Firestone Winterforce ( or the private label brand that Tire Rack sold )

They are super in snow and a bit squirmy at full tread due to all the sipes ( small cuts in the tread ) . These small cuts are what give you snow / ice traction. The tread distorts and the edges of the sipes provide grip.

Do you have snow tires on all 4 wheels? Any sort of front / rear rolling diameter difference can trigger traction control or even ABS.
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Old 12-01-2012, 02:02 AM
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That type of snow tire (very soft and very big siped tread blocks) will not have very good dry traction, but you will be an unstoppable tank in the snow.

My 300E without any ASR was one of the most confident snow cars I have ever driven with that style of winter tire. I could panic stop on ice, lol. It makes me actually miss the snow, for a second at least.
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Old 12-01-2012, 04:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnM. View Post
That type of snow tire (very soft and very big siped tread blocks) will not have very good dry traction, but you will be an unstoppable tank in the snow.

My 300E without any ASR was one of the most confident snow cars I have ever driven with that style of winter tire. I could panic stop on ice, lol. It makes me actually miss the snow, for a second at least.
I appreciate this info! We actually DID have snow today and the tires did just great (all 4 wheels). The siping on these tires is DEEP so really flopping if you just put your hand on them and feel them, but they do seem to be very good in the snow.

Thanks again,

Chuck
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  #5  
Old 12-02-2012, 06:01 AM
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I have winterforce on my w126,its unstopable.but yes they can spin in the rain,I like spinning them
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Old 12-05-2012, 09:26 PM
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I have winterforce t ires on my VW. I got them at tire rack. I have it lowered and it goes in snow like a billy goat.

I keep them at 50 psi and they handle good in snow wet and dry. I am not going to tell anyone to put them that high but after 2 years they still are wearing very even. I spent a year working on raising them that high. I am running 155/80 rather than 175/70.

I think to the OP perhaps you should try another 5 or 10 psi from what you are running.

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