Snow Tires - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Nate · #16 01-04-2009, 12:58 AM

I am cheap. I bought two unbranded (firestone) winterforce tires for $37 each.

It's on my FWD neon, and I've got new all seasons on the rear. The rear skidders around occasionally, but it's controlable. Couldnt afford 4...

Bought two rims, had walmart mount and balance the tires for $18. They wouldnt put them on the car because they're the wrong speed rating and the wrong size (1/2" shorter...)

I know I'm wrong, but i've got better traction then before.

BFG TRACTION TA TIRES ARE NOT SNOW TIRES!!! They're directional high performance all season tires...

~Nate

Gurkha · #17 01-04-2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

It's not possible to be a "good enough" driver to avoid other drivers forever. Snow tires definitely offer better traction (although nothing will help on ice other than studs or chains). The first time someone cuts you off or does something stupid near you on a snow covered road, you'll be happy you have snow tires.

I have a set of snow tires mounted to bundts for each of my 123s and a set of wheels with summer tires for each.

EDIT: I'm using Yokohama Ice-Guard IG20 tires for both cars.

Thanks for your review, was thinking of putting the Ice Guard on my 300TD, I have Yokohama C Drives on them currently but they are strictly rain and dry, not good at all in ice and they were never meant to be. Gonna order them from Tire Rack.

jlomon · #18 01-04-2009, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 123c

I just hate snow tires, and I feel that they are a crutch for a bad driver.

Because a good driver is immune to the laws of physics?

123c · #19 01-04-2009, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlomon

Because a good driver is immune to the laws of physics?

A good driver won't get them into situations that they won't be able to control, like not driving faster than the conditions will allow for.

aklim · #20 01-04-2009, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 123c

A good driver won't get them into situations that they won't be able to control, like not driving faster than the conditions will allow for.

A good driver can also make mistakes.

123c · #21 01-04-2009, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

A good driver can also make mistakes.

That is true, and a good driver knows how to get themselves out of the mistakes with little or no damage...

Chad300tdt · #22 01-04-2009, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 123c

That is true, and a good driver knows how to get themselves out of the mistakes with little or no damage...

To each his own, but in my opinion, snow tires are safety equipment.

Saying a good driver doesn't need them is like saying a good wood worker doesn't need safety guards or goggles.

aklim · #23 01-04-2009, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 123c

That is true, and a good driver knows how to get themselves out of the mistakes with little or no damage...

Not always possible or there would be no crashes at the racetracks.

123c · #24 01-04-2009, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

To each his own, but in my opinion, snow tires are safety equipment.

Saying a good driver doesn't need them is like saying a good wood worker doesn't need safety guards or goggles.

Let me rephrase this, if I lived at a higher elevation, or was going over one of the mountain passes several times a week, then I would consider snow tires. If I lived in a place that never saw a snow plow, I would have them in a second.

pawoSD · #25 01-04-2009, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUVMBDiesels

You should never run snow tires on only two wheels! Steering and braking control is just as important as starting out without slipping!

I love my Blizzaks too. I had them on the SD last year and moved them to the BMW this year. I could not find them in the 15 inch size for the SDL so I had to get a set of General Altimax HP thires. They are almost as good as the Bridgestones.

I've generally had much more problem with acomplishing moving forward (or forward uphill) or forward through deep snow than I have had stopping or turning.....my Michelin all seasons stop and turn fine in the snow, its the drive traction thats missing. Studded snows would solve that!

Hatterasguy · #26 01-04-2009, 01:05 PM

Since I live on the coast we don't get that much snow, and I get caught driving in it maybe 4 or 5 times a year. So I find all seasons work great.

I don't have much trouble with all seasons, but driving in more than 3-4 inch's of snow is rare, usualy they plow the roads pretty fast.

I don't think spending $400 on snow tires is worth it, unless I move inland where they get more snow.

jlomon · #27 01-05-2009, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 123c

A good driver won't get them into situations that they won't be able to control, like not driving faster than the conditions will allow for.

I disagree with you because your statement is based on the premise that a good driver is in complete control of the situation. That would only be true if you were the only one on the road. When I am out in the snow I'm not as worried about my driving as I am about your driving. If winter tires give me more opportunity to react to whatever you happen to do, then I'm safer for it.

dlevitt · #28 01-05-2009, 10:57 AM

As you've discovered, automatic superior snow traction for front wheel drive cars is a myth.

Over the years, I've had front wheel drive cars that were fantasic in snow [1971 Audi 100, 1989 Ford Probe GT] - but only when they had four new snow tires. [I can endorse the Arctic Alpin snows - I've passed several snow plows when the Probe was wearing a set].

I've had rear drive cars that are decent in snow [Fiat 131 wagon, and now my 300E] but again only with four new tires [studded snows on the old Fiat]

I've also had a front wheel drive car that all attempts short of tire chains proved to be a horrible snow car - a 1981 Lancia Beta Coupe. While well balanced on dry roads, 'helpless' would be the best description on even trace amounts of snow. [Even when wearing four Conti TS740 snow tires]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wodnek

I bought a 93 Saturn this year for a winter car. my first front wheel drive car. Ive found it to be awfull so far in the snow. Far worse then my 87 300D was last winter. So I found a set of four Michelin Arctic alpin tires on ebay new old stock for $159 on ebay. They are due to arrive on Monday. Meanwhile I took the 87 300D out of storage to drive until the tires get here. The 300 has Dunlop graspic winter tires on it, although not the highest rated, Ive found them to be good. Since last winter in Wisconsin, ive decided to use winter tires each year. Low cost for the extra security they offer.

Gurkha · #29 01-05-2009, 11:26 AM

I have done my fair share of rallying and cross country stuff, I still do off road, sometimes in truly challenging terrain with my Gurkha and let me tell you, nature is just indomitable and totally unpredictable, no matter how experienced you are or how good, it always manages to throw a curve ball when you think you have seen it all, so in the end, good vehicle, AWD and studded snow tires notwithstanding, that curve ball gets you out sometimes.

Hatterasguy · #30 01-05-2009, 04:18 PM

My Golf is horrible in the snow because its to light. It doesn't have the mass to push through anything to the road.