WINTER TIRES!!!

[vinnierap]

So unfortunately summer is over and its time to start thinking about a set of winter tires. I know there are some posts on winter tires and sizes and what not. BUt what I am looking for are tire suggestions.

What winter tires are you ms3 owners using. I am thinking about the Michelin Xice 2. What do you guys think about these tires and do you have any better or alternate reccomendations?

These will be obviously for everyday regular driving, the occasional donut session in an empty parking lot. No autox or any crazy shit like that.

Thnx

[cwp_sedan]

Moved to Wheels and Tires Section.

[cwp_sedan]

Here's my suggestion.



SEARCH! :)



http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?56955-2011-2012-TM3-Massive-Winter-Tire-Group-Buy-SimplyTire


If you are just looking for reviews and stats. Try Tire Rack. http://www.tirerack.com/

[vinnierap]

Here's my suggestion.



SEARCH! :)



http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?56955-2011-2012-TM3-Massive-Winter-Tire-Group-Buy-SimplyTire


If you are just looking for reviews and stats. Try Tire Rack. http://www.tirerack.com/

For the record i did SEARCH before i posted. I appreciate the assistance but I dont just want specs from the manufacture or reviews from somw random people driving all kinds of different cars and who probably dont know ne thing. I posted on here to get reviews from Members who drive the same and similar cars who can offer a real review and assist in helping myself and im sure other members decide what tires to get.

A review off of tire rack or something might be good for a camry or civic but not mz3 or ms3. Any one can read specs and make a decision, but actually using a product and recommending it is a different story. ;)

[Iceman_F1]

For the record i did SEARCH before i posted. I appreciate the assistance but I dont just want specs from the manufacture or reviews from somw random people driving all kinds of different cars and who probably dont know ne thing. I posted on here to get reviews from Members who drive the same and similar cars who can offer a real review and assist in helping myself and im sure other members decide what tires to get.

A review off of tire rack or something might be good for a camry or civic but not mz3 or ms3. Any one can read specs and make a decision, but actually using a product and recommending it is a different story. ;)

Did you read the GB link? Allen knows his tires and the brief reviews he lists is a good starting point. When he lists "TM3 Favorite" he obviously is referring to the fact that a lot of members get those and are happy with them. I would trust something like that as they are people driving the same kind of car. The thing though is there are still other people who have asked similar and it all comes down to personal preference. Some people like brand X but hate brand Y. Others like brand Z but hate brand X. Reading reviews only gets you so far. Try PM'ing a tire sponsor and see what they say as they've used a lot of tires and hear all the good/bad in terms of what their customers have said.

[cwp_sedan]

For the record i did SEARCH before i posted. I appreciate the assistance but I dont just want specs from the manufacture or reviews from somw random people driving all kinds of different cars and who probably dont know ne thing. I posted on here to get reviews from Members who drive the same and similar cars who can offer a real review and assist in helping myself and im sure other members decide what tires to get.

A review off of tire rack or something might be good for a camry or civic but not mz3 or ms3. Any one can read specs and make a decision, but actually using a product and recommending it is a different story. ;)

Fine lol.

I've always liked my Hankook W300s. There is my suggestion.

:)

[joedemarco]

I agree with vinnierap....BUT do as I did and post a question, someone with a MS3 is bound to give you an answer. personally i am in the same boat you are, but I'm going to take the stupid way out and go with the majority, whatever the most people are running is basically what I am going with, because without having experienced it yourself what other people say isnt going to get you a tire that you like (different driving styles, different driving routes and surfaces so many different factors)

My plan is to go with what I am comfortable spending...and hope for the best.

[vinnierap]

Fine lol.

I've always liked my Hankook W300s. There is my suggestion.

:)

THANK YOU!!!! :D.......LOL.......

Isnt this what forums are for? Asking around and seeing how people like certain products or dont like certain products and why? i must have found about 1 million threads about intakes, exhausts, and other stuff. So why is this thread soo different? A simple question requires a simple answer. What do you use and do you like it? Why/why not?

JOE: Of course cost is always a factor, but if you have a choice of 3 or 4 different tires for around the same price wouldnt you like to know which ones to get based on true input from driving/car enthusiasts?

Im actually surprised this thread doesnt already exist. if it did I wouldnt have started 1.
Thnx

[cwp_sedan]

lol...here are just a few. :)

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?48813-Winter-Tires-Steelies-question

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?49181-Driving-in-the-snow

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?39266-Winter-Tires-Who-s-got-em-on

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?37677-Consumer-reports-tire-ratings-out

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?48240-Higher-performance-winter-tire-suggestions-thoughts

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?38958-Winter-Tires-necessary-for-2010-Mazda-3

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?15376-Winter-tires-needed-in-and-around-Toronto

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?36035-Guide-to-buy-Winter-Tires

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?29188-MS3-Snow-Tires

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?21769-Which-Winter-Tires-to-buy-and-Where

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?29032-Anyone-here-used-Sunny-brand-winter-tires

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?38387-Snow-Tires-at-Costco-for-2010-Mazda3-Sport

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?49397-Chinese-Winter-Tires...


Make a "GENERIC" Winter tire thread then. I wouldn't ask the question, "What should I get?" A review thread on peoples experience with different tires would be more valuable.

[Mr Wilson]

I bought 215-50-17 Hankook W300's from Allen and were super happy with them. I do a lot of highway driving so I gave up some deep snow traction, but they worked great.

The rubber was mounted on alloys I picked up from NextMod.

[boyracer]

Last winter I ran Michelin Xice 2 on my 2008.5 Mazda3 sport GT, and the winter drive went fine. This past summer I traded up to a 2010 MazdaSpeed3. I plan on running the same tires, I do not foresee a problem at all. These would be the same tires that the dealership`s would suggest and or offer. I personally would go the route that Iceman_F1 suggested and see Allen at simply tire, he knows his tires. You`ll get a great price for tires that are equal or better then the Michelin.

[FoXy]

lmao :pop

[caquricon]

I bought 205/60/16 Gislaved Nordfrost 5 with steelies from Tire23 as they were close by. No complaints about them and I like them, it was a toss up between these and the Hankook.

[vinnierap]

CWP: thanks for those links got some good info from 2 of the threads.., I appreciate it. Ill try and swing by simply and see what they have. Thanks.

[cwp_sedan]

CWP: thanks for those links got some good info from 2 of the threads.., I appreciate it. Ill try and swing by simply and see what they have. Thanks.

:thumbsup

Allen will definitely take care of you. :)

[allen@simplytire.com]

Hey Vinnie,

I fine tailored my winter tire descriptions based on the first 2 winter tire groupbuys, and all the feedback we got from TM3 members during the following 3 years... they are 100% un-biased, and I tried to give a wide spectrum of choices for all budgets...

You can always PM me any questions you have also, tell me what type of commute you do, how many kms and I can give you some real world TM3 advice !!!

Thanks everybody.

[okmede]

So unfortunately summer is over and its time to start thinking about a set of winter tires. I know there are some posts on winter tires and sizes and what not. BUt what I am looking for are tire suggestions.

What winter tires are you ms3 owners using. I am thinking about the Michelin Xice 2. What do you guys think about these tires and do you have any better or alternate reccomendations?

These will be obviously for everyday regular driving, the occasional donut session in an empty parking lot. No autox or any crazy shit like that.

Thnx

Hi Vinnie,

Michelin Xice 2 are really good tires, you shouldn't have any problem with them for two or three seasons even. But what I like best (and use) are Nokian Hakkapaletta R's. A little more expensive, yes, but the quality is unmatched.

[Booostin]

Got a set of Yokohama W Drive

[zzz3]

from reviews and test's in general (tirerack survey (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplaywinter.jsp?type=W&VT=C&width=205%2F&ratio=55&diameter=16&tireSearch=true), consumer reports (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?37677-Consumer-reports-tire-ratings-out), 1010 tires (http://www.1010tires.com/Tires/Reviews/Passenger+Cars/Winter)), the four best snow tires (with the exception of nokian hakkapeletta, which are really expensive) are Michelin X-ice2, General Altimax Arctic (aka Gislaved Nordfrost), Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 and Hankook W409 i-pike.

Once you narrow it down to a few tires, it's a lot easier to make a decision and focus on which tire is best for your needs (mazda3).

I ended up going with the Altimax Arctic because of price (paid $420 for a set of new 205/55/16!!!) as it was substantially less than ws70 (had ws50 on my old car and they were good, but too expensive). So far they have been great in slush, ice and especially in deep snow (as long as i have momentum). Only time i got stuck was because of ground clearance. The only negative is dry pavement braking, abs kicks in a little early (probably due to the tread design).

[rukus]

i love my ipikes. didnt like the blizzaks i had on a protege.

[wildcard50]

I have had two trouble free winters with my general altimax artic's. And they will be on my car this winter too.

[Fuyuzora]

On my old Civic, I ran a set of Pirelli Winter Carving tires (14")... Was very happy with them.

With the Mazda3, I picked up a set of Michelin X-ice 2 (16"). I've similarly been very happy with them. Among the experiences I had with them last winter was driving late at night after freezing rain, turning every street into a skating rink... The X-ice 2s did a great job sticking to the ice, and while I drove cautiously due to the conditions, I was confident in their performance.

That said, the Pirellis served me very well as well, and were not insignificantly cheaper than the X-ice2s, so I'd recommend checking Pirelli out first.

[vinnierap]

Thanks everyone for the input. I think im gonna go with the Xice or the altimax/nordfrost. Time to start pricing them out..lol.. Thanks again

[Souls]

I bought (1season) used Sunny Winter Grips, the tread pattern is a Hankook IPike copy. zero issues :thumbsup RAC approved and they squirm like most winter tires

[greaves82]

On my 04 Grand Am I had the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice. I had no problems with them and they were great. As for my 3, I am currently running with Michilen X-ice and am having no problems with them either

[vinnierap]

on emore quick question... is 205/55/16 a good size for 2008 gt? or can I go 15"? My GF ha an 08 gt and also needs tires

[Iceman_F1]

on emore quick question... is 205/55/16 a good size for 2008 gt? or can I go 15"? My GF ha an 08 gt and also needs tires

GT (at least the hatch) had bigger brakes and could only go as low as 16". I don't remember sedan at the moment but I would assume the same thing. 16" should be fine though.

[vinnierap]

sorry... it is the sedan

[allen@simplytire.com]

Any 2.3 and 2.5 can only take a 16" rim....

[vinnierap]

sh*t......ok thank you

[Default User]

On my old Civic, I ran a set of Pirelli Winter Carving tires (14")... Was very happy with them.

With the Mazda3, I picked up a set of Michelin X-ice 2 (16"). I've similarly been very happy with them. Among the experiences I had with them last winter was driving late at night after freezing rain, turning every street into a skating rink... The X-ice 2s did a great job sticking to the ice, and while I drove cautiously due to the conditions, I was confident in their performance.

That said, the Pirellis served me very well as well, and were not insignificantly cheaper than the X-ice2s, so I'd recommend checking Pirelli out first.

I've used the Pirelli Carvers for 2 seasons now and I love em!

I'm actually selling my set of 16's and replacing them with the same thing but in 17's

[Felks24]

On my old Civic, I ran a set of Pirelli Winter Carving tires (14")... Was very happy with them.

With the Mazda3, I picked up a set of Michelin X-ice 2 (16"). I've similarly been very happy with them. Among the experiences I had with them last winter was driving late at night after freezing rain, turning every street into a skating rink... The X-ice 2s did a great job sticking to the ice, and while I drove cautiously due to the conditions, I was confident in their performance.

That said, the Pirellis served me very well as well, and were not insignificantly cheaper than the X-ice2s, so I'd recommend checking Pirelli out first.

I liked the Pirellis as well. I had a set of Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozeros on my '06 Jetta that lasted past the end of the lease, and I ended up giving them to my brother for his Rabbit.

The Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero Serie II is #1 on my list for this year for my 3.

[xxSlidewaysxx]

Hi Vinnie,

Michelin Xice 2 are really good tires, you shouldn't have any problem with them for two or three seasons even. But what I like best (and use) are Nokian Hakkapaletta R's. A little more expensive, yes, but the quality is unmatched.
Just got a set for mine, going on this week. Had Hakka 2's on a Grand Am, damn thing was a tank with those. Got mine for $169 per... not bad at all.

[rajin929]

IMO Toyo Observe GO2 or Garit > all

[vinnierap]

Thanks again everyone... I think I'm gonna get he nordfrost5

[joedemarco]

Sorry to add more confusion after you've made your decision, but I have been calling and shopping around an I decided on the Toyo GSi-5. They were recommended to me by my mechanic (but that wasnt good enough) calling tire dealers that I have no history with...including Simply Tire...I have been told that the Toyo's are leaps above the rest...one employee of ST said he had Hankook iPikes (and that he loved them) BUT that the Toyo's were probably the best bet!

That to me means a lot, I did not tell them that I wanted the Toyo, I simply asked their opinion of them and thats the response I got, was that they are possibly the best yet.

[vinnierap]

My main reason for the nordfrost is bang for buck... They are little cheaper in price than some of the better ones and still a great product.

[Felks24]

I liked the Pirellis as well. I had a set of Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozeros on my '06 Jetta that lasted past the end of the lease, and I ended up giving them to my brother for his Rabbit.

The Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero Serie II is #1 on my list for this year for my 3.

I ended up going with the Continental ExtremeWinterContact after reading the reviews & test scores on TireRack and Autos.ca. Just need to schedule my appointment with Simply Tire.