RECOMMENDATION ON WINTER TIRES - TYPE, SIZE, PLACE, PRICE

[pcharizo]

Hey Guys,

In the market for winter tires. I've searched high and low in the matrix on which tire is better than the other. So many reviews I don't know who to trust. One site recommends one and the next site recommends against. So now looking for some human recommendations. Help!

Also, I've been told to downsize from my 17" to a 16" for the winter. True?

pcharizo

[cwp_sedan]

Please search on here. There are already many reviews and options from our many sponsors.

[vinnierap]

There are a milion threads about this... everyone has different opinions no the "best" winter tire.

Michelin Xice
Toyo Garit
Gislaved Nordfrost 5
Hankook Ipike

in no particular order, are used by a lot of members, there are also many more that I have not listed.

I personally have the Xice 2, Im not sure how well they perform as I just put them on. I used the original Xice on a different car and loved them.

[baymoe]

I personally like the Continental ExtremeWinterContact. Had it on the Golf on a trip to Blue Mountain during a heavy snowfall, and it kept the car composed.

For 16" wheels, use 205/55/16.
For 17" wheels, use 205/50/17.

[zmz3]

I am using the Gislaved Nordfrost 5 (by Continental Tire) and it has been doing great so far. I have tested it in wet, slush, snow and icy conditions and I can tell you it does most remarkably well except ICE, but then again, I haven't seen an excellent winter tire in Ice, not even Michelins Xice series of tires. You have to just be more careful in Winter and no tire will save bad driving habits.

I got it from Go for Tires for $640 (taxes and fees included + installation etc) on 16-size steelies.

It does have a rather soft sidewall for Highway driving, but does great in what it is designed to do.

I believe they start with 10mm thread life, and so far I have put ~10,000km, with 7mm and 8mm thread left on front and rear, respectively.

[SonicBoy]

Also, I've been told to downsize from my 17" to a 16" for the winter. True?

pcharizo

Yes. The 16" wheel/tire will be cheaper than the 17" and the greater aspect ratio of the 55 series over the 50 gives you a little more cushion for the harsh pot hole roads.

Suggest you contact one of our sponsors and have a chat with them. On a day like today with a snowfall, you will have a hard time getting through.

[Rob23]

im running the Hankook ipike winters this year and i have to say these are the best winter tires ive ever used! great on snow and ice, and the best thing about them is they are quiet! and smooth on dry or wet roads. i also find they handle really well for winters.

[Sonic31]

I have the iPikes as well, and so far they are doing great. I am a somewhat cautious winter driver, but my confidence in winter conditions has greatly improved with these on my 3.

Keep in mind these are a snow tire. Which means they are great in deeep snow, slush, hard packed snow, but not the best, but manageable on ice.

I have also used the Yokohama Ice Guard 2's and they were excellent, they got me around Montreal for 3 winters in some trully horrible driving conditions.

[SonicBoom]

did that 640 include the steelies? Otherwise...I paid $610 out the door at Tires23 for the Nordies on 16s :)


I am using the Gislaved Nordfrost 5 (by Continental Tire) and it has been doing great so far. I have tested it in wet, slush, snow and icy conditions and I can tell you it does most remarkably well except ICE, but then again, I haven't seen an excellent winter tire in Ice, not even Michelins Xice series of tires. You have to just be more careful in Winter and no tire will save bad driving habits.

I got it from Go for Tires for $640 (taxes and fees included + installation etc) on 16-size steelies.

It does have a rather soft sidewall for Highway driving, but does great in what it is designed to do.

I believe they start with 10mm thread life, and so far I have put ~10,000km, with 7mm and 8mm thread left on front and rear, respectively.