OT: Winter Tires

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

This will be my first winter in a while without a 4 wheal drive SUV. I am looking into getting some nice dedicated snow tires for my front-wheel drive Jetta.

The ones I ahve seen that got good reviews are:
Nokian Hakka (studded) not really sure I want studded tires.
Blizzak LM-60
Michelin x-Ice

Does anyone have any personal expierience they want to share with these tires or other recomendations?
Thanks ahead of time.

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Nov 11, 09 5:11 pm

http://nwkite.com/forums/t-11641.html&highlight=tires

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

http://www.tirefactory.net/wrg2.htm

these are on sale... (did pretty good - till I destroyed the rig on that patch of ice)

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

I think Hein was running the Blizzak's last year......I know he has an opinion.
If he does not read this post then PM him.

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

pretty stoked on my toyo observes on my forester, actually got pulled over for doing the speed limit but I have never felt out of control. the nice thing is that they are studless so you don't slip on wet or dry pavement which is a big plus.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

Never bought the Blizzaks but probably need to get winter tires for two vehicles this year. Increased tariffs on imported tires notwithstanding Mad

I might check out the tires G-man posted. Somebody told me there are tires impregnated with walnut shells that grip like studs. I don't care for studs but don't mind running a dedicated winter tire.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

42qn30 · Since 22 Jul 2009 41 Posts Michigan City, IN

I've had the x-ice and the blizzaks. A mechanic friend told me after the fact that the x-ice is geared more towards AWD cars. These had really good cornering ability but really lacked the initial grip to get going. Braking in them was great too.

The blizzak seemed to be the best all around tire. They tend to be a little less expensive. I absolutely loved mine. They changed the design a little over the years and the tread gaps have gotten a little closer together. I successfully drove through 3' of snow in my 1992 celica. Best tires ever.

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Rode blizzaks for two seasons in my 95 geo prizm - Loved them - never had a problem getting to and from the mountain. This year I am going with the hancook ipikes. I'll let you know the difference after I try them out for a while.

Bettyboarder · Wed Nov 11, 09 8:29 pm

My old Jetta I had put some studs on it...never had a problem.

Past 4 yrs we have some Goodyear all season tires on both subies and they have been great.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

our all season good year tires are rated as good as most snow tires, I'd go for all season again.

shred_da_gorge · Thu Nov 12, 09 6:44 am

I run Blizzaks on my Audi and had no problem in Beaverton's January ice storm, which was as bad or worse (icier) than any storm I'd had them in on Mt. Hood or in Hood River. I think mine are the WS-somethings but I've also had great experience with the LM-something (I forget the numbers). I just bought a set for my Mom's Jetta at $82/tire and they also had a $70 mail-in rebate for the set from America's Tire in Gresham. Call Curt and ask them to match tirerack.com's internet pricing.

My experience with Schwab and Nelson in Hood River are that they are overpriced and won't negotiate reasonably. Schwab has good people that have treated me well, mind you, but corporate prices are high retail. They also tend to push studded tires (cheaper rubber = higher margin) and y'all know my opinion of studs already. In all my years of buying tires for cars and trucks I've had the best (negotiated) prices from America's Tire in general. Don't be afraid to propose prices and ask for deals.

BTW now that I live away from snow I put Goodyear Eagles on the Audi and love them so far.

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2102 Posts PNW Bigfoot

I've been very happy with Les Schawbs studless tire. . .and of course, their service can't be beat. I believe they are some type of Toyo. . .

K4L · Since 19 Jan 2009 483 Posts Obsessed

Front wheel drive car X-ice worked superb in all conditions for me traveling back and forth over the mountain the last two winters dry/rain/slush/ice/snow. Have the hankook this year, so far not as good on dry/rain as the x-ice was yet to see on the ice/snow

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

Well I went with the Toyo observe. I will let you know how they are in the snow.