YACT: Winter Snow Tires

[EKKC]

I went to costco.com to order some winter tires (before the playstation 3 hosed their site) and I went to install them today. I bought a new set of 4 Michelin Latitude X-Ice winter snow tires. When I got there the guy asked me if I want to keep the old set for summer use. I thought that winter tires can be used year-round? Would the treads go faster if I keep them on? I don't plan on keeping the set of tires for more than 4 yrs/50k miles anyway

My old set is bad, bad traction and they are original tires for my 2002 xterra truck. it's been 4+years so I want to get ready for the winter snowstorms even though an unseasonably warm winter was in the forecast this year.

anyone else have experience with snow tires? Thanks

 

[DeviousTrap]

What you should have bought was a good all season tire.

Although usable for summer driving, they don't stick to the ground, or handle nearly as well, when dry. They're designed specifically to be used only during winter road conditions. If you've ever had performance/summer tires, or even a good set of all season's, they're will be a pronounced difference in how they hold the road.

 

[EKKC]

thats good to know. i guess i won't be getting winter ones next time.

thanks

 

[Aimster]

winter tires for winter

all season for summer

you could use all season all year if you wanted

winter is mainly good for winter ... a lotttt better than all season that is for sure.

 

[Black88GTA]

Originally posted by: EKKC
I went to costco.com to order some winter tires (before the playstation 3 hosed their site) and I went to install them today. I bought a new set of 4 Michelin Latitude X-Ice winter snow tires. When I got there the guy asked me if I want to keep the old set for summer use. I thought that winter tires can be used year-round? Would the treads go faster if I keep them on? I don't plan on keeping the set of tires for more than 4 yrs/50k miles anyway

My old set is bad, bad traction and they are original tires for my 2002 xterra truck. it's been 4+years so I want to get ready for the winter snowstorms even though an unseasonably warm winter was in the forecast this year.

anyone else have experience with snow tires? Thanks

Your best bet would be to get a set of cheap steel rims or find some cheap Ebay alloys that will bolt up to your truck, and put the snows on those wheels. Then you could just switch wheels when you need the snow tires. Snows are not very good for normal driving.

 

[giantpinkbunnyhead]

Originally posted by: Aimster
winter tires for winter

all season for summer

you could use all season all year if you wanted

winter is mainly good for winter ... a lotttt better than all season that is for sure.

What he said. As far as winter tires in the summertime... Due to circumstances I found myself in SoCal with a car I'd just driven out of Alaska. It was still winter in AK so I made the drive on full-on winter tires. When I got to LA and the temp was 100 plus shortly after, those winter tires just didn't cut it. Totally slushy, wobbly, devoid of grip. But on the snow/ice, they were the best thing in the world.

 

[DaWhim]

where are you in new york? nyc? you probably don't need snow tires.

i am in buffalo and I am doing fine with 2 pairs sof all season.

 

[mugs]

They call them winter tires for a reason.

I didn't think we get enough snow around here to warrant snow tires (and I have a very short commute and could work from home if I want to), so I went with a set of all seasons that are very highly rated for snow traction - BF Goodrich Traction T/As. I recommend them. They did very well in the little bit of snow we got last winter.

 

[EKKC]

thanks for all the good advice. im in NYC, NY and it probably wont snow as much as say Canada. and with a warm winter i may end up not putting these to the best use
but its too late i already got them, i'll run them year round probably... unless it gets really uncomfortable. i drove on road with them today and its fine, maybe because the old set was really really bad.

 

[chuckywang]

Originally posted by: EKKC
I went to costco.com to order some winter tires (before the playstation 3 hosed their site) and I went to install them today. I bought a new set of 4 Michelin Latitude X-Ice winter snow tires. When I got there the guy asked me if I want to keep the old set for summer use. I thought that winter tires can be used year-round? Would the treads go faster if I keep them on? I don't plan on keeping the set of tires for more than 4 yrs/50k miles anyway

My old set is bad, bad traction and they are original tires for my 2002 xterra truck. it's been 4+years so I want to get ready for the winter snowstorms even though an unseasonably warm winter was in the forecast this year.

anyone else have experience with snow tires? Thanks

Only use your winter tires during the winter. The treading was designed for the winter, and if you wear them out during the summer, their effectiveness will be diminished.