So what's the current consensus (if any) on snow tires?

[Badgerry]

I bought my 2010 Genny V8 a few weeks ago. It has the OEM Dunlops with 12K on them, and they make the car downright dangerous when there's snow and/or ice on the road--which is often here. I've looked through this forum, and through Tirerack's tests, and it seems as if Conti Extreme Winter Contact are perhaps the best way to go (this doesn't surprise me--I had Conti Extreme Contacts on the 2000 Accord V6 I traded in, and they were outstanding).

But I'd like to see if there is something approaching consensus among those with Gennys and substantial experience driving them in snow. What's the best winter-only tire? What's the best for winter driving that I could leave on all year (the Contis stayed on my Accord year-'round and were just fine)? My first thought had been Blizzaks because they are legendary around these parts, but I'll consider anything to keep from slip-slidin' away (the ditches asre beckoning!).

 

[msitter]

I personally have never used snow tires no matter where I lived. Now it is not an issue in South Carolina. My son however, living in Denver is a different story. Ever since he moved there 10 years ago he has sworn by Bridgestone Blizzacks. His RWD, 2wd Mountaineer has been great on them and his new Sonata turbo is great. The only caveat is get them off as soon as winter is over as they wear incredibly fast in warm weather.

 

[dg_moore]

I personally have never used snow tires no matter where I lived. Now it is not an issue in South Carolina. My son however, living in Denver is a different story. Ever since he moved there 10 years ago he has sworn by Bridgestone Blizzacks. His RWD, 2wd Mountaineer has been great on them and his new Sonata turbo is great. The only caveat is get them off as soon as winter is over as they wear incredibly fast in warm weather.

I like the Blizzaks also - great snow performance. We don't usually get a ton of snow, but when we do the snow tires are invaluable. We also run them on my wife's Infiniti G35 coupe - possibly the world's worst snow performer - and they perform great there as well (but the G35 coupe is very low, so deep snow is problematic - when it's deep the car stays in the garage).

 

[Gambler]

Snow tires make a big difference on this car. Even though we don't get a ton of snow here, it is worth it when we do. The way I figure it, you have higher up front cost, but the snow tires make your other tires last longer. So in the end it is more or less a wash.

 

[Badgerry]

Snow tires make a big difference on this car. Even though we don't get a ton of snow here, it is worth it when we do. The way I figure it, you have higher up front cost, but the snow tires make your other tires last longer. So in the end it is more or less a wash.

I figured the cost would be a wash--it's just the hassle of the changeover I don't like, particularly if I don't buy a second set of wheels as well. BTW, what's on YOUR car for winter?

 

[Viking]

Badgerry: Viking here running Contis Extreme Contact DWS all seasons. They have performed really well this winter - even with all of the snow we have had in MN.

Planning to leave them on year-round. I still have the OEM wheels in my garage but I really like my new ones so I don't want to keep switching tires on to my new rims. Only complaint I have is more about the smooth sidewall look of the Contis (check out the pic in my album). I wish they had a look closer to the Dunlops...

 

[STREETS]

If there is snow where you drive- get 'em. In fact get 4.

 

[Gambler]

I have Blizzaks on my car with a second set of cheap rims. That makes it easy for me to pop them on and off when I want to. I did not get a new set of TPMS sensors, since they aren't on there but for a few months out of the year. I thought the warning light might bother me, but I don't even notice it anymore.

 

[dg_moore]

I have Blizzaks on my car with a second set of cheap rims. That makes it easy for me to pop them on and off when I want to. I did not get a new set of TPMS sensors, since they aren't on there but for a few months out of the year. I thought the warning light might bother me, but I don't even notice it anymore.

I got the spare rims also, but I got TPMS. Given the expense, inconvenience and wear/tear of removing, replacing and rebalancing the tires it makes sense to me to have two sets of rims (I do all four wheels). On my wife's G35 coupe it cost nearly $150 to have the snows (rear only) installed and balanced and then removed and replaced with summer tires and rebalanced. At that rate it doesn't take long to pay for spare rims. If you do all 4, you're looking at ~$300 a year to swap tires on one set of rims.

 

[Badgerry]

Badgerry: Viking here running Contis Extreme Contact DWS all seasons. They have performed really well this winter - even with all of the snow we have had in MN.

Planning to leave them on year-round. I still have the OEM wheels in my garage but I really like my new ones so I don't want to keep switching tires on to my new rims. Only complaint I have is more about the smooth sidewall look of the Contis (check out the pic in my album). I wish they had a look closer to the Dunlops...

That's quite a recommendation. I have relatives in Andover, so I know you know snow even more that we do. But you're right--those are some ugly-lookin' tires!

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[scottdk]

That's quite a recommendation. I have relatives in Andover, so I know you know snow even more that we do. But you're right--those are some ugly-lookin' tires!

Ha! Andover here!

 

[Badgerry]

Ha! Andover here!

You're in Andover? Look for a bunch of Volvos, old and new, north of Round Lake--that's my relatives (also a SuperCub, a Messerschmitt, a glider, and who knows what else he's collected lately). They're Volvo diehards, poor benighted souls!