I learned that lesson a couple of years ago. I did a Joey Chittwood slide for life one morning on the way to breakfast. No more summer performance tires on cold days.
I heartily agree. Dedicated winter tires are a must. Three season tires will leave you spinning. I put put my Dunlop Graspics (mounted on S-Lites) on a week ago since the daytime high was not going to be much above 50 for the foreseeable future. I have 205/45/17. Wide is good for me. I don't need to cut into the snow with my low ground clearance. Passing SUVs in ten inches of fresh snow is fun! That's my 2¢ from Motown. Motor On! Chris
Blizzaks go on this morning, followed by a good detailing of the summer wheels/tires, all while the scents of the impending Thankgiving feast waft through the garage. Now all I need is an Old Milwaukee. :beer
Winter Tires I have been giving my decision of puchasing a set of dedicated Winter tires some more thought and research. I was all set to buy the Nokia/Hakkapelita's, those are some great tires but I'm not living in Vermont, this is Maryland. So I found these, General Altimax Arctic, in Tire Size: 185/65-15. These are only going to be on the MINI for Winter use when snow and ice are possible. So I can get these tires in 185/65-15 or 185/60-15, I'm leaning toward the 185/65-15 for more road clearance. Comment's welcome.
I just installed a set of Blizzak LM-60's. 205-45-17. Very impressed with the ride quality and they're very quiet too. Anxious to try 'em in the snow.
Living on borrowed time here with these Yoko AD08's in late November. Still on the hunt for that elusive $2000 beater.
Norm I'd go with the 185/65/15. Ground clearance is an asset in winter. Nathan, you could buy a set of snow tires & wheels. The balance of the $2,000 could buy your friends many donuts. :donut1::donut1::donut1:
That's it then, I'm pulling the trigger on those tires. I got caught last year with some crappy, half worn out all seasons, pretty scary stuff. Had to abandon the MINI on the last hill, half way up. Came back in the morning and ice had brought down a large tree limb on my hood. Only the small stuff hit the car but I got a couple of digs out of it, nothing dent wizards can't work out but CRAP it was my fault for not having proper attire (get it) for the season. Okay then some General Altimax Arctic, 165x65x15's on some Justa Holeies (keepin it in the family) coming up.
I hear you about not wanting to motor in the MINI during foul weather. I bet those tires aren't liking the cold either.
Okay, got the General Altimax Arctic, 165x65x15's delivered, having them mounted and balanced this morning, they go on today. These tires are made in Germany and they have a snowflake within a shield symbol on the side wall. SNOW, what me worry!
I figure with the seasons changing it might be about time for a reminder. Why You Need Winter Tires (AutoGuide.com) Full article here.
:cornut: Snow Tires? Oh yeah, now I remember, 44yrs ago I drove on some of those in Annapolis,MD. They were loud on dry pavement. Jason