Gather 'round boys & girls and let me tell you about snow tires.

[himbo]

So we all know that the HP Primacy tires are crap in the snow. Honestly I'd have more traction running on skis than those tires. I went through a couple of snow falls and just barely managed. I had been shopping for some used tires since November, but had not committed.

Then a few weeks ago, as I tried to make it up my long and steep driveway, my car's tail kicked out ever so slightly and rolled back into some garden rocks. I scraped my rear bumper on the driver's side a little and the damage is limited to repainting that part of the rear bumper.

BUT, I'd had enough. I invested $170 on some used Dunlop 3D snow tires and had them mounted and installed by my good friends of AZP Installs in Kenilworth, NJ (go to them for anything, they are fantastic!!!) The tires came off an Outback and had been used for a few seasons- but the tread had excellent depth so I wasn't concerned.

Last night, it snowed a lot. And the drive home from the train station was awesome. Coupled with the traction control, the car was really very controllable, manageable, and stable. Accelerating still takes a light foot, but honestly it was night and day from the Primacy's. More importantly, waaaay more importantly was how well the car braked and how it cornered. If it started to let go, you could catch it easily. I live in the 2nd highest house in my town and the car made it up all the hills, and even up the driveway (she's slept in the garage last night.

Moral of the story is, snow tires make a huge difference, especially on a car like this. The fact that very limited miles per year means that this investment lasts a good number of years. Next year I plan on getting some even knobbier tires and either getting steelies, or keeping them on the stock wheels while getting some decent summer tires and wheels (I'm thinking RPF1's).

[immaculate]

The fact that people drive this car in the snow on Primacy's, for anything besides hooning, baffles me. There is plenty of anecdotal stories out there that it's a terrible idea.

If this car is your primary mode of transportation, and you live anywhere that could remotely be considered Northeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Alaska or Canada, stop being a cheap ass and buy winter tires. If you can't afford to properly equip your car for the season, you shouldn't be driving a $25-30k car.

[ftc~brz]

Originally Posted by immaculate

The fact that people drive this car in the snow on Primacy's, for anything besides hooning, baffles me. There is plenty of anecdotal stories out there that it's a terrible idea.

If this car is your primary mode of transportation, and you live anywhere that could remotely be considered Northeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Alaska or Canada, stop being a cheap ass and buy winter tires. If you can't afford to properly equip your car for the season, you shouldn't be driving a $25-30k car.

I agree, but at the same time our shop is closed when it snows (at least until roads are very clear)

[utekineir]

(post reserved for suberman rant)

[enwave]

I totally agree. I understand when people don't want to put winter tires on, but don't understand people who then proceed to drive their car in the snow despite having the Primacys on.

Sadly, I invested in some Conti EWCs this winter, but so far we have only had one week where they were really necessary. If I had known we were gonna have such a weak season I probably would have left the Primacys on and just driven our second car to work daily instead.


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[Kelbyat07]

Originally Posted by himbo

So we all know that the HP Primacy tires are crap in the snow. Honestly I'd have more traction running on skis than those tires. I went through a couple of snow falls and just barely managed. I had been shopping for some used tires since November, but had not committed.

Then a few weeks ago, as I tried to make it up my long and steep driveway, my car's tail kicked out ever so slightly and rolled back into some garden rocks. I scraped my rear bumper on the driver's side a little and the damage is limited to repainting that part of the rear bumper.

BUT, I'd had enough. I invested $170 on some used Dunlop 3D snow tires and had them mounted and installed by my good friends of AZP Installs in Kenilworth, NJ (go to them for anything, they are fantastic!!!) The tires came off an Outback and had been used for a few seasons- but the tread had excellent depth so I wasn't concerned.

Last night, it snowed a lot. And the drive home from the train station was awesome. Coupled with the traction control, the car was really very controllable, manageable, and stable. Accelerating still takes a light foot, but honestly it was night and day from the Primacy's. More importantly, waaaay more importantly was how well the car braked and how it cornered. If it started to let go, you could catch it easily. I live in the 2nd highest house in my town and the car made it up all the hills, and even up the driveway (she's slept in the garage last night.

Moral of the story is, snow tires make a huge difference, especially on a car like this. The fact that very limited miles per year means that this investment lasts a good number of years. Next year I plan on getting some even knobbier tires and either getting steelies, or keeping them on the stock wheels while getting some decent summer tires and wheels (I'm thinking RPF1's).

Dunlop 3D snow tires, I will remember that next time I go snow tires hunting! Plus I am also going to add 210 lbs of weights in my trunk.

[himbo]

Originally Posted by Kelbyat07

Dunlop 3D snow tires, I will remember that next time I go snow tires hunting! Plus I am also going to add 210 lbs of weights in my trunk.

Yeah the weight in the trunk helps a great deal.

[FRSWiLLY]

Hankook I*pike WINTER condition tires (proper terminology) have been fantastic. Here in Nebraska people cannot believe I use this car as a daily esp during the winter. I turn traction control off most of the time and get around fantastic! If you DD in winter regions, YES, do yourself a favor and getchu some winter tires!

[himbo]

My observations are that TC abs stability control are actually quite helpful when you're driving. They do something that the driver can't do, which is tap the brakes I individually. However if you're stuck, sitting them off is your best bet.

Also kitty litter in the trunk helps aid with traction as well. Helps the rear diff into the snow and if you're stuck, putting some on the ground will help you regain enough traction just to get you moving