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PD Moderator	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 10:14:00 AM Ignore PD Report Abuse With winter fast approaching, and snow covering parts of the higher elevations in the Rockies and even in some areas of the upper plains, many may be thinking of winter tires, or installing them if they already have them. I suppose I'm one of the lucky few who just need to mount my winter tires. If you are still thinking about winter tires, here are some tips and pointers on what you should be looking at and what to avoid. Many ask if snow tires are even necessary. And while some areas that aren't in the snow belt don't need them, there are certainly areas that get a lot of snow- just think back to how rare snow is in D.C. and how many blizzards they had in 2009! First- to answer a common misconception. Some... Visit GasBuddy Blog for full article

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Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 10:14:00 AM

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With winter fast approaching, and snow covering parts of the higher elevations in the Rockies and even in some areas of the upper plains, many may be thinking of winter tires, or installing them if they already have them.

I suppose I'm one of the lucky few who just need to mount my winter tires. If you are still thinking about winter tires, here are some tips and pointers on what you should be looking at and what to avoid.

Many ask if snow tires are even necessary. And while some areas that aren't in the snow belt don't need them, there are certainly areas that get a lot of snow- just think back to how rare snow is in D.C. and how many blizzards they had in 2009!

First- to answer a common misconception. Some...

Visit GasBuddy Blog for full article

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hermann2012 Veteran Author Kansas City Posts:321 Points:270,320 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Oct 30, 2010 11:31:21 AM Ignore hermann2012 Report Abuse Winter tires are a waste of money here in Kasas City area. Only weinies and the terminally fearful waste hundreds of dollars for 2 six inch snows a year.
derKraut Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,095 Points:1,228,400 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Oct 29, 2010 1:24:43 PM Ignore derKraut Report Abuse Yup @tomjdriver - my Hyundai now has M&S and they are the best compromise. My wife's car keeps the Summer tires on for trips to Florida. The heat there ruins Snow tires and even M&S after a short while.
vandamme Champion Author New York Posts:1,158 Points:132,480 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2010 5:04:02 PM Ignore vandamme Report Abuse I live in the center of New York. The REAL New York, where we keep the Adirondacks and LOTS and LOTS of snow. I haven't had snow tires for many years.
WhiteyOne Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:4,308 Points:2,057,585 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2010 3:54:09 PM Ignore WhiteyOne Report Abuse I have lived in Mn all my life, The last time I put snow on tires was 1969.
doctorindyj Champion Author Santa Fe Posts:3,458 Points:840,785 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2010 1:03:14 PM Ignore doctorindyj Report Abuse Thanks for the info! We have weird winters. We can go days and weeks without snow then get hit with a blizzard for a few days. It's a balancing act but it doesn't seem worth it to put on snow tires. Then again last year we had a snow storm every other day. I guess until the weather man can predict with 100% accuracy you just have to guess.
rightsurrey Champion Author Vancouver Posts:1,704 Points:1,232,405 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2010 7:59:40 AM Ignore rightsurrey Report Abuse While you stated: "Winter tires are generally a softer rubber as well, so while they don't offer longevity in hot or warm situations..." The biggest reason to use snow tires is this softer rubber compound that gives increasingly improved traction over summer and all seasons once the temperature falls below about 45 deg F (7 deg C). Summer tires offer reduced traction even on dry pavement as temperatures approach freezing. Specialized tires will always work better than general/all purpose/all weather tires when being used in the conditions the specialized tires are designed for. So good ole boys in the deep south be careful when temperatures drop.
TomJDriver Champion Author London Posts:1,036 Points:302,340 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2010 7:53:19 AM Ignore TomJDriver Report Abuse pinkelefant from Los Angeles said, "Sometimes chains are req'd even if a car is 4wd." If Driven by a resident from a warn weather state with summer only performance tires. Jrsva from Virginia said, "A wider tire will get a lot better grip for a given tread pattern." Narrow is best in snow. Some cars come from the factory with the wrong tires for winter. This includes tread pattern, width, sidewall height, as well as the hardness of the rubber compound. Pushing through deep snow is a reality for some Drivers. A 4wd wants to go straight; sometimes into the ditch on corners. --- This year a lot of new cars here are being delivered with two sets of rims and tires, making them the safest they can be year round. Dealerships are offering to store either set in the respective off seasons, making a killing in the fees they charge. I store mine in my garage. Too expensive to get thrown around and put on the incorrect corner of the car. Dr Gas, tires suitable for your own winter situation is a safe guy thing. I agree, it can be very frustrating, but sometimes the slow Drivers are the ones who DO know how to Drive in the snow, because they know their limits. [Edited by: TomJDriver at 10/27/2010 10:55:33 AM EST]
Moon34 Rookie Author Toronto Posts:84 Points:3,445 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2010 7:48:07 AM Ignore Moon34 Report Abuse some places it is a must to have Snow tires on, but as long as you drive to the road and weather conditions you should get home safe regardless if you have snows on or not
Dr Gas Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:3,270 Points:358,505 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2010 5:48:46 AM Ignore Dr Gas Report Abuse Thank you jeromehasbargen - I'm glad I'm not the only one that think snow tires are an old man thing. My dad put snow tires on, in 1970's - today you don't need them. They use salt to remove even the most minute bit on snow. It's only for the first few hours after it snows that you have trouble getting around. And that's only becuase the ones that can't drive in the snow are the ones in the way!
BBopp Champion Author Dayton Posts:6,844 Points:1,939,430 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2010 2:31:46 AM Ignore BBopp Report Abuse Great reminder! I recall tire chains in the winter when I was a kid.
TomJDriver Champion Author London Posts:1,036 Points:302,340 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2010 12:18:43 AM Ignore TomJDriver Report Abuse I got my new snow tires today. We need them here because we now get all our yearly snow in a few big dumps. They are cold weather tires. They stop and corner incredibly well in any conditions below 10c or about 40f, including rain. Today's wider lower profile tires, even on some SUVs, are next to useless in snow. It's best to downsize the rim diameter, decrease the tire width, and increase the aspect ratio (profile or height). This helps you cut through the snow, and retain the same overall rim and tire diameter so the speedometer reading is not affected. Gotta love these snow tire experts from Florida and California. And the drivers who own 4x4s as they have limited driving skills.
cooksartsupply Champion Author Akron Posts:5,103 Points:938,505 Joined:Aug 2010	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 10:59:03 PM Ignore cooksartsupply Report Abuse I The last two years Nov.-March I have put snow tires on my XB Scion. It made a huge difference I feel alot better about driving when it snows 3inchs or more. But that is because I am in Ohio close to the snow belt.
donzo00 Champion Author Nevada Posts:12,036 Points:1,640,985 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 10:03:51 PM Ignore donzo00 Report Abuse i use studded sno tires in the sierras at Tahoe. and buy tires and the size needs to be size that is posted by the manufacturer on the inside of the door.
SBlouch Champion Author San Antonio Posts:8,735 Points:1,860,240 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:57:44 PM Ignore SBlouch Report Abuse Well, I am sure that those who lie in areas where they get snow will put the winter tires back on. But with the economy still in the dumps, if they do not have "snow tires" will not buy them as they do not have the money.
Ticoman54 Champion Author Miami Posts:7,046 Points:1,492,770 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:53:58 PM Ignore Ticoman54 Report Abuse Not needed in tropical South Florida.
jeromehasbargen Champion Author Minnesota Posts:3,381 Points:659,975 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:47:35 PM Ignore jeromehasbargen Report Abuse I live in Minnesota and don't put "snow tires" on my car each winter season. Most of the tires sold here are made to perform well in snowy weather. They are called "all season radial tires." Today I bought new tires for my car just in time for the first winter storm of the season. [Edited by: jeromehasbargen at 10/27/2010 12:55:35 EST]
AuburnTim Champion Author Indiana Posts:6,828 Points:1,559,190 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:47:16 PM Ignore AuburnTim Report Abuse Sorry I can't afford winter tires it takes all my money to fill the tank
TRAIN RIDER Champion Author San Bernardino Posts:9,082 Points:2,757,820 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:45:05 PM Ignore TRAIN RIDER Report Abuse BECAUSE OF THE SNOW WE JUST RUN M&S TIRES ALL THE TIME. I HAVE ALL TERRAIN TIRES ON MY TRUCK FOR OFF ROADING AND THE SNOW.
genef01 Champion Author Nashville Posts:2,611 Points:834,680 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:41:45 PM Ignore genef01 Report Abuse Thanks, Patrick, for reminding of this important safety item for driving in winter.
CumminsFanOH Champion Author Columbus Posts:1,670 Points:827,990 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:40:49 PM Ignore CumminsFanOH Report Abuse Audi Quattro (4x4) with 4 Nokian studded snows, and Dodge 2500 4x4.
TIGERPAW46 Champion Author Florida Posts:7,131 Points:1,356,655 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:40:20 PM Ignore TIGERPAW46 Report Abuse my tires are designated All weather but I'm not too sure how they are for snow. Fortunately that is rare even in NW Fl. But traveling to even N. Ga, Al, or Ms. could incur snow in winter.
EXTREMESNOW Champion Author Medford Posts:8,910 Points:1,821,540 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:39:47 PM Ignore EXTREMESNOW Report Abuse Snow has been falling in the mountains around here already and my tires are ready.
Tru2psu2 Champion Author Winston-Salem Posts:14,481 Points:1,556,605 Joined:Feb 2004	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:39:24 PM Ignore Tru2psu2 Report Abuse Don't need them here...but when we had an ice storm back in January in Raleigh a few years ago, I got out my portable chains and got around just fine!
jrrokketship Rookie Author Wisconsin Posts:32 Points:40,390 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:37:52 PM Ignore jrrokketship Report Abuse I guess I never really thought of having two sets of tires...I just ran the same tires all year long. I guess I'll be budgeting for a set of snow tires.
DeeLA Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:4,823 Points:1,366,305 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:37:26 PM Ignore DeeLA Report Abuse I'm glad I don't need them. The last time it snowed in L. A. was 1949.
cherylNY Rookie Author New York Posts:78 Points:12,800 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:36:28 PM Ignore cherylNY Report Abuse I have all weather tires and traction control, but since my car is so light I drive hubby's car when the snow is more than 6 inches deep.
nurdco Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:9,238 Points:1,695,385 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:35:55 PM Ignore nurdco Report Abuse Shifting more than 2 sizes or ratings WILL throw OFF your speedometer I shifted higher by Rating and down by Profile to GET MORE contact to the SURFACE while slowing DOWN actual speed by 5mph when OVER 40mph...
Buddy2264 Champion Author Tampa Posts:11,659 Points:2,360,945 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:22:08 PM Ignore Buddy2264 Report Abuse I have been buying all weather tires for years, but who cares here in Florida as I never travel north into bad weather in the winter. Conservation keeps your money in your pocket.
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:9,857 Points:1,613,975 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:22:03 PM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse If you change tire size your speedometer and odometer will not work correctly. That seems like bad advice. And I don’t believe the bit about using narrower tires in the snow. A wider tire will get a lot better grip for a given tread pattern. Pushing through deep snow is a rare occurrence for most drivers. When I’m doing that I’m glad I have 4wd.
LoneGuy Champion Author Lansing Posts:8,485 Points:2,318,970 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:18:02 PM Ignore LoneGuy Report Abuse I have used them before and I saw one carmaker who added them as buyer incentives.
cathedral_city Rookie Author Riverside Posts:17 Points:2,625 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:14:39 PM Ignore cathedral_city Report Abuse Snow tires here will never sell
camel1 Champion Author Minnesota Posts:8,275 Points:2,267,590 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:12:55 PM Ignore camel1 Report Abuse 'Tis that time of year again in Minnesota
Blue_Cruzer Champion Author Lexington Posts:7,525 Points:1,670,560 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:12:42 PM Ignore Blue_Cruzer Report Abuse Luckily we don't see much snow around here.
TBONE3 Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:8,751 Points:1,977,625 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:12:36 PM Ignore TBONE3 Report Abuse All season on my 4X4 seems to work well. Don't drive that much anyway.
CobraLeader Champion Author New Jersey Posts:267,902 Points:1,200,750 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:11:20 PM Ignore CobraLeader Report Abuse ... "Snow tires" are not even AVAILABLE in southern New Jersey. ...
Jedidiah Champion Author Maine Posts:107,825 Points:2,669,675 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:10:13 PM Ignore Jedidiah Report Abuse I run good all weather tires, Pat and friends. Good traction.
planetmail Champion Author Calgary Posts:6,500 Points:1,280,985 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:08:54 PM Ignore planetmail Report Abuse Love my Blizzaks
Zonk Champion Author Michigan Posts:6,486 Points:2,103,740 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:06:56 PM Ignore Zonk Report Abuse Alabama, here I come.
swepson Champion Author Greensboro Posts:5,478 Points:1,553,325 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:06:31 PM Ignore swepson Report Abuse I haven't seen snow tires here in NC in 30 years
rxman1 Champion Author Toledo Posts:9,552 Points:1,862,870 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:06:24 PM Ignore rxman1 Report Abuse Buy the right tires for your area. Be safe.
VTROCK Champion Author Detroit Posts:2,593 Points:970,675 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:04:36 PM Ignore VTROCK Report Abuse I use l weather ties and haven't had a problem.
Jo120 Champion Author Arizona Posts:4,242 Points:1,488,030 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:03:47 PM Ignore Jo120 Report Abuse My all terain tires work just fine! We do not have snow to worry about...
Bigwaynef Champion Author South Carolina Posts:11,480 Points:2,081,735 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:03:33 PM Ignore Bigwaynef Report Abuse Nah, I still have my chains for the tires...
mad69man Rookie Author Indiana Posts:5 Points:425 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 9:01:04 PM Ignore mad69man Report Abuse i didnt think about that at all thanks!
goldilox88 Champion Author Montreal Posts:4,059 Points:1,000,300 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 8:57:07 PM Ignore goldilox88 Report Abuse Good to know.
mapper92 All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:901 Points:58,470 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 8:46:12 PM Ignore mapper92 Report Abuse When I lived in Alberta I always ran Bridgestone ice radials. Out here on the Island all seasons run fine. Just watch out for black ice. Hydro planeing is more of a problem.
northeast2 Champion Author New York Posts:3,849 Points:1,007,200 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 8:45:27 PM Ignore northeast2 Report Abuse Good to know.
GDJ Rookie Author Edmonton Posts:80 Points:24,260 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 8:44:59 PM Ignore GDJ Report Abuse 4 snow/winter tires on my ride. I won't go back to all-seasons.
Jeeputtputt Champion Author Ohio Posts:3,002 Points:677,465 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 8:33:16 PM Ignore Jeeputtputt Report Abuse no snows 4 me
forty-niner Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:28,629 Points:2,382,185 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2010 8:32:24 PM Ignore forty-niner Report Abuse here we need winter snow tires. I have found it easier to stop and they seem to hug the road better. It pays to have them because snow starts around end of Oct and goes to the start of May.