Winter Tire Time

[sperry]

Originally Posted by GusGus91

so if I did a 235, then what would be the full spec of the tire.. cuz I know a 235/45/18 would be super tall.. would I go down to a 40?

Originally Posted by sperry

http://www.rimsntires.com/rt_specs.jsp

You're a smart guy... punch it up and play around with the different sizes.

[sybir]

A 235/40/18 is fine on an 8.5" wheel. I'd run a 245 just for the added rim protection, though.

The real way to go on the newer cars is to pick up a set of cheap 17x8 5x114 wheels, like the stock BBS's that are all over the place, or some rotas, and run a nice fat 245/45/17 snow. The brakes are the same, so anything that worked on the earlier STi's will fit yours. Ther'es no reason to drop bank for 18" winter tires if you can get something with more sidewall.

[JoeWRX]

I was thinking about trying these on some 17x8's
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

[GusGus91]

Make sure to call them and make sure they have them in nevada. Because when I got my snows last week they only had certain tires in stock there. I ended up getting the LM60's. They're amazing. They were the only snow tires in stock. for my size atleast. I got 235/45/18's

[JoeWRX]

Saw those too, you test them out last night? Good to know you like em

[sperry]

Originally Posted by JoeWRX

I was thinking about trying these on some 17x8's
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

We got those in 235/45/16 (iirc) for our outback. Course we haven't driven in the snow yet because I'm avoiding the bad weather until I get the car clear bra'd. They sure drive fine in the dry though.

[JoeWRX]

Figured I can't really go wrong with blizzaks, good to know they are nice in the dry too, thanks!

[GusGus91]

Originally Posted by JoeWRX

Saw those too, you test them out last night? Good to know you like em

Oh yea, I tested them.. Stopping distance was good with them, I could climb fairly steep hills with them on, turning was good as well.. It also took a little bit more effort to get the car sideways.. So that tells you they have decent grip.
Mine also drive good in the dry. Just gotta remember they're not a performance tire.

[WRX06TR]

Originally Posted by JoeWRX

Figured I can't really go wrong with blizzaks, good to know they are nice in the dry too, thanks!

I loved my Blizzaks when I had them. Now I am running the Dunlop Graspic DS-3's. They worked well last night, but streets were pure ice around 2am so I was slipping around a bit anyway. Better than running my Star Specs in the snow

[sybir]

Originally Posted by sperry

We got those in 235/45/16 (iirc) for our outback. Course we haven't driven in the snow yet because I'm avoiding the bad weather until I get the car clear bra'd. They sure drive fine in the dry though.

That's a little baby tire!

I just put 235/55/17's on Jeff's OB. Cop car takeoffs, lol. Stock is a 225/55/17, though.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by sybir

That's a little baby tire!

I just put 235/55/17's on Jeff's OB. Cop car takeoffs, lol. Stock is a 225/55/17, though.

Woops!

Not only did I get the aspect wrong, I mistyped the rim size. We put 235/55/17 WS70's on the Outback. I think the stock size is supposed to be 225/55/17, so they're just a little larger than stock.

[left footed whooten]

So....did Cody get some damn tires after all this or what? Its dumping for chrissake. I cant recommend the altis enough. Theyre cheap as shit and perform and last way beyond their cheap pricetag. I run them hard on the dry (theyre no RE01R's, but theyve been up to anything ive thrown at them) and the snow and wet and dirt, they rock all of it and are pretty quiet for a snow tire.

Dont forget, all snow tires are softer than 3 seasons, thats something we forget pretty easily and expect our winter tires to feel and perform like our r compounds, esp when roads are dry. I see folks overinflating their winter tires all the time up here trying to stiffen them up, but worsening their performance in any weather and the treadwear goes to shit too.

I would totally buy the altimax again next year, as I get 2 seasons out of mine, commuting so much and driving to the eastside all the time. I roadtrip a lot. Ive been to Bishop 5 times on my winter tires already and am going to red rocks vegas after t-day, plus my commute to work.

I had the pirelli winter carvings a few years ago, dont know how they compare to the 210's but I didnt care for them. If they werent so spendy, I would have liked them more. I remember them being very loud.

Sugar bowl last night




Last year


halfway up mt pluto

[GusGus91]

....Mr. Left foot.. I envy your snow. And I wish I could drive around in that. for a little bit. Looks fun.

[cody]

Originally Posted by left footed whooten

So....did Cody get some damn tires after all this or what?

After all the research, I just grabbed another set of Wintersport 3D's.

[k-dogg39]

Originally Posted by cody

After all the research, I just grabbed another set of Wintersport 3D's.

[left footed whooten]

Nice, glad to see you didnt overanalyze things....j/k


2 more feet last night at river level. Jeebus.

[k-dogg39]

Originally Posted by left footed whooten

Nice, glad to see you didnt overanalyze things....j/k


2 more feet last night at river level. Jeebus.

Ya it dumped at my house. I had to wait for the plow to get to work. When I pulled into the street I opened my door to see how deep it was and it just pushed snow

[Dean]

Between squalls, I threw the Hankook W300 winters on. 4th season I think. After slipping a bit on the more bald than I thought they were 3 season tires I thought it was time.

I figured it would immediately stop and the sun would come out. Not so much.

Hey if anyone is taking off old Wintersport 3Ds in 225/45/17, please save me your best one if it is anywhere near the winter wear bar... Thanks. I have a set for the STI I picked up cheap but or actually because the 4th one is worn kind of weird.

[MattR]

Originally Posted by cody

Awesome input! I remember finding the Conti's back in March and thinking they should be perfect.


They're a touch more than she wanted to spend, but not bad at $496/set in her size. They sound like the best All-Season choice when snow traction is important. I'd really love to hear how they feel on Carrie's STi. Please post any driving impressions, especially regarding "stability feel" if there is such a thing.

I'm going to take a closer look at the Kooks for my car, Dean. Thanks.

Okay, so today, Carrie and I had some time to go play with the STI in the snow. Recall, we put the Continental Extreme DSW's on the car in the fall. Dry traction was great for an all season, we had some chances to push them in the wet and they were fantastic, but up until now, haven't really tested them in the snow.

Well, these tires are unbelievable in the snow. We were on an ice base with about 2" fresh snow on top (extremely slick fall-on-your-ass conditions)..And I could get starting traction like I was in the wet, and the stopping performance was very predictable and controlled. Honestly, with my 04 STI, I had given up entirely on all seasons and went full snows, I hated that the all seasons are were such a compromise in the snow.... I can best compare these Conti's to the 2nd Generation Dunlop Wintersport M2's (Full winter tires) I had on my 04 STI and these All seasons put those to shame. Seriously, I think these are the best all seasons I've ever driven on in snow. In fact, I think Carrie's STI felt more controlled than the FJ, which is a rock in the ice... I was pleasantly surprised.

Overall, 9.5 out of 10 on these tires, and I've have no problems driving these in the snow on a regular basis.

[Kevin M]

Sweet! If these make it through a second winter with the same performance, I'll be all over a set next time I'm in need.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by MattR

Okay, so today, Carrie and I had some time to go play with the STI in the snow. Recall, we put the Continental Extreme DSW's on the car in the fall. Dry traction was great for an all season, we had some chances to push them in the wet and they were fantastic, but up until now, haven't really tested them in the snow.

Well, these tires are unbelievable in the snow. We were on an ice base with about 2" fresh snow on top (extremely slick fall-on-your-ass conditions)..And I could get starting traction like I was in the wet, and the stopping performance was very predictable and controlled. Honestly, with my 04 STI, I had given up entirely on all seasons and went full snows, I hated that the all seasons are were such a compromise in the snow.... I can best compare these Conti's to the 2nd Generation Dunlop Wintersport M2's (Full winter tires) I had on my 04 STI and these All seasons put those to shame. Seriously, I think these are the best all seasons I've ever driven on in snow. In fact, I think Carrie's STI felt more controlled than the FJ, which is a rock in the ice... I was pleasantly surprised.

Overall, 9.5 out of 10 on these tires, and I've have no problems driving these in the snow on a regular basis.

Crazy. I'm starting to think I should have considered a set for Lisa's car so we don't need two sets of wheels for it.

On the other hand, her car on WS70's with the ground clearance and auto tranny makes ice/snow seem like pavement.

[cody]

Originally Posted by Kevin M

Sweet! If these make it through a second winter with the same performance, I'll be all over a set next time I'm in need.

Yep, they are as versatile of a tire as you could rationally hope for. The only question is longevity. I remember it being slightly suspect in the reviews/ratings. Amanda loves her 3 now. Getting rid of the toe-out in the rear was a big part of it, but she doesn't want to swap cars when it snows anymore.

[rory_a]

Originally Posted by MattR

Overall, 9.5 out of 10 on these tires, and I've have no problems driving these in the snow on a regular basis.

Not sure of anyone else is looking for this info (this thread), but I was as it's time for new tires for Jenn's Impreza, replacing the stockers at about 35k, before they're dead.

After reading Matt's little review I'm pretty sure we will be picking up a set of the Conti DWS. Jenn likes to drive fast, and while it's not a performance car, id like to have a decent tire on it as we typically drive it to Tahoe and Sac for family stuff.

The 50k mileage warranty gives me some hope for long life, the performance rating gives me hope of holding up on some of the more twisty roads, the snow traction means she will be fine (too much snow means no work/school), and the price at $99 is pretty reasonable.

I had hoped to get her some 17s first, but doesnt look like that's gonna happen.

[MattR]

Yeah, I still stand by the DWS as my favorite. In Fact, I put 215 45 17 on the MINI Cooper. So when the snow finally hits, I'll have a FWD turbo comparison to add to the mix.

[rory_a]

Decided to put 225/45/17 DWS on the stock BBS and mount them on Jenn's Impreza. Been wanting to get her a decent set of wheels that aren't too expensive. Can't get a whole lot better as far as that goes than forged BBS lol.

Also going to put 235/40/18 on the new RPFs for the STi. No need for super rubber on it as I'll keep the 17" RPFs for sone RS3s. Since the DWS aren't a whole lot more in that size than the Federal RS-R, getting longer lasting, more comfortable, more daily driver friendly rubber makes since.

Figure since we don't need to drive either on really bad days, we don't need studs/studless.