Suddeny horrible snow traction
12-06-2007, 08:23 PM
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Suddeny horrible snow traction
My 98 Prelude came with brand new Hankook HRII tires a year and a half ago. Since then, the tires have aged 15k miles. The tires still have a decent amount of tread left. What I don't understand is that last winter the performance in snow was fine. I actually thought it was pretty good.
This time around however, even with barely any snow on the ground it's all over the place accelerating from a start, braking, turning, etc.
Any ideas?
I had to make a trip to Madison, WI a couple days ago in relatively heavy snow and it was hell. I deflated the tires from 32 to 27psi on the way, which helped some, but I still could barely maintain 45mph on the fairly plowed highway.
This time around however, even with barely any snow on the ground it's all over the place accelerating from a start, braking, turning, etc.
Any ideas?
I had to make a trip to Madison, WI a couple days ago in relatively heavy snow and it was hell. I deflated the tires from 32 to 27psi on the way, which helped some, but I still could barely maintain 45mph on the fairly plowed highway.
12-06-2007, 08:41 PM
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Re: (toyomatt84)
I know they're not great tires, but the first snow this season completely caught me by surprise, esp considering they haven't worn substantially and were fine last year.
12-07-2007, 06:42 AM
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Re: (vinuneuro)
There are lots of variables in winter driving. One is temperature, for example if the roads are salted but it's too cold for the salt to melt anything. Another is the nature of the snow itself, whether or not it's melting and forming ice, etc.
One other possibility. After 15K miles, your tires probably have less tread depth; they may look like they still have tread left, but they won't do as well as when they were new and had full tread depth. You can measure the tread depth yourself. It's 10/32" when new. For winter use, lots of people replace tires at 4/32" or even 6/32" in order to maintain winter capabilities.
As noted by toyomatt84, all-seasons are not as good as winter tires at handling snow to begin with, and these are not particularly good at their winter capabilities. The diagonal tread pattern is a tip-off; it resembles many summer tires, designed to shed water well in rain, without the lateral tread pattern typical of winter tires that deal well with snow.
This is why a lot of people buy winter tires. You might want to consider a set. And they're not that expensive. For example, on a '98 Prelide, you can use 195/60-15 tires on 15" wheels. Right now the Tire Rack has one of the very best studless winter tires, the Bridgestone Blizzak REVO-1, on closeout in that size for $58 each. They also have 15" steel wheels for $36 each. That means you can get a set of wheels and great winter tires for $376 plus shipping, and mounting and balancing is free if you buy both together.
One other possibility. After 15K miles, your tires probably have less tread depth; they may look like they still have tread left, but they won't do as well as when they were new and had full tread depth. You can measure the tread depth yourself. It's 10/32" when new. For winter use, lots of people replace tires at 4/32" or even 6/32" in order to maintain winter capabilities.
As noted by toyomatt84, all-seasons are not as good as winter tires at handling snow to begin with, and these are not particularly good at their winter capabilities. The diagonal tread pattern is a tip-off; it resembles many summer tires, designed to shed water well in rain, without the lateral tread pattern typical of winter tires that deal well with snow.
This is why a lot of people buy winter tires. You might want to consider a set. And they're not that expensive. For example, on a '98 Prelide, you can use 195/60-15 tires on 15" wheels. Right now the Tire Rack has one of the very best studless winter tires, the Bridgestone Blizzak REVO-1, on closeout in that size for $58 each. They also have 15" steel wheels for $36 each. That means you can get a set of wheels and great winter tires for $376 plus shipping, and mounting and balancing is free if you buy both together.
12-07-2007, 08:32 AM
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Re: (nsxtasy)
Eh, I saw what those steel wheels look like. Winter lasts too long use those. 
I agree that those tires seem to be an outstanding deal atm. Do you have any opinion on using winter tires for just the front wheels? Just an idea.
I agree that those tires seem to be an outstanding deal atm. Do you have any opinion on using winter tires for just the front wheels? Just an idea.
12-07-2007, 08:57 AM
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Re: (vinuneuro)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vinuneuro »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Eh, I saw what those steel wheels look like. Winter lasts too long use those. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Nobody cares what your wheels look like in winter, when they're caked with salt. And they will keep that salt off your nice alloy wheels.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vinuneuro »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I agree that those tires seem to be an outstanding deal atm. Do you have any opinion on using winter tires for just the front wheels? Just an idea. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Not a good idea. Your front wheels will grip better than your rear wheels. This causes a condition called oversteer, in which the car's rear end wants to swing around on curves. If you get winter tires, get all four of them.
</TD></TR></TABLE>Nobody cares what your wheels look like in winter, when they're caked with salt. And they will keep that salt off your nice alloy wheels.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vinuneuro »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I agree that those tires seem to be an outstanding deal atm. Do you have any opinion on using winter tires for just the front wheels? Just an idea. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Not a good idea. Your front wheels will grip better than your rear wheels. This causes a condition called oversteer, in which the car's rear end wants to swing around on curves. If you get winter tires, get all four of them.
12-07-2007, 03:36 PM
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Re: (nsxtasy)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Nobody cares what your wheels look like in winter, when they're caked with salt. And they will keep that salt off your nice alloy wheels.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
A wheel covered in white salt looks like any other wheel covered in white salt.
Another factor might be that you forgot a bit of what driving in winter is like. You were spoiled all summer long with excellent traction.
Nobody cares what your wheels look like in winter, when they're caked with salt. And they will keep that salt off your nice alloy wheels.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
A wheel covered in white salt looks like any other wheel covered in white salt.
Another factor might be that you forgot a bit of what driving in winter is like. You were spoiled all summer long with excellent traction.
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12-08-2007, 11:12 AM
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Re: (vinuneuro)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vinuneuro »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Eh, I saw what those steel wheels look like. Winter lasts too long use those.
I agree that those tires seem to be an outstanding deal atm. Do you have any opinion on using winter tires for just the front wheels? Just an idea. </TD></TR></TABLE>
There are allseasons that do great in the snow, and others that don't. With the tread pattern as stated above, you probably have one that doesn't and all it took was 15000 mi of wear to make it scary.
I wouldn't recommend winter tires for Chicago unless you're often driving out of the city where the plows arent as prevalent. If I were in your situation and didnt have to drive wisconsin a lot, I'd replace the current set with better allseasons. If you do have to drive a lot up there, then I'd probably bite the bullet and accept the extremely crappy handling of a winter tire and buy a set.
I agree that those tires seem to be an outstanding deal atm. Do you have any opinion on using winter tires for just the front wheels? Just an idea. </TD></TR></TABLE>
There are allseasons that do great in the snow, and others that don't. With the tread pattern as stated above, you probably have one that doesn't and all it took was 15000 mi of wear to make it scary.
I wouldn't recommend winter tires for Chicago unless you're often driving out of the city where the plows arent as prevalent. If I were in your situation and didnt have to drive wisconsin a lot, I'd replace the current set with better allseasons. If you do have to drive a lot up there, then I'd probably bite the bullet and accept the extremely crappy handling of a winter tire and buy a set.
12-08-2007, 11:14 AM
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Re: (CardDealer)
I pulled the trigger on the Blizzak REVO1's (205/55-16) from tirerack, at the closeout price. $80. Not a shabby deal at all imo. Thanks for the heads up nsxtasy.
I'll have another set of wheels/tires for summer, so there was no reason to go with all-seasons again.
Thanks everyone for your input.
I'll have another set of wheels/tires for summer, so there was no reason to go with all-seasons again.
Thanks everyone for your input.
12-08-2007, 01:50 PM
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Re: (CardDealer)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CardDealer »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I wouldn't recommend winter tires for Chicago unless you're often driving out of the city where the plows arent as prevalent. If I were in your situation and didnt have to drive wisconsin a lot, I'd replace the current set with better allseasons. If you do have to drive a lot up there, then I'd probably bite the bullet and accept the extremely crappy handling of a winter tire and buy a set.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I strongly, strongly disagree. In fact, I think this is terrible advice for anyone living in Chicago.
The simple fact is, winter tires perform WAY better in frigid cold and snow and ice than all-seasons. For example, you can see a test of two excellent studless winter tires against a very good all-season on the Tire Rack website here. As you can see, the EL400 all-season performed almost as poorly on ice as the RE750 summer tire they also included in the test.
Furthermore, winter tires perform WAY better when the temperatures are cold, even when the roads are dry. And in Chicago, the temperatures are usually cold, with normal mid-winter highs in the upper twenties and lows in the low teens, and subzero nighttime temperatures fairly common. In these cold temperatures, winter tires - particularly the studless winter tires that are so good on snow and ice - grip much, much, MUCH better than all-seasons. No, neither tire is going to give you handling like you're on a racetrack, but the winter tires will give you better grip and better handling than all-seasons; if one of these tires has "extremely crappy handling" on most winter days in Chicago, it's the all-seasons, not the winter tires.
In any location that experiences frigid temperatures such as these, as well as quite a bit of snow (roughly 40 inches per year) - places such as Chicago, Boston, Minneapolis, Detroit, Buffalo, Toronto, and Montreal - winter tires will give you much better traction and handling on most winter days than all-season tires. If you feel you can get by with all-season tires, go ahead and use them. But please don't claim that they will give better grip or handling, because most of the time, it's just not true.
I strongly, strongly disagree. In fact, I think this is terrible advice for anyone living in Chicago.
The simple fact is, winter tires perform WAY better in frigid cold and snow and ice than all-seasons. For example, you can see a test of two excellent studless winter tires against a very good all-season on the Tire Rack website here. As you can see, the EL400 all-season performed almost as poorly on ice as the RE750 summer tire they also included in the test.
Furthermore, winter tires perform WAY better when the temperatures are cold, even when the roads are dry. And in Chicago, the temperatures are usually cold, with normal mid-winter highs in the upper twenties and lows in the low teens, and subzero nighttime temperatures fairly common. In these cold temperatures, winter tires - particularly the studless winter tires that are so good on snow and ice - grip much, much, MUCH better than all-seasons. No, neither tire is going to give you handling like you're on a racetrack, but the winter tires will give you better grip and better handling than all-seasons; if one of these tires has "extremely crappy handling" on most winter days in Chicago, it's the all-seasons, not the winter tires.
In any location that experiences frigid temperatures such as these, as well as quite a bit of snow (roughly 40 inches per year) - places such as Chicago, Boston, Minneapolis, Detroit, Buffalo, Toronto, and Montreal - winter tires will give you much better traction and handling on most winter days than all-season tires. If you feel you can get by with all-season tires, go ahead and use them. But please don't claim that they will give better grip or handling, because most of the time, it's just not true.
12-08-2007, 06:30 PM
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Re: (nsxtasy)
I think your advice is mostly correct, but is only giving a half truth.
Saying that a winter tire handles better than an allseason on dry conditions is downright wrong. They're like riding on marshmallows even when it's frigid. There's about thirty tirerack reviews of the REVO that say the same thing, and if it weren't true I'm sure there'd be a test touting the dry stopping abilities too.
My WS-50's handled like crap even at -15 deg C when I lived in Canada. They were on my car so I wouldn't wipe out on the snow in the back country.
IMHO, there's a lot of half truth info out there trying to push the winter tire market a lot farther south than it needs to be.
Saying that a winter tire handles better than an allseason on dry conditions is downright wrong. They're like riding on marshmallows even when it's frigid. There's about thirty tirerack reviews of the REVO that say the same thing, and if it weren't true I'm sure there'd be a test touting the dry stopping abilities too.
My WS-50's handled like crap even at -15 deg C when I lived in Canada. They were on my car so I wouldn't wipe out on the snow in the back country.
IMHO, there's a lot of half truth info out there trying to push the winter tire market a lot farther south than it needs to be.
12-08-2007, 06:47 PM
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Re: (cinci27)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by cinci27 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Saying that a winter tire handles better than an allseason on dry conditions is downright wrong. They're like riding on marshmallows even when it's frigid.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You are absolutely 100 percent WRONG about that. In frigid weather, studless winter tires grip better and give better traction and handling than all-season tires. I've driven on both in Chicago, in below-freezing temperatures as well as below-zero temperatures, and there is absolutely no comparison, even on dry pavement. The winter tires grip better. Period.
Granted, no tires can circumvent the laws of physics. The colder the temperatures, the more difficult it is for any tire to grip. Still, in cold temperatures, studless winter tires will give you more grip than all-seasons, even though neither grips anywhere near as well as a summer tire in warm weather. That's why your WS-50 handled like crap in -15 degree conditions - because the temperature was so cold, not because they are winter tires. At the same frigid temperatures, all-seasons grip and handle even WORSE.
Winter tires are designed for a very specific set of environmental conditions - cold temperatures, in dry conditions as well as in snow and ice. All-season tires are designed for a much wider range of environmental conditions, so that they can be used in hot weather as well as cold; as a result, they don't do as well in either set of conditions as tires designed specifically for those conditions.
And that's not only my opinion, but also that of the professional tire experts at the Tire Rack, who say the same thing:
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tire Rack »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Won't All-Season Tires Work Just Fine?
By design, All-Season tires are a compromise intended to provide acceptable traits under a wide variety of conditions. However, that compromised goal prevents them from being a master of any one of them. The All-Season tire tread designs and compounds that are engineered to provide extended mileages and durability under the summer's sun are less effective in winter's freezing temperatures, and through snow and on ice. Specific winter tires deliver much better snow and ice performance than All-Season tires because their tread designs and tread compounds are engineered to master those conditions, while summer tires are engineered to deliver better handling in the rain and on dry roads. Why not have the best tires for each of the conditions you'll encounter?</TD></TR></TABLE>
The amount of information posted here that is just plain wrong continues to amaze me.
You are absolutely 100 percent WRONG about that. In frigid weather, studless winter tires grip better and give better traction and handling than all-season tires. I've driven on both in Chicago, in below-freezing temperatures as well as below-zero temperatures, and there is absolutely no comparison, even on dry pavement. The winter tires grip better. Period.
Granted, no tires can circumvent the laws of physics. The colder the temperatures, the more difficult it is for any tire to grip. Still, in cold temperatures, studless winter tires will give you more grip than all-seasons, even though neither grips anywhere near as well as a summer tire in warm weather. That's why your WS-50 handled like crap in -15 degree conditions - because the temperature was so cold, not because they are winter tires. At the same frigid temperatures, all-seasons grip and handle even WORSE.
Winter tires are designed for a very specific set of environmental conditions - cold temperatures, in dry conditions as well as in snow and ice. All-season tires are designed for a much wider range of environmental conditions, so that they can be used in hot weather as well as cold; as a result, they don't do as well in either set of conditions as tires designed specifically for those conditions.
And that's not only my opinion, but also that of the professional tire experts at the Tire Rack, who say the same thing:
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tire Rack »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Won't All-Season Tires Work Just Fine?
By design, All-Season tires are a compromise intended to provide acceptable traits under a wide variety of conditions. However, that compromised goal prevents them from being a master of any one of them. The All-Season tire tread designs and compounds that are engineered to provide extended mileages and durability under the summer's sun are less effective in winter's freezing temperatures, and through snow and on ice. Specific winter tires deliver much better snow and ice performance than All-Season tires because their tread designs and tread compounds are engineered to master those conditions, while summer tires are engineered to deliver better handling in the rain and on dry roads. Why not have the best tires for each of the conditions you'll encounter?</TD></TR></TABLE>
The amount of information posted here that is just plain wrong continues to amaze me.
12-09-2007, 03:43 AM
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Re: (cinci27)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by cinci27 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I think your advice is mostly correct, but is only giving a half truth.
Saying that a winter tire handles better than an allseason on dry conditions is downright wrong. They're like riding on marshmallows even when it's frigid. There's about thirty tirerack reviews of the REVO that say the same thing, and if it weren't true I'm sure there'd be a test touting the dry stopping abilities too.
My WS-50's handled like crap even at -15 deg C when I lived in Canada. They were on my car so I wouldn't wipe out on the snow in the back country.
IMHO, there's a lot of half truth info out there trying to push the winter tire market a lot farther south than it needs to be.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'll have to agree with Ken as well. I have driven all seasons down to -30 and even -40 once. That was very scary. All seasons become very very hard when they are cold and don't stick. I found that winter rubber stays more pliable and stickier when colder.
The problems you describe could be due to a number of other factors such as improper inflation or there being a lot of fine salt dust on the road.
That being said, in the dry with a winter tire in winter temperatures handle as well as a summer tire in summer temperatures, of course not. But a winter tire in winter temperatures will be better than an all season in winter temperatures.
winter tires in winter
summer tires in summer
life is simple sometimes.
Saying that a winter tire handles better than an allseason on dry conditions is downright wrong. They're like riding on marshmallows even when it's frigid. There's about thirty tirerack reviews of the REVO that say the same thing, and if it weren't true I'm sure there'd be a test touting the dry stopping abilities too.
My WS-50's handled like crap even at -15 deg C when I lived in Canada. They were on my car so I wouldn't wipe out on the snow in the back country.
IMHO, there's a lot of half truth info out there trying to push the winter tire market a lot farther south than it needs to be.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'll have to agree with Ken as well. I have driven all seasons down to -30 and even -40 once. That was very scary. All seasons become very very hard when they are cold and don't stick. I found that winter rubber stays more pliable and stickier when colder.
The problems you describe could be due to a number of other factors such as improper inflation or there being a lot of fine salt dust on the road.
That being said, in the dry with a winter tire in winter temperatures handle as well as a summer tire in summer temperatures, of course not. But a winter tire in winter temperatures will be better than an all season in winter temperatures.
winter tires in winter
summer tires in summer
life is simple sometimes.
12-09-2007, 10:17 AM
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Re: (nsxtasy)
You guys are right about the all-seasons. The compound must be becoming extremely hard at these temps. I installed new shocks 3 weeks ago and wondered why the ride suddenly degraded so much. And we haven't even hit the extreme temps yet.
12-09-2007, 12:26 PM
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Re: (old man neri)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by old man neri »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
in the dry with a winter tire in winter temperatures handle as well as a summer tire in summer temperatures, of course not.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Like I said, they're like riding on marshmallows whether its frigid or not.
What's amazing is that there are pages and pages of information posted about winter tires on HT, yet Ken NEVER states how noticeable the sidewall flex is. Why not? This is a very important consideration when buying a tire. I think this is misleading, and surprising for people who haven't used them before.
in the dry with a winter tire in winter temperatures handle as well as a summer tire in summer temperatures, of course not.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Like I said, they're like riding on marshmallows whether its frigid or not.
What's amazing is that there are pages and pages of information posted about winter tires on HT, yet Ken NEVER states how noticeable the sidewall flex is. Why not? This is a very important consideration when buying a tire. I think this is misleading, and surprising for people who haven't used them before.
12-09-2007, 12:36 PM
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Re: (cinci27)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by cinci27 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
This[side wall flex] is a very important consideration when buying a tire.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Not to me really. I am more concerned with grip on ice, snow, and water/slush when dealing with a winter tire. Maybe I am just difference.
This[side wall flex] is a very important consideration when buying a tire.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Not to me really. I am more concerned with grip on ice, snow, and water/slush when dealing with a winter tire. Maybe I am just difference.
12-09-2007, 01:10 PM
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Re: (cinci27)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by cinci27 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What's amazing is that there are pages and pages of information posted about winter tires on HT, yet Ken NEVER states how noticeable the sidewall flex is. Why not?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Because sidewall flex isn't an important consideration for tires in a winter climate. When the temperatures are below freezing - often well below freezing - handling is no longer a consideration, because no tire is going to handle very well. What matters is grip - grip on dry pavement, grip on snow, and grip on ice, so that you can still control your car.
Complaining about sidewall flex in winter conditions is like complaining about tire noise on a racetrack. It's irrelevant to what really matters in those conditions.
Because sidewall flex isn't an important consideration for tires in a winter climate. When the temperatures are below freezing - often well below freezing - handling is no longer a consideration, because no tire is going to handle very well. What matters is grip - grip on dry pavement, grip on snow, and grip on ice, so that you can still control your car.
Complaining about sidewall flex in winter conditions is like complaining about tire noise on a racetrack. It's irrelevant to what really matters in those conditions.
12-10-2007, 03:30 AM
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Re: (nsxtasy)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Because sidewall flex isn't an important consideration for tires in a winter climate. When the temperatures are below freezing - often well below freezing - handling is no longer a consideration, because no tire is going to handle very well. What matters is grip - grip on dry pavement, grip on snow, and grip on ice, so that you can still control your car.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I beg to differ. When you're driving on non extreme conditions for a significant/majority of the time, it makes a huge difference in the decision to buy the tire. Tire response is just as important on the interstate as grip, haven't you ever swerved? In any case, I don't see any reason to neglect mentioning it when you give such a comprehensive schpeal otherwise.
Because sidewall flex isn't an important consideration for tires in a winter climate. When the temperatures are below freezing - often well below freezing - handling is no longer a consideration, because no tire is going to handle very well. What matters is grip - grip on dry pavement, grip on snow, and grip on ice, so that you can still control your car.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I beg to differ. When you're driving on non extreme conditions for a significant/majority of the time, it makes a huge difference in the decision to buy the tire. Tire response is just as important on the interstate as grip, haven't you ever swerved? In any case, I don't see any reason to neglect mentioning it when you give such a comprehensive schpeal otherwise.
12-10-2007, 05:30 AM
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Re: (CardDealer)
how bad is this sidewall flex? Im about to buy some blizzak ws50's for my civic and im in chicago. I did somewhat ok on my toyo all seasons last few years but there was a few times i feel that a winter tire would have been safer.
i just drive normal, i dont speed around corners. so im just wondering how bad the handling is. am i going to have to drive slower or something? like i said i drive normal, speed limit in city and highway is usually what i do.
any help would be great!
thanks
i just drive normal, i dont speed around corners. so im just wondering how bad the handling is. am i going to have to drive slower or something? like i said i drive normal, speed limit in city and highway is usually what i do.
any help would be great!
thanks
12-10-2007, 05:36 AM
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Re: (y7turbo)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by y7turbo »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">how bad is this sidewall flex? </TD></TR></TABLE>
I never noticed a problem but I don't really thrash my civic around in the winter, not really in the summer either.
I never noticed a problem but I don't really thrash my civic around in the winter, not really in the summer either.
12-10-2007, 07:12 AM
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Re: (y7turbo)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by y7turbo »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">how bad is this sidewall flex? Im about to buy some blizzak ws50's for my civic and im in chicago. I did somewhat ok on my toyo all seasons last few years but there was a few times i feel that a winter tire would have been safer.
i just drive normal, i dont speed around corners. so im just wondering how bad the handling is. am i going to have to drive slower or something? like i said i drive normal, speed limit in city and highway is usually what i do.
any help would be great!
thanks</TD></TR></TABLE>
Get the REVO1's. They're much cheaper right now.
i just drive normal, i dont speed around corners. so im just wondering how bad the handling is. am i going to have to drive slower or something? like i said i drive normal, speed limit in city and highway is usually what i do.
any help would be great!
thanks</TD></TR></TABLE>
Get the REVO1's. They're much cheaper right now.
12-10-2007, 07:25 AM
#22
Honda-Tech Member
Re: (vinuneuro)
ill take a look if they have them in my size for 14" wheels.
edit: no revo1 in my size a tire rack.
i did find a guy local selling some prelli snowsport 210's 205/45/16 with some decent looking rims for 450. the tires only have about 5k miles on them.
im thinking of getting those.
edit: no revo1 in my size a tire rack.
i did find a guy local selling some prelli snowsport 210's 205/45/16 with some decent looking rims for 450. the tires only have about 5k miles on them.
im thinking of getting those.
12-10-2007, 08:37 AM
#23
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Re: (y7turbo)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by y7turbo »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">how bad is this sidewall flex? Im about to buy some blizzak ws50's for my civic and im in chicago. I did somewhat ok on my toyo all seasons last few years but there was a few times i feel that a winter tire would have been safer.
i just drive normal, i dont speed around corners. so im just wondering how bad the handling is. am i going to have to drive slower or something? like i said i drive normal, speed limit in city and highway is usually what i do.
any help would be great!
thanks</TD></TR></TABLE>
I've got a stock SI so its extremely noticeable to me. I'm spirited, but I never raced around corners and definitely had to slow down a lot more to take corners. Probably the scariest is when you're on the interstate. You turn the wheel, and a second later you finally catch up to the tires. I drove many times back and forth from the NW Chicago burbs to school in W Lafayette (go boilers!) on the I-65 autobahn during the winters.
In my opinion they were good the few times I got caught in storms and everyone was driving 35mph, but the rest of the time it felt like I could wreck more easily because of the response delay.
If you honestly drive the speed limit on the interstate, 55mph or 65mph, then you probably wont care how the tire reacts. If you push over 70 mph ever, then you need to be informed before you make a decision.
i just drive normal, i dont speed around corners. so im just wondering how bad the handling is. am i going to have to drive slower or something? like i said i drive normal, speed limit in city and highway is usually what i do.
any help would be great!
thanks</TD></TR></TABLE>
I've got a stock SI so its extremely noticeable to me. I'm spirited, but I never raced around corners and definitely had to slow down a lot more to take corners. Probably the scariest is when you're on the interstate. You turn the wheel, and a second later you finally catch up to the tires. I drove many times back and forth from the NW Chicago burbs to school in W Lafayette (go boilers!) on the I-65 autobahn during the winters.
In my opinion they were good the few times I got caught in storms and everyone was driving 35mph, but the rest of the time it felt like I could wreck more easily because of the response delay.
If you honestly drive the speed limit on the interstate, 55mph or 65mph, then you probably wont care how the tire reacts. If you push over 70 mph ever, then you need to be informed before you make a decision.
12-10-2007, 09:59 AM
#24
H-T Order of Merit
Re: (y7turbo)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by y7turbo »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">ill take a look if they have them in my size for 14" wheels.
edit: no revo1 in my size a tire rack.</TD></TR></TABLE>
In the studless winter tire category, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50, Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60, Bridgestone Blizzak REVO1, and Michelin X-Ice are all excellent tires. Bridgestone is discontinuing the WS-50 and REVO1, so you might be able to get a good deal on either of those.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by y7turbo »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i did find a guy local selling some prelli snowsport 210's 205/45/16 with some decent looking rims for 450. the tires only have about 5k miles on them.
im thinking of getting those.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Beware used winter tires. The big problem is tread depth. Winter tires come new with 11 to 12 32nds of an inch of tread depth, sometimes even more. They work great on snow and ice when they have a lot of tread depth. Once they wear down, they don't work so well; in fact, the Tire Rack recommends replacing winter tires when they reach 6/32" of tread depth.
Another aspect of tread depth on the Blizzaks in particular is the tread compound. The outer 55 percent of the tread has their multicell compound, which gives the tires extra traction on ice by acting like a sponge and absorbing moisture. Once you get down to 45 percent of the tread remaining, you no longer have this technology working for you.
The Pirelli Snowsport 210 is decent, but not quite as good as the Blizzaks or X-Ice. But again, tread depth is crucial. Rather than claims of x thousand miles or x percent of tread left, ask him to measure the tread depth. When new, it comes with 11/32" of tread depth. If they still have 9-10/32" of tread depth, they might be a good deal. If they have only 6-7/32" of tread depth, I wouldn't get them.
edit: no revo1 in my size a tire rack.</TD></TR></TABLE>
In the studless winter tire category, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50, Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60, Bridgestone Blizzak REVO1, and Michelin X-Ice are all excellent tires. Bridgestone is discontinuing the WS-50 and REVO1, so you might be able to get a good deal on either of those.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by y7turbo »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i did find a guy local selling some prelli snowsport 210's 205/45/16 with some decent looking rims for 450. the tires only have about 5k miles on them.
im thinking of getting those.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Beware used winter tires. The big problem is tread depth. Winter tires come new with 11 to 12 32nds of an inch of tread depth, sometimes even more. They work great on snow and ice when they have a lot of tread depth. Once they wear down, they don't work so well; in fact, the Tire Rack recommends replacing winter tires when they reach 6/32" of tread depth.
Another aspect of tread depth on the Blizzaks in particular is the tread compound. The outer 55 percent of the tread has their multicell compound, which gives the tires extra traction on ice by acting like a sponge and absorbing moisture. Once you get down to 45 percent of the tread remaining, you no longer have this technology working for you.
The Pirelli Snowsport 210 is decent, but not quite as good as the Blizzaks or X-Ice. But again, tread depth is crucial. Rather than claims of x thousand miles or x percent of tread left, ask him to measure the tread depth. When new, it comes with 11/32" of tread depth. If they still have 9-10/32" of tread depth, they might be a good deal. If they have only 6-7/32" of tread depth, I wouldn't get them.
12-10-2007, 03:44 PM
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Re: (y7turbo)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by y7turbo »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">how bad is this sidewall flex? Im about to buy some blizzak ws50's for my civic and im in chicago. I did somewhat ok on my toyo all seasons last few years but there was a few times i feel that a winter tire would have been safer.
i just drive normal, i dont speed around corners. so im just wondering how bad the handling is. am i going to have to drive slower or something? like i said i drive normal, speed limit in city and highway is usually what i do.
any help would be great!
thanks</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yea, you'll notice it. I recommend you try finding someone with them already and see if they're for you. Didnt know of anyone else in Chicago with em though.
i just drive normal, i dont speed around corners. so im just wondering how bad the handling is. am i going to have to drive slower or something? like i said i drive normal, speed limit in city and highway is usually what i do.
any help would be great!
thanks</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yea, you'll notice it. I recommend you try finding someone with them already and see if they're for you. Didnt know of anyone else in Chicago with em though.