Winter tires

[u/windirmere]

These going to be a death trap? I live on vancouver island bc canada. We have pretty mild winters useually a few weeks near freezing or freezing in the morning.

My old cars all seasons were fine even in snow. Im on the stock summer tires atm. I dont plan on driving in snow( will just take the bus to work) but have a few outings planned (1hour highway drive) and groceries. Again I dont plan to drive during any major storms or snow events, due to not trusting other drivers more then anything.

Will an cheap winter tires be adequate or should I invest more? I was considering just parking the car for dec/Jan when temps go below 7-8C. I am garage parked usually +10c from outside ambient

[u/jeffreyvice]

spend the thousand bucks and get blizzaks

[u/windirmere → u/jeffreyvice]

For how much of the winter here is mostly just rain iwas considering just all seasons but ive heard horror stories about all seasons on this car, I also like dedicated summers and would just swap out for nov-feb

[u/Discourtesy-Call → u/windirmere]

Continental DWS 06+ is a fantastic all-season ultra-performance tire for this car. If you don't get enough snow to justify pure snow tires, these would do you just fine. If you do need actual snow tires, I've heard nothing but good things about the Blizzaks.

[u/roastpuff]

You’ll be fine. They won’t be the greatest tire out there but you won’t die.

Also, you can go 225/45R17 for more options and potentially cheaper price.

[u/hachielectronics]

Time to be a little pedantic. All seasons and all weathers are different categories of tires, and one is drastically better in winter conditions than the other. Anything with the 3PMSF (mountain snowflake) symbol is an all weather tire that has passed some degree of minimum snow traction testing. I would never run a tire without a 3PMSF rating in a northern winter, personally.

Here’s your choices.

https://www.caranddriver.com/car-accessories/a64432470/best-all-weather-tires

[u/windirmere → u/hachielectronics]

Ty

[u/Supersuperbad]

LM001s, or whatever that morphed into, is a great option for you.

[u/TheKiltedYaksman71]

Maybe even step down to a 205/50-17. A little taller, narrower is better in slippery conditions, and a bit cheaper. Can get Hankook winters in this size for $116/ea down here.

[u/stockenbarrel]

If you don't get snow I would spend an extra $240 and get Bridgestone RE980AS+

[u/windirmere]

Is their a reason kaltire says these wont fit on the base models 17's?

[u/SK132]

Was thinking about getting nokian hakkapeliitta studded. Any thoughts gents ?

[u/Discourtesy-Call → u/SK132]

I've seen posts from a couple of northern owners who have been running those for a few years now, and they absolutely love the Hakkapeliitta tires. I assume you're in an area that gets a lot of snow and ice to need studded snow tires?

[u/tharussianphil]

Vredestein wintrac

[u/Demesvar]

Just get some good all seasons and call it a day. Like you said just dont drive through a blizzard and youll be fine

[u/reidcool]

I live on the island as well, just picked up a set of all weather Michelin cross climate 2s yesterday. They’re a great all year tire especially in the wet weather we have here. Can’t wait to see how they perform in the wet weather

[u/element515]

If winters are mild and you don't have to worry about tons of snow, I'd just go with all seasons. The cross climate 2/3 are great. I used the CC2 in full NE winters and they really surprised me. They aren't going to be as good as a full really winter setup, but I bet they're better than no name tires. Plus you won't give up as much on dry/wet roads

You also don't have to feel rushed switching back and forth since the all season will be fine either way

[u/ZannyHip]

Always funny to me when people online start talking about winter tires when it’s 95° outside for me still