Author Topic: Help me choose: snow tires for '02 Acura EL. GT? Bridgestone? Pire... (Read 1725 times)

compact · « **on:** December 08, 2004, 07:00:10 pm »

I think I'd better hurry up in my search for snow tires for my '02 Acura EL. Its 185/65 size is apparently very common, and stocks of all snow tires are dwindling here in Markham/Toronto. Here's what I've been offered so far (supplier-brand/model-price (tire+install+tax):

Steelcase Tires - GT Snow - $502
Steelcase Tires - Bridgestone Blizzak MZ02 - $540
Tire Depot - Pirelli Winter Carving - $470 (they're not sure if they can get these)
Extreme Wheel & Tire - Gislaved NordFrost 3 - $424

Still trying to call Consumer Tire.

What do you folks think? I'm intrigued by the Gislaved: they are owned by Continental, and Swedes have tough winters. Plus that, and the price. Anyway, looking forward to your opinions, and don't be shy: if you think one these is "crap," say so.

)

Thanks,

Compact

slybry · « **Reply #1 on:** December 08, 2004, 07:43:25 pm »

Not on your list but I have been very happy using Michelin Alpines. I find them a very good all round winter tire. They are quiet and the tread life is holding up well. I use the on my Acura 1.6 EL and my Honda Accord. I have no complaints.

My friends have bought the same tires based on my experiance and nobody wants to kick my ass yet.

Watch the tread wear ratings. For exmaple, I think the Blizzaks have a rubber compound in outer layer of tire. Once this is worn away the tire's performance really suffers. I do not think you will get long use out of them.

multipath · « **Reply #2 on:** December 08, 2004, 08:17:34 pm »

The Gislaveds sound like a really good deal. I would look into those some more if I were you. I seem to recall many people saying these are amazing winter tires.

snoopy · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2004, 01:54:42 pm »

If you're looking at Gislaved, why don't you look at Nokian Hakkapilitta 2's? They are a little more expensive, but they are the best winter tire on the market.

I used Toyo Observe GO-2 plus on my 02 EL and let me say they were great in the snow, slush and ice. As I recall, they weren't to expensive as well.

morty · « **Reply #4 on:** December 10, 2004, 02:47:22 am »

Winter tires dont have a tread wear rating. The Blizzak does have 2 compounds. The top portion having micro-cell compound and the rest just having silica. The tire may not be as good when it wears down, but this is the same symptom experienced by all winter tires. As they wear down their performance is diminished