Topic: UNSAFE ICEBEAR W300 ON FORD FOCUS ZX3

[morty]

We have had no complaints on the stability of the W300 when compared to other winter tires. They are definitely different in handling when compared to your summers, but not as dramatic as you are describing. The alignment setup can definitely have a bearing on how your vehicle drives especially on heavily crowned roads.  

Curious to hear what effect the air-pressure and alignment will make. Hoping to hear that it is more positive post alignment.

We have many customers running on the W300 and majority have very positive feedback. This includes myself. We currently have a small winter storm in Vancouver and the tires have been a lot of fun. Driving has also included a ski trip up to Big White. No problems getting around and the tires are also good in wet and stable in dry. I  have had these tires up to 180km and did not feel unsafe in the least. Only time I find them squirrelly is when driving over a grated bridge surface. In my situation, I went from 19" summers to 18" winters. There was a difference in handling and ride, but the tires are more stable and quieter than the OE all-seasons that came on the car.



Get ready for winter!

[ambient]

Well I can safely say that after the alignment and toe out of the rear wheels the car is as close to 100% as I could get!  Had it out on some back country roads and it drove like it was on dry pavement.  I can actually go the speed limit now and not feel like im going to die!

So the moral of the story is, even if it is a brand new car like mine and you are having stability problems get the alignment done ASAP!

Thanks for the input everyone, I guess I should change the title for this post to  
Super Safe Icebear w300 on Ford Focus ZX3

(Message edited by AMBIENT on January 10, 2005)

[multipath]

Glad this had a happy ending!

[S60]

Good stuff Ambient, BTW is your ZX3 a MY2005,
and how about a review on your car.

[mrthompson]

I just love happy endings.  It brings a tear to my eye.  



Thanks for giving us the update.

[brian]

Congratulations!  Glad this problem got fixed. I guess the car had enough grip on dry pavement with the non-winter tires that the misalignment wasn't apparent.

[ambient]

Brian, no it was squirrly on dry pavement too but i thought it was just the nature of the car. But now im sure with the summer tires i should have MUCH better handling.  

And as for S60's request for a review, my car is a 2004 model that I bought a few months ago, got a GREAT deal on it! $3000 off and $2500 for my Fiat and 0% purchase for 5 years!    
I looked at every car under $20k can. and by far the ford was the best built and best handling car in the group.  The interior fit and finish is almost on par with my old 3 series BMW.  The car is quick, fun, and tight handling.  With the factory 16" rims an Pirelli tires it corners like a Mini does.  I drive HARD and the car keeps up no problems with my driving style(minus the winter driving problems i was having) I love the styling of the 2004 modesl, the 2005 in not quite as keen on but still very nice cars, I really like Euro styling that they used.
I never thought I would own a Ford but the zx series are definate winners in my book thus far!

[morty]

Good news! It shows how there can be other factors causing problems, but it is always easiest to blame the tires. In your case the problem was accentuated because the winter tire had more tread flex. We often assume that since a vehicle is new the alignment must be perfect, but very often the new cars do require an adjustment.

Enjoy the tires!



TireTrends - Get ready for winter!

[Brigitte]

What a perfect thread.  A problem; solutions offered; solutions considered; open communication; and a happy ending.  

Very nice.  Glad it all worked out well for you, Ambient.

Brigitte