Author Topic: Snow Tires (Read 4145 times)

Jeremyvdm · « **on:** February 27, 2006, 09:44:52 am »

Tire newb

I just bought an '02 Protege 5 that came with new factory all-season tires. These tires suck for even wet pavement let alone snow/ice, so I'm looking at getting snow tires. I have some snow tires, on steel rims, off my '98 Golf (written off), I think the tires will fit, but the bolt pattern is different between the Mazda/VW.

Would it be better to sell the used snow tires and buy new ones, or just buy new steel rims and swap the tires?
What's the cost of a new set of steel rims?

The Protege 5's tires are 195/50/16 Kumho(?) and the Snow tires are 195/60/14, Michelin X-Ice.

Thanks,

Jeremy

tortoise · « **Reply #1 on:** February 27, 2006, 10:00:33 am »

If the Proteges tires are the Kumho's then they are not the original tires. P5's came with Dunlops from the factory.

It will probably be easiest to sell your tires mounted and just buy a new set. If you're comfortable with used tires, people are always selling their winter tires and wheels.

New wheels will cost ~$60 new, but I'd look for a used pair. I paid $100 for my steel set.

articsteve · « **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2006, 03:50:43 pm »

You need to start from scratch and get 15 inch steel rims for that car if available.

tortoise · « **Reply #3 on:** February 28, 2006, 04:00:14 pm »

The P5's can take 14" rims. Not that I'd recommend it.

morty · « **Reply #4 on:** March 01, 2006, 03:14:26 am »

Here are some options for winter:

http://www.tiretrends.com/wheel2/iuc_pview/winterFinder.php

airbalancer · « **Reply #5 on:** March 01, 2006, 07:22:59 am »

Ice Bears are nice, also do not get steelies!!!!! get some nice rims,

Craig · « **Reply #6 on:** March 01, 2006, 07:59:09 am »

?

Snow tires on steelies without hubcaps are as Canadian as Tim Horton's.

No comments on how they taste, please.

airbalancer · « **Reply #7 on:** March 01, 2006, 08:30:36 am »

Tim Horton's coffee

, just like steelies

Morty you have put up some nice cheaper alloys for winter to show these guys,
death to steelies

wing · « **Reply #8 on:** March 01, 2006, 08:38:13 am »

Steelies are great if you drive on bad roads, the roads in ottawa right now are horrible and the road to my curling rink is unmaintained, Alloys would be bent in no time.

tortoise · « **Reply #9 on:** March 01, 2006, 10:45:05 am »

^^ I agree ^^

The roads are nutty, especially north into Quebec. It feels like you're driving a boat in a 2' chop.

Plus, after a few winters of being salt-blasted you can sand 'em down and paint them.

Giant Dwarf · « **Reply #10 on:** March 01, 2006, 02:10:54 pm »

Yeah, but ya gotta look at your car for 5 months of the year with steelies on it then.

The cheapy alloys on mine have received tons of compliments (those AREN'T your good summer wheels?!)

Gardiner Westbound · « **Reply #11 on:** March 01, 2006, 02:29:00 pm »

The tire industry put a real drive on selling winter tires this season. I think it has more to do with enhancing profits than winter driving now that quality all-season tires last so long. In my view unless you're regularly in an area where there's lots of snow all the time or you're the guy who drives the snow plow a set of quality all-seasons in good condition are adequate. This includes all of southern Ontario.

ovr50 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 01, 2006, 02:40:07 pm »

The myth is perpetuated - did you read the recent Winter Traction Test on this site?? Snow tires are not just for snow, they are far superior on ice, in fact, that's probably their greatest benefit.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/traction2006.htm

Check out the linked story, Gardiner W.

Trainman · « **Reply #13 on:** March 01, 2006, 02:52:24 pm »

Quote from: Gardiner Westbound on March 01, 2006, 02:29:00 pm

The tire industry put a real drive on selling winter tires this season. I think it has more to do with enhancing profits than winter driving now that quality all-season tires last so long. In my view unless you're regularly in an area where there's lots of snow all the time or you're the guy who drives the snow plow a set of quality all-seasons in good condition are adequate. This includes all of southern Ontario.

Yeh, I will tell this to the next guy I see in the ditch with his "quality" all seasons, wondering why he slid off.

Another profit driven conspiracy theory.

If it was only that easy ovr

Quote from: ovr50 on March 01, 2006, 02:40:07 pm

The myth is perpetuated - did you read the recent Winter Traction Test on this site?? Snow tires are not just for snow, they are far superior on ice, in fact, that's probably their greatest benefit.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/traction2006.htm

Checl out the linked story, Gardiner W.

Craig · « **Reply #14 on:** March 01, 2006, 04:43:29 pm »

Tire companies are profit-driven. It's true.

It's also true that winter tires will give you more control in cold, icy and snow-covered conditions.

I'm happy to let everyone around me slip and slide. Good winter tires help me to avoid them.

Gardiner Westbound · « **Reply #15 on:** March 01, 2006, 05:17:15 pm »

Opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one¹. -- Insp. 'Dirty' Harry Callahan

¹ Clint Eastwood, Magnum Force, 1973

ovr50 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 01, 2006, 05:31:05 pm »

Well, we listened to all your talk about what a great negotiator you are and no one commented too much. Now you post comments regarding snow tires, such comments being contrary to proven facts regarding the utility of snow tires; and you get annoyed when you get called on it.

You're entitled to your opinion on snow tires. Unfortunately, it's just your opinion and not the opinion of tire experts. Did you read the link provided above? Post a direct query to Morty at Tire Trends and see what his answer is.

Not trying to start a fight here, but you are incorrect about snow tires.

Craig · « **Reply #17 on:** March 01, 2006, 05:42:32 pm »

The good news: Website traffic is up.

The bad news: This is the kind of "traffic" we're getting.

Gardiner Westbound · « **Reply #18 on:** March 01, 2006, 05:47:49 pm »

The quotation is not directed at anybody, and is intended to be humorous. The line is well known and attributed.

Have you confused me with someone who gives a damn about what you think? There is a body of authoritative negative opinion regarding fitting winter tires including the November 2005 Consumer Reports which points out significant disadvantages. Tellingly, CR is neither in the tire nor the advertising-dependent car magazine businesses.

Apparently the buying piece went over your head. Anybody can pay full price. It advocates researching and calculating true dealer cost, imputing a competitive markup, and firmly telling the salesman the maximum you’re prepared to pay. Mostly it works. If not, there’s a zillion cars and dealers out there. Several consumers wrote seeking detailed buying advice, and some salesmen blasted me for disclosing industry secrets.

Here’s the deal. If you disagree with my points of view, don't read me.

ovr50 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 01, 2006, 06:46:36 pm »

Quote from: Gardiner Westbound link=topic=43908.msg226969#msg226969 date=1141253269

Regardless, have you confused me with someone who gives a damn about what you think?
[quote

That was the only comment you made that interests me at all and accurately reflects what I think of your posts. You are a legand in your own mind only.

And I will refrain from responding to any of your future stuff. Life's too short for this foolishness.