Topic: All-seasons for my Corolla - recommendations?

[Craig]

Years ago I went from Yokohama Guardex on the drive wheels (full red on the CU test of the time for snow traction) to Michelin Arctic Alpin (half red). The Guardex were noticeably better as far as drive traction on snow/ice went, and I have been reminded of that when I start off in slippery conditions every winter since.

Yep, the Arctic Alpins suck in the snow.  Passable in ice or slush, but that hardly matters to you when your car is stuck in 3" of snow.  God, those things were awful.  Michelin couldn't replace them with the X-Ice fast enough.

But you're running them on the drive wheels only?  Not the best idea, I'm afraid.  Four matching snows is the way to go, though one could effectuvely argue that there is nothing "arctic" about the Arctic Alpin.

[PJungnitsch]

Sorry to hear about your experience. I didn't find them bad in snow, just a step down from the Yokohamas, which were exceptional. Got X-Ices coming in at the end of the week, look forward to trying them.

[mp3butt]

Hey Morty,

I have the hard mag in front of me now.  They didn't explain specifically this time, but I remeber in an old issue few years back the test was kind of explained in more details. I do have the fine print explaining the results, however.

Dry braking: was from 60 mph
Wet braking: was from 40 mph with ABS engaged
Handling: includes how well the tires gripped in an avoidance maneuver involving a swerve into the left lane and back into the right lane, dry and wet cornering grip, and subjective steering feel
Hydroplaning: how fast they drive in water before they lose contact with pavement
Rolling resistance: tested on a dynamometer.
Snow traction: reflects the distance the car needed to accelerate from 5 to 20 mpg on moderately packed snow
inc braking: on a rink, from 10 mph with ABS engaged

Ride and noise: onroad judgments
Tread life: indicator of wear potential on CR's 16000 miles mixed-driving test.

Hope that helps
Mp3butt