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Author Topic: Winter Tires.  (Read 1999 times)

Offline Adam12

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Winter Tires.
« on: December 13, 2007, 01:30:19 pm »
New to the site.

Just bought an 04 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer about 2 weeks ago with 245/65/R17 BF Goodrich T/As. For Vancouver, these are normally just fine.

However - we are driving to Saskatoon for Christmas and I'm thinking we'll need winter tires. Am I right? Dumb question? I don't want to buy a set if I don't really need them in Vancouver.

This late in the game there's not a lot of choice out there. In fact, my stock size is pretty much sold out. I've located the following and am looking for some advice.

255/60 TOYO G-02 OPEN COUNTRY ($1300 installed - ouch)
255/60 PIRRELLI SCORPION ICE & SNOW $1250 installed)
245/70 COOPER ARCTIC CLAW ($900 installed)

Don't know much about Coopers. Any thoughts? Also - would these sizes be ok?

Thanks so much.
Adam





« Last Edit: December 13, 2007, 06:48:01 pm by Adam12 »
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Offline mmret

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Re: Winter Tires.
« Reply #1 on: December 13, 2007, 07:24:01 pm »
Thats quite a trip, I don't know exactly what prarie conditions are like but I would prefer to have winter rubbers for this one.

However, given the cost, isn't it almost cheaper to fly? Granted you may need the car as a runabout once you are there...in which case ignore this sentence. :)

The size on the Cooper is a bit off I think, but otherwise for what sounds like occasional use the crummiest winter tire will be much, much better than the best all season so you may be good to just let your wallet decide which set.
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Offline ovr50

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Re: Winter Tires.
« Reply #2 on: December 13, 2007, 07:26:14 pm »
YES, you need winter tires for that trip this time of year, no question.

Assuming the size is OK, the Coopers probably do you in that you will likely take them off in about late Feb in Vanc.
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Offline Titanium48

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Re: Winter Tires.
« Reply #3 on: December 13, 2007, 07:31:31 pm »
Prairie conditions usually aren't that bad, but driving through the BC interior without winter tires is not a good idea. 
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Offline wing

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Re: Winter Tires.
« Reply #4 on: December 13, 2007, 07:32:54 pm »
If you are going to dump a grand for tires, mmret's question is pretty relevant.

How much to fly and rent?
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Offline rrocket

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Re: Winter Tires.
« Reply #5 on: December 13, 2007, 07:38:25 pm »
Had Coopers on my Lexus and was very pleased with them.....
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Offline HeliDriver

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Re: Winter Tires.
« Reply #6 on: December 13, 2007, 07:50:30 pm »
Are the tires BFG Rugged Trail T/As? Are they new, with lots of tread left?

If so, I don't see any problem heading to the prairies on those. Sure, they're not going to be as good as real winter tires, but if you use a little extra caution, they'll certainly get the job done.

Before I became a winter-tire convert, I had a set of the older BFG Trail T/As on my Pathfinder. Somehow I managed to get through four accident-free winters on those, and that was driving back and forth to the ski hills in the Rockies.
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Offline Adam12

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Re: Winter Tires.
« Reply #7 on: December 14, 2007, 01:07:16 am »
Thanks guys.

We would have flown but it's four (two kids) of us so flights were around $2400 (welcome to holiday airfare in Canada).

Yes - they are Rugged Trails and are in great condition but I think for piece of mind alone winter tires seem the way to go. It's just impossible to find my stock size in ANYTHING right now so I'm a little worried.

A Ford dealer was telling me that these different sizes can affect ABS, handling, braking, computer components etc.... anyone had any troubles like this with changing sizes?

Thanks again - really appreciate the feedback.
Adam
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Offline articsteve

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Re: Winter Tires.
« Reply #8 on: December 14, 2007, 01:36:58 am »
You should check out TireTrends.  Link is at top of this page.  The Coopers are the wrong size.  They are more than 3% out. 
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Offline inco

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Re: Winter Tires.
« Reply #9 on: December 14, 2007, 06:30:40 am »
I would be tempted to consider renting a car for the trip equipped with winter tires.
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Offline Accordingly

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Re: Winter Tires.
« Reply #10 on: December 14, 2007, 08:18:07 am »
Look for tire dealers in Washington to expand the selection; pricing may make it worth the drive. I put Scorpions on my MDX, and have been pleased with them so far, although it has not been particularly wintery.
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Offline Adam12

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Re: Winter Tires.
« Reply #11 on: December 14, 2007, 11:47:59 am »
Had to bite the bullet on some Pierrelli Scorpions 255/60/17s.

Please tell me I should be fine with these tires and size.
Thanks for any input.

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