Tire Help!!

[Gazzlo]

So- I really don't know much about tires... but anywhoo... I need GOODwinter tires on my G/F's 2006 Pontiac Wave which run's around with 185/55 R15's.

So- what would be my best bet? Buying new rims and 14" tires? Or trying to find these tires? Or bite the bullet and get hosed by my local tire shop?

[Nicki]

I would recommend the Hankook Ipike 409. Ideally a set of Hankook 404's are the best if you can find some but they were discontinued last year. Or the Yoko Ice Guard. All of which are good. However if you are looking for a good cheaper alternative the Dunlop Graspic ds-2.
However the Hankooks are probably your best bet.

[scubasteve]

I would recommend the Hankook Ipike 409. Ideally a set of Hankook 404's are the best if you can find some but they were discontinued last year. Or the Yoko Ice Guard. All of which are good. However if you are looking for a good cheaper alternative the Dunlop Graspic ds-2.
However the Hankooks are probably your best bet.

What she said. :)

[Gazzlo]

I would recommend the Hankook Ipike 409. Ideally a set of Hankook 404's are the best if you can find some but they were discontinued last year. Or the Yoko Ice Guard. All of which are good. However if you are looking for a good cheaper alternative the Dunlop Graspic ds-2.
However the Hankooks are probably your best bet.

Thanks :) Looks to be relatively a good price too :) Of course, if I bought locally I'd end up paying 3x the price... but thanks to the internets I'll be good to go!

[enlashok]

What she said. :)

seconded I have ipikes on my SE-R they are good tires. Also with winters you want the narrowest ones you can have fitted on the rim that are the same diameter

[Nicki]

Most snow tires are pretty good, just make sure it has a nice block pattern, with deep groves. However if you get studs be wary, they act to your disadvantage on frozen tarmac. Just ask Jason Mardon about the 2004 red Subaru WRX, he took for a swimming lesson.

Sorry Jason....

[Gazzlo]

LOL thats why we look for this on the tire for winter stuff :)

http://www.tirerack.com/images/winter/photos/tech/severe_snowflake.gif

[Nicki]

Also, it might sound stupid, but check if your tires are uni-directional. If you get them mounted backwards, you will do MUCHO damage to the tire, not to mention it will be good as a deer on ice. Well maybe a bit better, maybe just like all seasons (lol- no seasons) on ice.

[chris]

Yokohama AO34 Snow Tires

Simply the best! Can't wait to use these on some Stage roads!

[ronsorem]

Of course, if I bought locally I'd end up paying 3x the price... but thanks to the internets I'll be good to go!

Sorry, I may be a little late on this, but get WHEELS too! You will then be able to switch out easily for a storm, or a rally, or dry roads. If you rely on the local tire store, they may be overwhelmed by tire swaps and not be able to get to your car. WINTER tires, no matter who makes 'em, don't do well on dry pavement for long. Likewise we all know the "no-seasons" that Nicki mentions don't do well on severe conditions.

The bit about narrow as possible is true enough for deep snow, not so critical otherwise. If you can find a 65-series that is the same diameter as your 55-series, you will be better prepared.

Just my 2-cents (usd)
--Ron

[chris]

Just my 2-cents (usd)
--Ron

Damn that USD :p

[FlyingFinn]

Also, it might sound stupid, but check if your tires are uni-directional. If you get them mounted backwards, you will do MUCHO damage to the tire, not to mention it will be good as a deer on ice. Well maybe a bit better, maybe just like all seasons (lol- no seasons) on ice.

I've never experienced any damage to tires running them counter-direction, but I suppose it's possible.

A tip to 2wd competitors with directional tires: put them on correctly for the driven wheels, and backwards on the other 2. The backwards ones will clear better under braking. Best of all, when you rotate them front to back, the set that was backwards will still be 'sharp' when flipped around and put on the driven wheels. (notice how the biting edge of the tread blocks round off with use, turning them around will make them feel new)

-Eric
(Not a recommended tip for daily drivers btw - as Nicky says, there may be trade offs with increased wear or who knows what. I will put it out there that we've tried running directional tires backwards and correctly oriented back to back and never really noticed a difference in grip, unless it was slushy or muddy. But that could easily depend on the brand and model, not all tires are alike)

[chris]

If your looking for some basic education on tires, watch Andrew Comrie-Picard (ACP) talk about tire selection.

Watch Video Here (http://www.flatovercrest.com/2008/05/rally-tire-stra.html)