kmorris

I live in central Illinois in an area that gets an average annual snowfall of about 24 inches, 4-7 inches a month from dec-march. Temps are cold enough averaging probably in the 30's during that time. I've at least skimmed through the stickies and a lot of the posts on snow tires.

I am trying to decide if that is enough snow to justify dedicated snows for the rx-8, or for the same $$ just get some UHP "all-seasons" and call it a day. I don't relish the idea of changing tires twice a year really, but also don't like the idea of giving up 'a lot' of performance either. The 8 is more or less my daily driver, though I do still have my old front wheel drive saturn SL, which is maybe worth about the same as a set of tires for the 8, but gets about twice as many miles per gallon.

any thoughts?

xy4xx

do u know where champaign-urbana is? I was from there. now I am in northern va. u should be fine if u have experiences w/ rear wheel drive. I have a friend there that used to drive a camero z28. he seem to be ok driving the car in the winter. I know that he didn't change his tires for the winter. :p

Dark8

Don't know about the Dunlops but the Bridgestones quit gripping at around 40 degrees. Add wet or snow to that and you will be in trouble. A good all season tire will help. But in the end you need to ask yourself if not buying snow tires is worth a possible fender bender or wreck?

mauricio

If you get a lot of snow where you live and you use your 8 everyday snow tires would be best. I use it everyday but when it snows the roads get cleaned fast or I would stay home just to be safe. I bougth Avon Tech all season great rating on this tires dunlops all season are good also.

This winter will be the test for my all seasons.

Zoomby_U

Take it from me ... if you want to drive your 8 in the snow and stay alive GET WINTER TIRES! If you run on stock tires, I guarantee you'll be getting up close and personal with a few curbs or light posts! And usually snow is the least of your concerns, when the slush and sleet starts, thats where the fun begins!

Seriously though .... its really a necessity in winter climates where there is snow to protect you and most importantly everyone else around you!

Just my 2 cents.

Zoomby_U

Mugatu

iTrader: (1)

if it snows 1/2", you NEED snow tires. there are no ifs, ands or buts. whether it's a dusting or a blizzard, the stock tires do absolutely NOTHING in the snow. The expense of the tires is nothing compared to repairing your 8 from the damage you WILL do to your car and others.

take it from the hundreds who tried it here. there are some that thought that 'they were superior drivers and didn't need snows' and then realized that they could even leave their own driveway.

mmats69

Bridgestone Potenza = no snow traction.

Suggestion - move to alabama where i live. We say "snow, what the hell is that?"

They predict half an inch of snow here, schools close, bread, milk, and water vanish. Its a mad house i tell ya...lol

RA-Eight

iTrader: (6)

Since you have a beater car, I'd garage the 8 for the winter, and use the beater. That's a luxory most of us don't have.

But like everyone here said, the 8 w/ stock tires is horrid in winter/snow driving. I found that out last winter on a mere 1/4" snow. Since then, I got a set of Winter Michelin PS on 17" wheels that I can't wait to try out.