Snow
08-19-2005, 02:10 PM
#26
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Vazoom
I've read the thread and would appreciate any definitive advice for purchasing tires/wheel for use in a Missouri winter. It seems like snow tires might be overkill here, but has anyone driven successfully through a winter on all-season tires? My commute just changed from 3 miles to 37 miles. I can't walk to work if it snows. My Potenzas are worn. Please help me decide.
08-23-2005, 08:31 PM
#28
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Snow tires in North Carolina? Last year it snowed one day... year before that maybe 3.
It hangs around for about two days... does that mean I won't be able to go anywhere for two days?
I'm not too excited about spending $1k for a few days of usage
It hangs around for about two days... does that mean I won't be able to go anywhere for two days?
I'm not too excited about spending $1k for a few days of usage
09-07-2005, 09:15 PM
#29
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Chicago area (NW)
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by connor@tirerack
You can use either 215/55/17 or 225/50/17 and still maintain the overall diameter. There are several tires you can use in these two sizes but in my opinion the best tire is the Bridgestone Blizzack LM-22 (161.00 each). I have also listed several other snow tires in thes fiitment.
09-08-2005, 10:54 AM
#30
Forum Vendor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: south bend, IN
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Snow tires are rated by "seasons used" not by mileage due to the fact the conditions that you drive in will affect the tread life of the snow tire. Basically the colder the weather and the more snow you are driving on, the longer they will last. The warmer the weather and a lack of snow (more clear pavement) will cause the tires to wear faster. I have heard of people that live in the northern midwest running blizzacks for 5 winter seasons and people who live in southern midwest states getting 2-3 winter seasons due to a much lower volume of snow.
Regrettably you are at the mercy of the weather as to how long the tires will last. The down side is when you decide your area doesn't get much snow and you decide not to get them. That is the winter that you will end up getting a huge snow storm and will end up being stranded.
Regrettably you are at the mercy of the weather as to how long the tires will last. The down side is when you decide your area doesn't get much snow and you decide not to get them. That is the winter that you will end up getting a huge snow storm and will end up being stranded.
09-08-2005, 12:36 PM
#31
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: in the moment
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
FWIW -- I purchased a set of 17" Konig wheels and the Dunlap Winter M3's (235?\50) last year from TireRack. Tirerack was superb. Helpful in my decision making and fast service.
I put ~6K miles on the tires in NE PA. Moderate amount of snow and it rarely is on the roads for more than the storm itself. They show no visible signs of wear on them. I am quite confident I will get two more seasons out of them at this pace. Although, I understand that while they will have tread on them, their absolute snow effectiveness decreases since the rubber compound deeper in is different and gets less effective.
Bottom line, I am satisfied that my $1M was well spent. I was able to get home from work four times that I otherwise would not have.
I put ~6K miles on the tires in NE PA. Moderate amount of snow and it rarely is on the roads for more than the storm itself. They show no visible signs of wear on them. I am quite confident I will get two more seasons out of them at this pace. Although, I understand that while they will have tread on them, their absolute snow effectiveness decreases since the rubber compound deeper in is different and gets less effective.
Bottom line, I am satisfied that my $1M was well spent. I was able to get home from work four times that I otherwise would not have.
09-28-2005, 10:18 AM
#32
Guest
Posts: n/a
I'm scheduled to pick up my new blue RX-8 on Friday - trading in my 95 Subaru Legacy.
Clearly, the loss of AWD was a factor in my thinking, but ditching the station wagon was a higher factor.
I was recommended to TireRack.COM by a dealer and he further recommended getting 16" rims for the snow wheels, thus preserving the beautiful 18" alloy rims and giving me better choices for snow tires at the same time.
Connor, what say you about 16" snow wheels for a 2004 RX-8 Touring with factory 18" wheels?
Clearly, the loss of AWD was a factor in my thinking, but ditching the station wagon was a higher factor.
I was recommended to TireRack.COM by a dealer and he further recommended getting 16" rims for the snow wheels, thus preserving the beautiful 18" alloy rims and giving me better choices for snow tires at the same time.
Connor, what say you about 16" snow wheels for a 2004 RX-8 Touring with factory 18" wheels?
09-28-2005, 11:30 AM
#33
Forum Vendor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: south bend, IN
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
16" wheels will not fit the touring model RX8 due to the calipers. However you can down size to 17". The 16" would hit the caliper. When you are ready just give me a call and i would be happy to discuss your options with you.
09-28-2005, 08:22 PM
#34
Klatu Virata Nictu
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here is a question. I have only 1600 miles on my tires that are stock, can I.....
A. Use these in the winter in Albany NY and still get around?
B. Get only rear SNOW tires?
C. Must I get all 4 replaced with snows for the winter?
A. Use these in the winter in Albany NY and still get around?
B. Get only rear SNOW tires?
C. Must I get all 4 replaced with snows for the winter?
09-28-2005, 11:17 PM
#35
Totally confuzzled...
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 690
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
^Just a personal suggestion, but I'd REALLY reccomend against going with two rear snow tires on this car. Problem being, our car, unlike the majority of other vehicles on the road, does NOT come with all-seasons. It has no-compromise summer tires, that perform well only on dry/wet pavement. I actually did the rear-only snows on my last car ('97 Miata) and it was a tank. Only got stuck once in 3 years of ownership (ironically, it happened when I was helping another Miata driver get going... lol). But, it had a really nice set of all-seasons...
If you get rear snow tires on the 8 with factory tread still on the front, you'll be able to take off just fine, but the front tires will basically become an expensive set of snowshoes. In even light snow, you'll have absolutely no directional control, and will not be able to properly slow or stop the vehicle.
If you get rear snow tires on the 8 with factory tread still on the front, you'll be able to take off just fine, but the front tires will basically become an expensive set of snowshoes. In even light snow, you'll have absolutely no directional control, and will not be able to properly slow or stop the vehicle.
09-29-2005, 08:33 AM
#36
Klatu Virata Nictu
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hmmm, sounds fun. Well what about just getting rid of the factory tires all together, and getting a good set up All Season Tires? I have been doing some research and for All Season, these came out on top? Any feed Back
Bf Goodrich g-Force T/A KDW NT
PS Anyone need and extra set of stock Potenzas ONLY 1600 miles on them
Bf Goodrich g-Force T/A KDW NT
PS Anyone need and extra set of stock Potenzas ONLY 1600 miles on them
Last edited by Roto8; 09-29-2005 at 08:58 AM.
09-29-2005, 08:55 AM
#37
Registered Tracker
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Chicago
Posts: 3,295
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Roto8
Here is a question. I have only 1600 miles on my tires that are stock, can I.....
A. Use these in the winter in Albany NY and still get around?
B. Get only rear SNOW tires?
C. Must I get all 4 replaced with snows for the winter?
A. Use these in the winter in Albany NY and still get around?
B. Get only rear SNOW tires?
C. Must I get all 4 replaced with snows for the winter?
09-29-2005, 12:07 PM
#38
Forum Vendor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: south bend, IN
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Tire Rack will not sell snow tires in pairs due to liability issues with the DOT. Due to a law suit several years ago against Les Schwab tires, the DOT changed their guidelines on snow tire stating that if you are using snow tires then they have w to be used in a complete set of four.
The reason for this is because even if you have snow tires in the rear to get you moving but none in the front you still may not be able to steer. the same rule account for front wheel drive cars. if you have snow tires on the front of the car but not in the rear you will increase your traction levels for speeds under 20mph. However if you are going around a corner or have to perform emergency braking, what is going to keep the rear of the car from sliding around.
Trying to drive with only two snow tires is not only dangerous for you but also dangerous for the people around you.
The reason for this is because even if you have snow tires in the rear to get you moving but none in the front you still may not be able to steer. the same rule account for front wheel drive cars. if you have snow tires on the front of the car but not in the rear you will increase your traction levels for speeds under 20mph. However if you are going around a corner or have to perform emergency braking, what is going to keep the rear of the car from sliding around.
Trying to drive with only two snow tires is not only dangerous for you but also dangerous for the people around you.
09-29-2005, 01:05 PM
#40
Forum Vendor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: south bend, IN
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The G-force T/A KDW (D-dry, W-wet) isn't all season. it's a summer only tire. The all season tire would be the G-force T/A KDWS (D-dry, W-wet, S-snow) which i do not show in the 18" sizes for the 8. I would say the most popular all season tires for the 8's are the 225/45R18 Avon Tech M550 A/S which are 136.00 ea and the P245/40R18 Pirelli P-Zero Nero MS which are currently 151.00 each.
09-30-2005, 11:10 AM
#42
Forum Vendor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: south bend, IN
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you plan on using them in the snow i would recommend the 225/45/18 Avon tires. The Narrower tire will cut through the snow better than the 245/40/18 size tire.
Last edited by connor@tirerack; 10-06-2005 at 03:28 PM.
10-06-2005, 03:06 PM
#44
Forum Vendor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: south bend, IN
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Technically, if you wanted to use the 225/45/17 on your 8 you could. the maximum load capacity of the tire meets the minimum load requirement by Mazda. Because they are almost one inch shorter they would throw off the speedometer and the odometer, the shorter side wall would make the tire stiffer than the factory recommended size which would make the tire stiffer and reduce snow and ice traction. You would also need to run these at a minimum of 36 psi to meet the required load capacity for the RX8. The extra air pressure in the tire would cause the tire to wear unevenly. Personally i would not recommend using it.
10-06-2005, 03:33 PM
#45
Scuderia
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Buckeye Country
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Connor,
I have a similar question, but the tires I plan on using is a little taller. I got a set of Michelin Winter at an unbelievable price that I'm willing to deviate from OEM specs. The tire size is 225/55/17 on 17x8 wheels. Thanks in advance for your help.
Ra
I have a similar question, but the tires I plan on using is a little taller. I got a set of Michelin Winter at an unbelievable price that I'm willing to deviate from OEM specs. The tire size is 225/55/17 on 17x8 wheels. Thanks in advance for your help.
Ra
10-06-2005, 03:53 PM
#46
WTF?
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by connor@tirerack
Technically, if you wanted to use the 225/45/17 on your 8 you could. the maximum load capacity of the tire meets the minimum load requirement by Mazda. Because they are almost one inch shorter they would throw off the speedometer and the odometer, the shorter side wall would make the tire stiffer than the factory recommended size which would make the tire stiffer and reduce snow and ice traction. You would also need to run these at a minimum of 36 psi to meet the required load capacity for the RX8. The extra air pressure in the tire would cause the tire to wear unevenly. Personally i would not recommend using it.
10-06-2005, 04:08 PM
#47
WTF?
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by connor@tirerack
If you plan on using them in the snow i would recommend the 225/45/18 Avon tires. The Narrower tire will cut through the snow better than the 245/40/18 size tire.
10-12-2005, 09:56 AM
#49
Forum Vendor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: south bend, IN
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Roto8
Connor,
I am looking to purchase a set snows and 17" rims from somone. They came off an
RX-8. What do you think of these Tires? Bridgestone BLIZZAK LM-22 WS-50 215/55 R17
I am looking to purchase a set snows and 17" rims from somone. They came off an
RX-8. What do you think of these Tires? Bridgestone BLIZZAK LM-22 WS-50 215/55 R17
10-12-2005, 10:04 AM
#50
Forum Vendor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: south bend, IN
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by RA-Eight
Connor,
I have a similar question, but the tires I plan on using is a little taller. I got a set of Michelin Winter at an unbelievable price that I'm willing to deviate from OEM specs. The tire size is 225/55/17 on 17x8 wheels. Thanks in advance for your help.
Ra
I have a similar question, but the tires I plan on using is a little taller. I got a set of Michelin Winter at an unbelievable price that I'm willing to deviate from OEM specs. The tire size is 225/55/17 on 17x8 wheels. Thanks in advance for your help.
Ra
