Snow Tire Reviews

[Anthonysflying]

Time to get some real world info on snow tires here. There will no doubt be some of you who like to learn the hard way or have no choice and will take their stock Potenzas into the fray this year. Some people went all in on a good set of rubber. The cold n' wet has started so lets hear what you think about your purchase...or lack there of.

Post up:

a) The tire your running on...brand, specs etc.b) how many miles have you rolled on themc) ride quality...soft, hard, disconnected, loud etc.d) the type of weather you've had the pleasure of experiencinge) performance...did those suckers do their job?f) and finally, Are you happy with what you've got?

This is meant to help others make a good decision on what works with the Z. So be detailed, especially if installation was a b**ch or your new tires just plain suck. Thanks!

[R350Zz33]

a)stockb)4,500 milesc)loud d)snow rain sun slush ect..e)these stockers suck i would get more traction just riding on the rimsF)no

[xjmxstac]

a)stockb)4,500 milesc)loud d)snow rain sun slush ect..e)these stockers suck i would get more traction just riding on the rimsF)no

SNOW TIRES....

[R350Zz33]

i thought he wanted input on normal tiers too or any other ones to see how they handle

[aris_unlimited]

a) Toyo Proxes II (bought for normal driving not snow)b) about 5k-7k miles on themc) ride quality is firm. Not hard and bouncing around but not real soft eitherd) Perfect summer days, rainy days, and snow e) they worked perfectly for summer and rainy days. In the snow they slid a little bit till I got the hang of driving on them and now they work fine for what I use it for.f)totally love these tires and would definitely get another set, I am actually planning on getting another set when I find some 18"s I like

[BusyBadger]

a) Bridgestone 960AS - Stock size (225/45/18 - 245/45/18)b) 2500-3000 miles (long work commute)c) As good as the General Exclaims they replaced for cold weather drivingd) HEAVY rain, below freezing road temps, light ice, light snow, slushe) Amazing traction in all conditionsf) Absolutely satisfied with them! Considering running them year round.

I drive over 4000 feet of elevation three times a week for work and with winter fast approaching I knew a few weeks ago that it was time to switch out the summer treads for something more appropriate for colder temps. The weather at sea level is never the same as what I encounter "going over the mountain" (how most people refer going to and from TN to NC). Heavy rains on multiple occasions never fazed the tires and I was able to maintain normal highway speeds in the conditions that made roads white with rain and actually forced me to use the rear wiper. The deep tire tread does cause a small amount of tramlining on grooved surfaces but its never unexpected or unpredictable.

Driving experience: 20+ years. I've lived and driven in cold weather conditions in Indianapolis, Chicago, Boston and Germany and had plenty of experience on FR, FF and RR platforms with and without snow tires at sea level, elevation on both flat and mountainous terrain and have driven vehicles ranging in size from a VW GTI all the way up a M985 HEMTT .

Notable story: Driving near Banner Elk, NC one weekend on a search for a tapas restaurant (try and find tapas in East Tennesee!) I didn't think about checking weather since it was so nice outside (50 degrees and sunny), but I ran into that sea level to 4000 ft weather change once I go to Banner Elk. The temps were a little colder in the mountains but started to rapidly drop, the skies started to cover over and a light rain started falling. I checked weather on my phone and saw three inches of snow forecast, great for skiers, not great for the drive home. A inch of snow later, I was making my way out of the mountains and was amazed at the traction that the tires provided. I decided to drive with the VDC off for a while to check out what was really going on and it felt so good that I made the whole drive home with VDC off with no slipping at all.

For those that don't want or need to mount a full out winter tire or drive in wide ranging or unpredictable conditions I cannot recommend these tires highly enough.

[Anthonysflying]

Alright finaly put some miles on these,

1) Michelin X-ice Xi2: FR: 225/50-17 R:225/55-17 (studless ice/snow)2) New to 2000 miles3) First time i took a turn in these made me realize how soft the sidewalls are. However i did switch from 18" low profile summers so it was twice as noticeable. Ride quality is nice and comfy! wish potholes and bumps were always this smooth. Tires are noisier than the summers but that's a given.4) I've had one snow storm, about 8"-11", rain and slush, black ice and dry salty roads to play in.5) These tires are great for deep stuff! they bite right in and standing starts are no problem. the tires perform well in dry weather too. only gripes ive had are with clear rainy roads or irregular slush patches. these tires are meant for biting into ice/snow, they feel as if traction is limited on clear but rainy roads. these tires rock in slush and evacuate slush/water with ease but irregular patches will pull the car quickly. the tires bite in rather than slice through. The camber of my front tires may be adding to that. 6) Overall i'm very happy with these, i went out for dinner during a snowstorm with no problems at all, passed cars and plows with ease. Highway driving was great! I may have gone overboard with the tire selection in that performance winter tires would have been enough for the weather and plow schedule around here. Definitley worth it because i was having fun rather than being nervous on the road.

Ps. thanks to all who dropped in some good info on their tires.

[comitas27]

I swapped out the tiresd on the stock rims and chose Dunlop Winter Sport M3. I love them! I drive past other chars sliding around a lot. That plus traction control and I feel pretty comfortable even in decent snow.

a) Dunlop Winter Sport M3 18"b) 8k+ and still running on emc) Soft and quiet compared to my summer tires. Defenitely a lot more loose on the road.d) I live in Ohio... I experience all weather at odd times. e) They are superb in the rain/snow compared to my other all-weather tiresf) Love them, will get a second set if they still make them when the time comes.

[Anthonysflying]

I was checking those M3s out they were highly reccomended. unfortunately i waited too long to get snow tires and the bill would have been near 1K just to get and mount them