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Jan. 19, 2012 1:18 p.m. SilverFleet HalfDork

When I owned my Subarus, I'd just get decent all seasons and be fine through the winter. Now that those are gone and I have my Mazda3 for DD duty, I have dedicated snows. Instead of going the Tire Rack/Discount Tire route, I tried my hand a Craigslist first. Man, I'm glad I did. I picked up a practically new set of steelies and Blizzak WS70's for $200. They were ordered from the Tire Rack in the middle of last winter and were barely used. The guy said he paid about $900 for the whole package shipped.

Of course, we haven't seen any snow this winter, and I attribute that to my snow tire purchase and my purchase of a working snow blower. Last year by this time, we had over 40''!!!
Jan. 19, 2012 1:34 p.m. gamby SuperDork

iceracer wrote:

Many people say they have never used snow tires with no problems. Last winter I drove my 2011 Fiesta on the stock Kumhos. The car did quite well. Now I have my Blizzaks mounted on Contour rims on the car. I was out yesterday on some icey back roads. Piece of cake. I always say, for the unbelivers, wait until you tried them.

Well-put.

It's a night and day difference.
Jan. 20, 2012 1:56 p.m. clutchsmoke Reader

Just got a chance to really test my General Altimax Arctics on my '97 Civic EX. 3 inches of snow and the civic handles it wonderfully! Curious to see how it handles the 6+ inches we'll be getting in Chicago today. Never bothering with allseasons again.
Jan. 20, 2012 2:11 p.m. Taiden SuperDork

SilverFleet wrote:

Of course, we haven't seen any snow this winter, and I attribute that to my snow tire purchase and my purchase of a working snow blower. Last year by this time, we had over 40''!!!

Maybe if everyone buys snow tires and snow blowers each year, there will be no snow.

I don't mind snow. I hate salt.
Jan. 20, 2012 3:34 p.m. clutchsmoke Reader

Driving on thursday I thought I was in the Bonneville salt flats. I would much rather deal with sand. 3M clear bra on the front of my car and call it a day.
Jan. 20, 2012 3:45 p.m. SilverFleet Dork

In reply to Taiden:

I called out Mother Nature and she answered this morning with 4'' of snow. Along the way, she had her friend Karma show up and make my snow blower not work. Yep, spending my Friday evening with a 43 year old Snow Bird tonight.

However....

I did get to test my snow tires. Like others have said, once you try it, there's no going back to all-seasons. The car felt better in the snow than either one of my WRX's!!!
Jan. 20, 2012 4:16 p.m. 44Dwarf Dork

wow yard man snow birds love those with tilting chute. bought and sold dozzens out of the want add years ago to but the house.
Jan. 20, 2012 4:25 p.m. ST_ZX2 HalfDork

Got these Nittos (SN2) for less than Winterforces (which is to say "cheap") at tirebuyer.com. Wisconsin winter has been no issue whatsoever.

"The Winter SN2 has become “green” with the inclusion of bits of crushed walnut shell in the tread compound and the use of a special absorbent bamboo charcoal. The hard walnut shell pieces provide sharp, ice-biting edges for added traction while not impacting road surfaces. The bamboo charcoal creates microscopic voids in the tread that absorb water from icy surfaces for added traction."
Jan. 20, 2012 6:00 p.m. clutchsmoke Reader

Sounds like cool tire technology.
Jan. 20, 2012 6:08 p.m. RexSeven SuperDork

Another happy General Altimax Arctic user here. I have them mounted on steelies on my Mazdaspeed3 and they are great in snow. I bought them used 2-3 years ago from a former MS3 owner. I should be able to get one more winter out of them.

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