Winter Tire question
#1
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I am new to this forum, although, I have been lurking here for quite some time. I just installed my snow tires, Blizzak Ws-50 and the handling of the car now seems very vague. Has anyone else had this expierence? This is my first set of snow tires ever (my first non all wheel drive car)
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I don't experience the same with the dunlop wintersports M3 dsst tires..
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I have the WS-50's on my wifes minivan. They are a great snow tire but is not "high performance".
It would help to know what your factory setup was (sport, non-sport, 17", 18") and what size you are running now.
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It would help to know what your factory setup was (sport, non-sport, 17", 18") and what size you are running now.
Oh... Welcome!
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Hey jeeves, welcome aboard! I had Blizzaks on my last two Audi's, and the difference between them and performance tires is huge. As someone else said, you should also look at your setup - if you're going from 18's to 17's this will affect the steering response also. The Blizzaks are the best snow and ice tire you can buy, but you will sacrifice a lot in terms of normal handling. Make sure you have the tires inflated to near max pressure - that will help the response.
I've heard terrific things about the Dunlop M3's - I got a set for my wife's Acura and we'll see how they are. Unfortunately, they are not available for my car at this time. I picked up a set of Michelin Pilot A/S tires because we have very light snow here in Cincinnati. I'm putting them on the OEM 18" rims, so my handling should still be superb.
If you drive in snow a lot, the Blizzaks are great. If you have moderate snow, I'd get the Dunlops. If you have light snow, I'd stay with all season, and you can switch to a performance tire in the warmer months if you want.
Basically, there is always a tradeoff. You have to decide how much normal condition performance you're willing to give up to get better snow and ice traction.
I've heard terrific things about the Dunlop M3's - I got a set for my wife's Acura and we'll see how they are. Unfortunately, they are not available for my car at this time. I picked up a set of Michelin Pilot A/S tires because we have very light snow here in Cincinnati. I'm putting them on the OEM 18" rims, so my handling should still be superb.
If you drive in snow a lot, the Blizzaks are great. If you have moderate snow, I'd get the Dunlops. If you have light snow, I'd stay with all season, and you can switch to a performance tire in the warmer months if you want.
Basically, there is always a tradeoff. You have to decide how much normal condition performance you're willing to give up to get better snow and ice traction.
#7
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Thanks for all the great suggestions. My car is a 2005 525I w/ sport package. The Blizzaks are a pretty big compromise, but I live in the north east and travel on the road in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine all winter long. Now that I know what a handling compromise they are, I can't wait to see how they are in the snow.
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