Whats the best winter tire?

patrickrobare · 10-09-2012, 11:24 AM

My dealership wants to sell me blizzacks for $1200 but i found AltiMax ARTIC for $600-$700. Are their anyother cheep tires that are great?

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

s2ktosti · 10-09-2012, 11:27 AM

Tirerack.com is your friend.

patrickrobare · 10-09-2012, 11:29 AM

Thats where i been looking and those altimax tires look like tanks.

patrickrobare · 10-09-2012, 11:32 AM

What about studded vs unstudded? Are their any real drawbacks to studded?

s2ktosti · 10-09-2012, 11:37 AM

Most states ban studded tires unless you're in Alaska. They tear up the roads and you don't need them.

The Altimax are great winter tires in snow and ice, strictly average on dry pavement. Then again most winter studdless ice and snow are. I use Dunlop Graspic DS-3, which are decent tires as long as you aren't playing speed racer in dry or rain. In hindsight I should have just gotten the cheaper Altimax.

patrickrobare · 10-09-2012, 11:39 AM

Yea the only thing is i have to put them on the same rims so idk about clearance :/

s2ktosti · 10-09-2012, 11:46 AM

If you buy the same size tires that you currently have why wouldn't it fit? It's going to be the same diameter, width, and height.

KC · 10-09-2012, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s2ktosti

Most states ban studded tires unless you're in Alaska.

Incorrect. Most states allow them, many only seasonally.

http://drivinglaws.aaa.com/laws/studded-tires/

--kC

Crazy_pilot · 10-09-2012, 11:49 AM

Why would you worry about clearance? Are you buying oversized tires?

You won't find a unanimous "best snow tire" agreement anywhere. Set yourself a budget, look what falls within it, read the reviews and ratings on Tire Rack, and pick the one that seems to fit what you do the best.

For what it's worth, any snow tire will be worlds better than any all season tire. After that the difference is pretty minimal.

HinshawWRX · 10-09-2012, 11:50 AM

You do not need studded. "Best" is highly subjective.

Did you happen to try the WHEEL AND TIRE FORUM on here? Bet they have a great idea.

patrickrobare · 10-09-2012, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s2ktosti

If you buy the same size tires that you currently have why wouldn't it fit? It's going to be the same diameter, width, and height.

The local auto zone said their would be more tread so id need smaller rims for wheel well clearance.

KC · 10-09-2012, 11:54 AM

Dear OP: consider this a gift. I don't do this often.... but here's a link to the appropriate thread in the Wheel and Tire forum that specifcally deals with answering winter tire questions: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=1608459

--kC

ChesterWRX · 10-09-2012, 11:55 AM

i have the Altimax Artic's on 16" Steelies for my WRX wagon. i went with those based on good reviews online and dealer recommendation. i can't wait to test them out.

easterbran · 10-09-2012, 11:55 AM

You generally get what you pay for...the Blizzaks are great.

Crazy_pilot · 10-09-2012, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickrobare

The local auto zone said their would be more tread so id need smaller rims for wheel well clearance.

Seriously? That doesn't even make sense. Avoid this place like the plague from now on.

KC · 10-09-2012, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickrobare

The local auto zone said their would be more tread so id need smaller rims for wheel well clearance.

You need to become educated and not listen to what people say anywhere on the street.

If you have the stock suspension/ride height, then any tire sized with the same specs as the tires you have now will be fine.

You should read the thread I linked to about 5 times completely before asking another question here, and at that, you should ask any further winter tire questions in THAT thread. You're in the wrong place. If you're looking for an easy answer, there aren't any. Everyone's got their own special set of circumstances (money, modifications, family, type of driving, typical snows encountered, hills/terrain, etc...)

Do some reading.

--kC

James1982 · 10-09-2012, 12:06 PM

I am a big fan of the Toyo Observe GSI-5, designed and tested in Canada for Canadian winters. IMHO best winter tire is the Toyo, but the General Altimax are pretty decent tire for the price too.

Gam30vR · 10-09-2012, 12:37 PM

nokian hakkapeliitta studless ... great tire, ive had blizzaks and those and the Nokians all day. Felt very safe with the Nokians, very controlled stops even on ice. I would pass by trucks going over the pass with complete control in my civic. My subi came with blizzaks but when they are toast, im going right back to Nokian. Just my .02

Syrius78 · 10-09-2012, 12:41 PM

In fact, best for what?

Durability, road noise, dry grip, wet grip, ice grip, snow grip.

In quebec, I choose one of the best ice grip tire for wife car, and dry cold grip for mine.

It all depend on what you drive.

Studded tire, I would'nt recommend it. If you drive on a frozen lake then yes, but in snow it's useless, dry road it's not a good choice, and they are very noisy.

Wife got Michelin x-ice 3
I got Michelin pilot alpin pa3
They fit with our driving profile.

Choose carefully

Best place to find info for me
Tirereack and 1010tires
1010tire got better choice for winter tire and tire rack better for all season/summer in my opinion

07wrxstage2 · 10-09-2012, 12:48 PM

Best bang for your buck would be general altimax arctic I think. But I went with dunlop sp wintersport 3d's v-rated(incase i happen to want to go passed 130mph) and couldn't be happier. They aren't as squishy as people make them sound. My other favortie are blizzak lm60's.

s2ktosti · 10-09-2012, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickrobare

The local auto zone said their would be more tread so id need smaller rims for wheel well clearance.

Your local autozone is full of crap.

WRX boarder · 10-09-2012, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 07wrxstage2

Best bang for your buck would be general altimax arctic.

+1 great tire, good life, reasonable price
Blizzaks have minimal winter tread and it wears fast on dry roads.

Uncle Scotty · 10-09-2012, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by easterbran

You generally get what you pay for...the Blizzaks are great.

people who say and think this are generally idiots who get preyed upon by fear mongers and up sales snakes who get rich on generally stupid people

Uncle Scotty · 10-09-2012, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickrobare

The local auto zone said their would be more tread so id need smaller rims for wheel well clearance.

NEVER listen to any of those kinds of places....they are dumber than you are

Uncle Scotty · 10-09-2012, 02:47 PM

this thread is great...we gonna see all sorts of idiots post all sort of stupid ****

10-09-2012, 11:24 AM	#1
patrickrobare Scooby Newbie Member#: 324177 Join Date: Jun 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Plattsburgh Vehicle: 2012 impreza WRX pearl blue	Whats the best winter tire? My dealership wants to sell me blizzacks for $1200 but i found AltiMax ARTIC for $600-$700. Are their anyother cheep tires that are great? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

10-09-2012, 12:41 PM	#19
Syrius78 Scooby Newbie Member#: 267996 Join Date: Dec 2010 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Near Montréal, Québec Vehicle: 2011 Wrx Rallye blue	In fact, best for what? Durability, road noise, dry grip, wet grip, ice grip, snow grip. In quebec, I choose one of the best ice grip tire for wife car, and dry cold grip for mine. It all depend on what you drive. Studded tire, I would'nt recommend it. If you drive on a frozen lake then yes, but in snow it's useless, dry road it's not a good choice, and they are very noisy. Wife got Michelin x-ice 3 I got Michelin pilot alpin pa3 They fit with our driving profile. Choose carefully Best place to find info for me Tirereack and 1010tires 1010tire got better choice for winter tire and tire rack better for all season/summer in my opinion Last edited by Syrius78; 10-09-2012 at 12:57 PM.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-09-2012, 11:27 AM	#2
s2ktosti Scooby Specialist Member#: 70151 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: New Jersey Shore Vehicle: 2011 WRX Limited Black	Tirerack.com is your friend.

10-09-2012, 11:29 AM	#3
patrickrobare Scooby Newbie Member#: 324177 Join Date: Jun 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Plattsburgh Vehicle: 2012 impreza WRX pearl blue	Thats where i been looking and those altimax tires look like tanks.

10-09-2012, 11:32 AM	#4
patrickrobare Scooby Newbie Member#: 324177 Join Date: Jun 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Plattsburgh Vehicle: 2012 impreza WRX pearl blue	What about studded vs unstudded? Are their any real drawbacks to studded?

10-09-2012, 11:37 AM	#5
s2ktosti Scooby Specialist Member#: 70151 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: New Jersey Shore Vehicle: 2011 WRX Limited Black	Most states ban studded tires unless you're in Alaska. They tear up the roads and you don't need them. The Altimax are great winter tires in snow and ice, strictly average on dry pavement. Then again most winter studdless ice and snow are. I use Dunlop Graspic DS-3, which are decent tires as long as you aren't playing speed racer in dry or rain. In hindsight I should have just gotten the cheaper Altimax.

10-09-2012, 11:39 AM	#6
patrickrobare Scooby Newbie Member#: 324177 Join Date: Jun 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Plattsburgh Vehicle: 2012 impreza WRX pearl blue	Yea the only thing is i have to put them on the same rims so idk about clearance :/

10-09-2012, 11:46 AM	#7
s2ktosti Scooby Specialist Member#: 70151 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: New Jersey Shore Vehicle: 2011 WRX Limited Black	If you buy the same size tires that you currently have why wouldn't it fit? It's going to be the same diameter, width, and height.

10-09-2012, 11:49 AM	#9
Crazy_pilot Scooby Newbie Member#: 164242 Join Date: Nov 2007 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Ottawa, Ontario Vehicle: 1992 SVX 2008 Spec B	Why would you worry about clearance? Are you buying oversized tires? You won't find a unanimous "best snow tire" agreement anywhere. Set yourself a budget, look what falls within it, read the reviews and ratings on Tire Rack, and pick the one that seems to fit what you do the best. For what it's worth, any snow tire will be worlds better than any all season tire. After that the difference is pretty minimal.

10-09-2012, 11:50 AM	#10
HinshawWRX n00b Moderator Moderator Member#: 140114 Join Date: Feb 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Jolly ol York of VA Vehicle: 06 18G Semi Built SGM WRX	You do not need studded. "Best" is highly subjective. Did you happen to try the WHEEL AND TIRE FORUM on here? Bet they have a great idea.

10-09-2012, 11:54 AM	#12
KC Scooby Guru Member#: 442 Join Date: Oct 1999 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: SE Mass/RI Vehicle: 2013 Crosstrek XV 00 Honda S2000	Dear OP: consider this a gift. I don't do this often.... but here's a link to the appropriate thread in the Wheel and Tire forum that specifcally deals with answering winter tire questions: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=1608459 --kC

10-09-2012, 11:55 AM	#13
ChesterWRX NASIOC Supporter Member#: 328794 Join Date: Aug 2012 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: N. Shore, MA Vehicle: 2012 WRX Premium Ice Silver Metal	i have the Altimax Artic's on 16" Steelies for my WRX wagon. i went with those based on good reviews online and dealer recommendation. i can't wait to test them out.

10-09-2012, 11:55 AM	#14
easterbran Scooby Specialist Member#: 307359 Join Date: Jan 2012 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Tyrone,GA Vehicle: '05 STi Stage II OBP	You generally get what you pay for...the Blizzaks are great.

10-09-2012, 12:06 PM	#17
James1982 Scooby Newbie Member#: 302878 Join Date: Dec 2011 Chapter/Region: VIC Location: Victoria Vehicle: 2009 WRX stg 2 Blue	I am a big fan of the Toyo Observe GSI-5, designed and tested in Canada for Canadian winters. IMHO best winter tire is the Toyo, but the General Altimax are pretty decent tire for the price too.

10-09-2012, 12:37 PM	#18
Gam30vR Scooby Newbie Member#: 289486 Join Date: Jul 2011 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Yakima Vehicle: 03 WRX WRB	nokian hakkapeliitta studless ... great tire, ive had blizzaks and those and the Nokians all day. Felt very safe with the Nokians, very controlled stops even on ice. I would pass by trucks going over the pass with complete control in my civic. My subi came with blizzaks but when they are toast, im going right back to Nokian. Just my .02

10-09-2012, 12:48 PM	#20
07wrxstage2 NASIOC Supporter Member#: 262366 Join Date: Oct 2010 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: MD Vehicle: 2006 OBP STI 2000 BRP IMPREZA 2.5RS	Best bang for your buck would be general altimax arctic I think. But I went with dunlop sp wintersport 3d's v-rated(incase i happen to want to go passed 130mph) and couldn't be happier. They aren't as squishy as people make them sound. My other favortie are blizzak lm60's.

10-09-2012, 02:47 PM	#25
Uncle Scotty NASIOC Supporter Member#: 16200 Join Date: Mar 2002 Vehicle: OK Houston we have an Uncle	this thread is great...we gonna see all sorts of idiots post all sort of stupid ****