NASIOC winter tire reviews .... please play along

[hoku123]

Does anyone know anything about the Yokohama Avid H4's? I am thinking about buying those tires specifically, and I would appreciate any comments on those tires. Thanks

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[CrazyBabyDoc]

Maybe I missed it but did anyone mention Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S or Falken Ziex ZE512?

[greg donovan]

Originally Posted by hoku123

Does anyone know anything about the Yokohama Avid H4's? I am thinking about buying those tires specifically, and I would appreciate any comments on those tires. Thanks

i have them on my 95 AWD legacy wagon. they are good all seasons. they were very good their first winter. however the second on i lost a little grip and the 3rd one is looking a little worse. but still good in the snow.

they are nice in the rain and handle ok in the dry. they do have decent ride quality too.

[hoku123]

thanks a lot greg, i appreciate it

[David Medina]

Originally Posted by CrazyBabyDoc

Maybe I missed it but did anyone mention Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S or Falken Ziex ZE512?

ditto

[gregsachs]

Originally Posted by David Medina

ditto

I've got an 05 sti with the ziex 512's on it, in cleveland(read, 20 inches of snow in past week and a half). Sti only car while my accord is in shop. Braking is not quite as good as I would like, goes to abs pretty quickly, but figure that is partially from the big brakes. (btw, these are the only tires i've had on the car, it has ~750 miles now, picked it up from dealer with rota's and the ziexs on it), good directional control, can spin all 4 if i am stupid with the throttle. All in all, very happy with the ziexes in the snow. I lock the diff and go, just have to be a little easy on braking. (ie progressive, not stab it). As with anything, smooth is the key for snow.

[gregr01]

Subaru model: 04 STi

Mods: Eibach springs, Whiteline F/RSB, etc.

tire size: 245/40/17 (on 8.5 SSR Comps)

tire model: PZero Nero M&S

total cost: $600

personal comments:
Decent M&S tire for the snow, but no snow tire. A bit wide for the vehicle for snow driving as well. If you drive frequently in snow/ice/slush (I don't) get a dedicated snow tire and/or go with the OEM size of 225/45. Very good rain performance. Good in slush, too.

[Yankee Hoser]

Subaru model: 2002 WRX wagon

Mods: K&N Panel filter

tire size: 205/55-R16

tire model: Dunlop Graspic DS-2

total cost: $308 (Tires only) from the Rack

personal comments: So far we like these alot more than the Blizzak WS50. The dry handling is much much better. It is almost like they aren't snow tires. So far we have had them on ice once. It was Christmas day. We went out in my sisters GTI and it was all over the place on the ice. We tried the trip again in the WRX and it stuck like glue!

I will try to remember to update this when I get into snow and not just ice.

[T-WRX]

Subaru model: 2005 STi

Mods: MM HT3 17" rims for winter use

tire size: 225/45 R17

tire model: Dunlop Wintersport M3

total cost: including rims, about $1k, from TireRack

personal comments:Drove through a blizzard on the Ohio Turnpike 12/22/04, and was wondering why everyone was going so slow. Then I saw several trucks and an 18wheeler spin out around me. The Dunlop M3's felt planted the entire time.

[nate49509]

please answer the following questions

Subaru model: 2004 WRX

Mods: Tein SS Coilovers

tire size: 205-55-16

tire model: Dunlop WinterSport M3

total cost: About $450 shipped from Tire Rack, $48 mounted at Belle Tire

personal comments:
I love these tires. Last year I ran M2's on my RS and the M3's are ten times better. These tires grip snow and ice so well I can hardly get the car to step out even under full throttle. They also do extremly well in the deep stuff.
There not that loud as most people have said. They are quieter than my Azenis.
Also as far as I know these are the only V-rated winter tires availible form the Tire Rack in 205-55-16.
Best winter tire period, they just happen to be affordable too.

[kingsubi]

Subaru model: 2000 GC8 STi

Mods: full STi drivetrain with Bilstein Prodrive suspension

tire size: 205-55-16

tire model: Michelin Alpin Sport PA2 (V-rated)

total cost: About $750 CDN installed

personal comments:

If you wish for this tire to perform in any snow/slush - think again. These are just a soft all-season tire. Good control at high speeds (>160 kn/h) on dry cold roads but no good in snow/ice. No hydroplaning. Good city winter tire only

[FuzzyNips]

Subaru model: 2002 Subaru WRX Sedan (4EAT)

Mods: K&N Drop-in Filter

tire size: 205/55/16

tire model: Pirelli PZero Nero M+S

total cost: $99 per tire = $396 + $48.52 shipping = $444.52 + install

personal comments: Just got them mounted/balanced yesterday and drove around in the dry but cold weather. They handled a ton better than the stock RE92's (as expected) especially coming out from work after my car had been sitting for 9 hours. My stock tires were always especially bad in cold weather when they had been sitting for a while but that wasn't the case with these. Today we've got about an inch or two of snow here in Chicago that is blowing and drifting (I live out in the middle of corn fields so its even worse than in the city). The car handled amazing compared to stock and whenever I did start to slide it was never out of control like with the stockers. I never had that panicked feeling where I felt at the mercy of the tires; everything was under control. Besides for dedicated snow tires, I'd definitely recommend these tires alone based on my experience tonight in the snow. If you drive in conditions that change year round like I do then I'd definitely recommend them. The tires seem just as quiet as the stock ones and there's a slight better road feel to them (not necessarily harsher just an all around better feel to them).

[b0dh1]

IB TristatewintersnowOMG
My Dunlop M2s did pretty awesome today in an inch or so of snow.
Definitely well worth the > $400 I paid for them.

[David Bleurex]

Subaru model: 2005 WRX Sportwagon

Mods: Maglite 6 C-cell flashlight for tire checks ;-) I.E.-Bone Stock and loving it.

tire size: 205/55HR16

tire model: Dunlop Winter Sport M2 mounted/balanced on steels

total cost: ~640USD from Tirerack thru the dealer

I am back to report on my first experience with this set-up.

At 16F, even the 1 to 2 inches of snow we picked up here in the Lehigh Valley was very slick when laid over untreated _OR_ treated roadways. This is as much a review of the entire set-up as the tires themselves.
Under these conditions, given that I've never driven a high performance vehicle with high performance snow tires, nor have I had a chance to safely push the snow performance envelope, I judge these tires wholly adequate to the task. No one else on the road with me was able to perform as well and I spent alot of time in the wake of snails. One standing launch from particularly treacherous circumstances demonstrated that I need to be more aware of the gas pedal's overuse. The crawling traffic reminded me that I'd love to have a low/low gear or another GGA with a 4EAT :-)
I've driven my share of 4X4s and I know the games you must play, but this set-up is, so far as my limited experience would indicate, a splendid, well modulated and FUN ride! Considering the excellent fair weather or wet weather chracteristics of these M2s, they are the great snow tires I expected. There are better snows out there, but at a cost (on several levels) that I choose not to pay.

Now on to push the envelope (sans my poor wife) in the snow of January 2005.
"Happy Motoring, and back on the freeway, which is already in progress..."

David

[G.Subramaniam]

Subaru Legacy 1995 and Subaru Impreza 1997

195-60-15

Nokian RSI

Excellent in snow, rain and ice
In the recent mild snows and ice, absolutely no skidding and very safe feel

[WRXVII]

05 Toyota Matrix XR FWD

195-60-15

Dunlop M2 sport

Excellent tires in dry and wet pavement. It sounds even quieter than OEM Good Year GSA tires. On snow pavement, it performed well, but I believe AWD and snow tires make the best combination.

[express_wagon]

Originally Posted by Luke@tirerack

please answer the following questions
Subaru model:
Mods:
tire size:
tire model:
total cost:
personal comments:

04 Rex Wgn
AP only
Stock
BFG Winter Slalom S-rated (www.1010tires.com) for research and reviews
$150 from some lady and m/b them myself using two crow bars (90% tread)
Over 1k miles on them this winter already, great tires but from the one time I drove on Blizzaks - different car, they zaks are a tiny bit better in stopping. But no regrets, especially for the price.

[tazswing]

Mods: COBB stg. II, 04 WRX wgn

tire size: 225/45/17

tire model: Toyo Prox4

total cost: With Rotta SDRs, shipped, ~1,000.00

Personal comments: Now that NYC area has been dumped on, I realize to what degree an "all season" tire is a misnomer. In deeper snow period, or when it gets very cold and I try and push these tires, they stink. So I am looking for a dedicated snow tire now. I am adding this on this tread in case someone like me thinks an all season can get one through a winter of real snow. I have been educated by the snow. At least these all season Toyos will not cut it. With out AWD, I would not have been able to pull out of some spots.

[jeisen]

2004 Impreza TS

Mods: stock

Tire Size: 195/60/15

Tire Model: Champiro GT

Total Cost: $75/tire (including installation on factory wheels)

Personal Comments: These things roll over on the sidewalls alot more than the same size RE92's. Braking and Acceleration seem the same. However, i just spent sunday drifiting in the foot of snow we got and i am very happy especially for the price of the tire.

[mhbrown]

Subaru model: 2002 WRX Wagon

Mods: Suspension only; Stoptech BBK, SPT struts and springs

tire size: 215/45 - 17 on Prodrive P-1s

tire model: Bridgestone Blizzak LM22

total cost: Can't remember

personal comments: Only winter tire I have had on the car. These are on their third winter and are still going strong. During the Ohio before Christmas storm, I was going around the Cherokees/Explorers/Audis stuck on the local hills.

[don_xtc]

Subaru model: 01 Impreza TS

Mods: custom dents and scratches

Tire size: 185/65/15

Tire model: Pirelli Winter Carving(studdable, but I didn't put studs in) on steelies.

Total cost: $480cdn shipped (tiretrends.com)

My Location: Between Toronto and Northbay Ontario, Canada


personal comments: I had balding RE92 on so when I had put these on it was like a buffet of traction. Compared to other snows I've used: Very good grip on acceleration, and good braking even on dry pavement(it saved my neck a couple of times when I wasn't paying enough attention ). They seem to have ok lateral grip, not really biting at all if they slide sideways. This tire is studdable so for ice racing you would probably have a lot of fun with it. It's very quiet at highway speeds, has good grip on dry roads for a winter tire, and good wear so far(3000km and the knobby things haven't even worn of yet). Ice, slush and packed snow not a problem, however I do seem to understeer on packed snow if I push it but that could just be my stock suspension or me not lifting my lead foot of the gas. Very good in deep snow (over a foot). The bazillion sipes (grooves) in the treads pick up a alot of pebbles, "but I think of them as free studs". As with most any winter tire your not going to take an on/off ramp like you're on rails and the same is true with this tire. If you're looking for a alternative to the NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA 4 this tire is it. If you compare the two tire treads, they are almost identical(I'm not sure who ripped off who first but who cares) and the Nokian has had very good reviews. Overall - a very good choice for 'normal' to somewhat 'extreme' winter driving conditions. On bare roads it more than adequate. The only thing that I would consider a negative is that if the car sits in very cold conditions(ie. -30C) overnite it tends develop a flat spot but after a few miles it rounds out nicely. I personally wouldn't worry about it because every winter tire probably would do the same thing in those conditions. I highly recommend this tire if you see alot of different winter conditions(ie. snow, slush, ice, dry, wet and idiot drivers with summer tires on).

9 out of 10

[dan0025]

Black 2004 WRX

Winter package (heated seats rule!) Clarion deck, Sirius Sat. receiver, Boston Acoustics in doors, JL amp and sub in trunk. K&N Filter - plan on bigger sway / strut mount bars and turbo back exhaust come spring time. Swapped trunk with one w/o spoiler and debadged. Plain stock grille with emblem cut out with Dremel tool. Car will be repainted black metallic (large flake) with brandywine candy and clear in spring.

Size: 225/50/16

Tires - Nokian WR mounted on 18 spoke Legacy GT wheels

Total Cost: $100 for wheel and tires. $40 for mounting and balancing (wheels and tires a hook up from my job at the junk yard)

Location: Central Massachusetts

I LOVE these tires!!!! I had Michelin Actic Alpins earlier this winter - they were better in the snow but for every day all condition driving the Nokian WRs are just awsome. They are good in the snow, ice and rain - but where they really stand out is on dry roads 3 days after a storm. With the Michelins I was starting to get annoyed just driving around town. With these my car is still fun, smooth and quite all year around. The wider than stock size is working just fine and looks better - especially mounted on the Legacy wheels (nicest stock Subaru wheel in my opinion).

[wht052.5]

1983 Leone wagon 4WD
Mods? umm, well I have a custom exhaust from the cats back 2.25" with a single 18" glasspack. whole sytem cost 100 bucks, sounds cool.
custom 3, count em' 3 speaker audio system with tapedeck and walkman hooked up. Seriously though, tires.
size:185/70/13
Mastercraft, Glacier Grip (studded)
$30 a tire or so.

With these suckers, I can go through ANYTHING, FEET of snow, Ice is no problem. if studs are legal in your state, these are the bomb-diggity.

On my Wife's car (2005 2.5RS)
I've got Toyo Observe, Garit H-T, in the stock size (205-55-16?)
H-rated Really good in snow and ice, better than blizzaks,cheaper, multi-cell with bits of walnut shell embedded(no you can't see it)
I used to work at a specialty tire shop, and after 8 BILLION cars I know the good snow tires.

[Gfunk720]

Subaru model: 04 WRX Sedan

Mods: Minor, Catback and Short Shifter for performance

tire size: 205/55/16(same as stock)

tire model: Dunlop Wintersport M3's

total cost: $400 w/ a set of stock WRX rims. Semi used, but still almost new

personal comments: Since I put them on last friday, we have recieved 8-10 inches of snow and boy am I thrilled. These things grip amazingly and are great snow tires. I have trouble getting the back to kick out now, unlike the crap RE-92's. I think they actually handle better than the stock tires too, and arent noisy at all. Braking is also improved greatly, and ABS has yet to kick in. I would suggest them to anyone looking for snows.

[RFoy91TSi]

Originally Posted by Mike Wevrick

I didn't know this came in a snow tire version. Or did you put this review in the wrong thread?

They are all season and I loved them when I had them on my DSM(s). Great grip no matter what the serfice. dirt dry wet snow it sticks to all.