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Old 11-06-2012, 12:08 AM   #3076
trev762
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SubLGT
There is a time and place for chains, even with AWD. AWD does not make you invincible.
If anybody needs to put chains on an awd might as well throw a plow on and clear the rd while they're at it cuz u would be pushing snow anyways.

Just like I said if there was going to be a need for chains shouldn't be driving anyways at that point and getting off the rd no body said anything about awd making u invincible/
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Old 11-06-2012, 12:17 AM   #3077
gsrcrxsi
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Not sure why you would want a smaller tire for winter. I'm planning to go with a taller tire for winter. 215/65/15 (vs 225/45/17 stock on the WRX) More ground clearance, more sidewall.

Just my .02
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Old 11-06-2012, 12:26 AM   #3078
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gsrcrxsi
Not sure why you would want a smaller tire for winter. I'm planning to go with a taller tire for winter. 215/65/15 (vs 225/45/17 stock on the WRX) More ground clearance, more sidewall.

Just my .02
At stock height with a 1" smaller diameter isn't going to cause any ground clearance issues. But having the same diameter or taller will create fender well clearance issues when snow and ice builds up in the fender wells. Having that extra inch makes a world of difference especially when knocking the ice and snow out of the fender wells.

How many vehicles have u seen going down the rd with their bumpers not attached to the fenders or how many fender wells ripped off and sitting in the ditch.
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Old 11-06-2012, 06:27 AM   #3079
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Hmm, I wake and it's 27* outside, and I still have my summer tires on.
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Old 11-06-2012, 06:38 AM   #3080
gsrcrxsi
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Quote:
Originally Posted by trev762

At stock height with a 1" smaller diameter isn't going to cause any ground clearance issues. But having the same diameter or taller will create fender well clearance issues when snow and ice builds up in the fender wells. Having that extra inch makes a world of difference especially when knocking the ice and snow out of the fender wells.

How many vehicles have u seen going down the rd with their bumpers not attached to the fenders or how many fender wells ripped off and sitting in the ditch.
I've never had build up issues running stock size tires, even in blizzard conditions. I don't anticipate any issues with a taller tire either now that the car is lifted too.
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Old 11-06-2012, 08:41 AM   #3081
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SCUBA-Steve-o View Post
year: 2011
make: Subaru
model: Impreza 2.5i sedan
location: northwest PA (lake effect snow area)
tires only or winter package: Tires only

I also put on a lot of miles, so tire life is fairly important to me. I've had my car 1 year and put on 40,000 miles.
Will he/someone reply directly to my post? Or will it be a PM? does anyone else have suggestions?
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Old 11-06-2012, 08:50 AM   #3082
krzyss
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JAMM0N View Post
Why would you need chains? Are you driving up the himilayas?
What about ice? Do chains help on ice?

Krzys
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Old 11-06-2012, 08:54 AM   #3083
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SCUBA-Steve-o View Post
Will he/someone reply directly to my post? Or will it be a PM? does anyone else have suggestions?
Tread life and winter tires are not synonymous.
Tires like Blizzak WS are famous for wearing fast on dry, especially warm dry.

put them in order of importance:

ice
snow
dry
noise
tread life
wet

Krzys
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Old 11-06-2012, 09:12 AM   #3084
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Quote:
Originally Posted by krzyss View Post
Tread life and winter tires are not synonymous.
Tires like Blizzak WS are famous for wearing fast on dry, especially warm dry.

put them in order of importance:

ice
snow
dry
noise
tread life
wet

Krzys
Thanks!

snow
ice
tread life
wet
dry
noise
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Old 11-06-2012, 11:10 AM   #3085
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Who knows long wearing snow tires?
If noise is not concern and studs are legal and ice is second from top and dry and wet are not important go with studded tires?

Krzys
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Old 11-06-2012, 11:26 AM   #3086
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I hadn't really even considered studs... if this winter is like last year, then it'll be a mistake to buy snow tires... I'm thinking about all season's because there is a chance that this will be my last winter up here, and I don't know if I want to spend the money on winters. So many variables, and few knowns I guess.
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Old 11-06-2012, 11:59 AM   #3087
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With such approach you may want to check 2nd hand tires to find out which ones are keeping their value better (I guess none but maybe Nokian or Michelin) and buy with them or go other way and buy cheap winter tires.
Hard to help, not sure what I would do if I were you. I personally prefer performance winter tires for their trade offs but tread wear is not top on my list.

Krzys
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Old 11-06-2012, 12:26 PM   #3088
Digital Dillon
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SCUBA-Steve-o
I hadn't really even considered studs... if this winter is like last year, then it'll be a mistake to buy snow tires... I'm thinking about all season's because there is a chance that this will be my last winter up here, and I don't know if I want to spend the money on winters. So many variables, and few knowns I guess.
I'd go with an all season. That way you can ride on them in the cold/rain months of where your moving to. From my experience strictly winter tires aren't necessary on a Subaru. Just avoid the unplowed back roads and use your head!
I like winters because I can plow down the highway in the middle of a storm. With all seasons just take it easy like everyone else and avoid situations that are more likely to cause you to spin out or get stuck on the shoulder.
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Old 11-06-2012, 12:38 PM   #3089
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What say you about the Dunlop Graspic DS-3?
(http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....wtpackage=true)
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Old 11-06-2012, 12:41 PM   #3090
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rkjunior View Post
So, I'm wondering if I can sneak one more season (3000 miles give or take) out of my WS70s that I currently have mounted. The tires are pretty much right at the winter wear bar. I know I won't get optimal traction but they gotta be better than the summers and maybe even all-seasons?
Any thought on this regarding the winter wear bars?
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Old 11-06-2012, 01:03 PM   #3091
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SCUBA-Steve-o View Post
What say you about the Dunlop Graspic DS-3?
(http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....wtpackage=true)
I have a set of these on my 98 legacy sedan (stock 14" wheels btw). They do a nice job, definately better than any all season Ive driven in the snow. Great for a city like columbus or indy that gets snow but not crazy like MI or someplace else. I have general acrics on my wrx and they are a bit better in the deep snow. If you want something more sporty, pick up a nice set of blizzaks or wintersport 3ds. For the price the ds3s are a good balance of performance/value.
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Old 11-06-2012, 01:04 PM   #3092
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rkjunior View Post
Any thought on this regarding the winter wear bars?

What is the actual tread depth?
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Old 11-06-2012, 01:08 PM   #3093
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Quote:
Originally Posted by trev762 View Post
......How many vehicles have u seen going down the rd with their bumpers not attached to the fenders or how many fender wells ripped off and sitting in the ditch.
Zero.
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Old 11-06-2012, 01:15 PM   #3094
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With respect, Digital Dillon is incorrect. All seasons are not the way to go in ice and snow country. I put winters on my new Imprezza not for traction up the mountain passes but for traction for steering and braking down the passes. All seasons will probably prevent you from getting stuck but remember AWD does not help with braking and steering. I have tried both and I know all seasons are not adequate in our country in winter. I chose Toyo gsi on RTX wheels as my winter package. They were offered by my dealer and were about 350 dollars cheaper then Nokians and Michelins X ice 5.
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Old 11-06-2012, 01:22 PM   #3095
trev762
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SubLGT

Zero.
Well I guess u don't live where it gets sub zero temps then down to -15c at night.

Its more so to do with people not cleaning their fender wells out but having the extra fender well clearance to keep it clear makes all the difference but hey whatever floats your boat as im only giving useful information here/
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Old 11-06-2012, 01:37 PM   #3096
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SubLGT View Post
What is the actual tread depth?
between 7-8/32nd on 3 tires with one at 9/32 (it was replaced after one season). Effective depth is 6/32, right? lol
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Old 11-06-2012, 02:01 PM   #3097
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The magic compound ends probably a little below snow wear bars on Blizzaks WS.
You better hope for big snow in the beggining of the winter rather than end.
I would use them this winter and then continue on summer.
My Continentals TS810 are at 6/32. It will be their last winter and I will use them in summer too.

Krzys
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Old 11-06-2012, 02:02 PM   #3098
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With respect, Digital Dillon is incorrect. All seasons are not the way to go in ice and snow country. I put winters on my new Imprezza not for traction up the mountain passes but for traction for steering and braking down the passes. All seasons will probably prevent you from getting stuck but remember AWD does not help with braking and steering. I have tried both and I know all seasons are not adequate in our country in winter. I chose Toyo gsi on RTX wheels as my winter package. They were offered by my dealer and were about 350 dollars cheaper then Nokians and Michelins X ice 5.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought downshifting means I'm using my AWD when engine braking...I thought it made a noticeable difference last year vs. just using the brakes. Was it all mental?
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Old 11-06-2012, 02:16 PM   #3099
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Quote:
Originally Posted by krzyss View Post
The magic compound ends probably a little below snow wear bars on Blizzaks WS.
You better hope for big snow in the beggining of the winter rather than end.
I would use them this winter and then continue on summer.
My Continentals TS810 are at 6/32. It will be their last winter and I will use them in summer too.

Krzys
Thanks. I will try to stretch this winter out of them and see what happens. If they get sketchy during the first storm, I will replace them. I'm going to hold off until as long as I can to put them on to avoid running them on dry pavement for as long as I can... I won't run them in the summer - I have the dunlops for that.
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Old 11-06-2012, 02:47 PM   #3100
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Studded if you can but only if you are driving through states w ice but its not a good idea. Your studs wouldnt last long.

Chains on 16's could really mess up your balance and axle. Anyone want to try?

Its up to you if you want all seasons for the snow/wet conditions mixed in w dry if your area doesnt get a lot of snow. People who are up north is a mix of dedicated snows and all seasons. I look @ tires on cars when walkin into work. Most are all seasons but hefty cost and you change them out faster than dedicated winters or summers. Cost wise i would go w dedicated and just pay for mounting and balance.

Last edited by JAMM0N; 11-06-2012 at 02:56 PM.
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