Re: snow tires

[JEFDO@aol.com]

>From: Mark Hilbush <73441.73@CompuServe.COM>
>Date: 20 Sep 96 09:06:05 EDT
>Subject: Snows
>
>Well, for some of us it's time to start thinking about new tires for the
winter.
>First, even though they say "all-season" and are great on dry and wet
pavement,
I>'m assuming my 205/50/15 Dunlop D60s won't quite cut it.  Besides, I want
to
>protect my wheels from the harsh winter.
>
>Checked out Tire Rack's Web page.  They show the Bridgestone Blizzak, Dunlop
>Graspic S100Z, and Pirelli 190P in my size.  The Blizzaks are significantly
more
>expensive than the Dunlops.  Are the Blizzaks that much better?  I might be
i>nclined to go with them, but the winters are not _that_ bad here in the
slush
>belt.
>
>TIA.
>Mark Hilbush
>Baltimore, MD

Warning, the Blizzaks are great--the best braking (supposedly)--but they wear
out fairly quickly. Once they're worn, they act like all seasons. Don'y know
about the dunlops, but I use the Michelin Alpin 130's, which I like better
than the Gislaveds (sic) and the Hakkapalieta 10's I've had. 

The Michelins are aggressive, long lasting, and H-rated for better
responsiveness, especially in the dry. They also keep and even improve
(again, supposedly) their snow grip with age. The Haks are noisy, poor
emergency handling unless seriously overinflated (worsens ride!), and have
worn quickly on several of my prior vehicles.

Check out Discount tire direct, though their snows aren't on their Web page
yet.

Generally you go narrower with snows. I run stock 225/50ZR16 summers and
205?/60HR15 winters on the S4.

I completely disagree about not needing snows. Remember that you have
essentially no wheel drive once your braking, so if you don't always double
clutch and downshift, and you drive in the heavy stuff that turns to ice, get
4 snows.

I haven't found a good snow tire test in the zines, so if anyone knows of one
send it along.

Hasta,

Jonathan Fenton
Montpelier, VT
'9s S4sIA3