Winter Tire Testing 2009 by tirerack.com

[StlouisX50]

I just got a catalog from tirerack.com called Inside Track. Inside has a good amount of testing on winter tires.

I looked to see if it was available online so you all could view but it appears it's not (yet) only the summer issue.

However you can check out the same test via video, which I find even more interesting.

Check out - Video Center

The link shows break test in snow and ice as well as around curves and gives good detailed info as far as stopping distances and acceleration times.

[ahmadr]

Modern studless winter tires are AMAZING.

I personally tried out (back-to-back, Denver heavy snow) a 05 Honda Civic with Michelin X-Ice tires and a 06 Pilot with regular all season tires, and 4WD, ESC, TC.

Starting off / accelerating: Virtually a tie
Everything else (braking, handling): Hands down the Civic. Substantial difference

I was amazed...

Even more amazing, was the performance of the X-Ice in normal rain / dry conditions (and AFAIK this is unique to Michelin)

I must admit, a while later the snow became so deep that the ground clearance of the Pilot was the problem. The Civic, of course, had no chance.

[crazyVOLVOrob]

I was suprised how I survived a blizzard in Vail, CO with my Ultra High performance All seasons.

To get to my buddies place at the end of the day we had to go up a steep grade....It was scary as balls each trip up until we reached the top

If I find myself needing to drive consistently in the winter I will be getting snowtires

[category4]

the extext of my winter driving fun is taking the Vette out in sub 40 degree days with the Eagle F1 Supercars and feel them slip until they come up to operating temp.

[95blklsc]

the extext of my winter driving fun is taking the Vette out in sub 40 degree days with the Eagle F1 Supercars and feel them slip until they come up to operating temp.

Isn't that the truth! It feels like ice at any temp below 40s with the supercars!

[AirMoore]

^^^

Thats nothing supercar schmooper-cars, trying bringing a super-bike out on cold tires... in ~35 degree temps, every corner you hit is a power-slide.



With that said... I wish I never had the 'luck' to... wish I lived in the south.

On a side note a friend of mine just got his RX-7 with the Vette engine in it started, and she runs, so I am hoping he can get that out before the salt goes down on the roads.




I normally run with all seasons on my cars during the winter... never have any super-steep grades (except drive-ways) which give me issues.


I need to get a Subaru for their flawless AWD.

[Holla]

^^^

On a side note a friend of mine just got his RX-7 with the Vette engine in it started, and she runs, so I am hoping he can get that out before the salt goes down on the roads.

Post up some videos of this car!! Sounds Sweet

[category4]

the extext of my winter driving fun is taking the Vette out in sub 40 degree days with the Eagle F1 Supercars and feel them slip until they come up to operating temp.

Isn't that the truth! It feels like ice at any temp below 40s with the supercars!

Yes First winter I had the Vette I almost did a 180 trying to leave the subdivision!!!

[carter840]

Yeah I'm in the process of finding the best winter tires that can also be driven in the summer without ridiculous wear. Anyone have any suggestions? Looking for a 19X255 tire.
I have heard about some tires called Vredestein that are supposedly good, has anyone heard of those?

[partsfreak]

I get those catalogs from TIRERACK too. It must suck to have to buy an extra set of tires for those who live far enough north to need them. The expense and a place to store them when not using them must be a drag. We mostly get freezing rain here and just a little snow. Not worth the trouble. Our problem is the people who cant handle the weather more than the weather itself.