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KEEP M3POST ALIVE BY DOING YOUR TIRERACK SHOPPING FROM THIS BANNER LINK! |
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10-06-2009, 01:04 PM | #1 |
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TireRack "Studless Ice/Snow" vs. "Performance Snow" Tires in SoCal
I agree with people who say "There is no best tire; it depends on the situation", so here's my situation:
I live in LA, where it's perfectly fine to use summer performance tires all year round. As much as I'd like to go more often, I only go snowboarding a few times per year. When I do go to the mountains (115 miles to Big Bear, 350 miles to Tahoe), all but the last 10 miles or so are on perfectly clear, dry, and warm (temps around 50-75F) roads. In fact, driving up to Tahoe, I'm generally be able to safely drive around 80-90 mph most of the way. However, the last 10 miles on summer performance tires can sometimes be perfectly fine... or downright scary and I'll never know which it's going to be at the moment I leave my house. My options:
If I go with Option 3, I'm looking for the cheapest tires that do the job well. Long term wear doesn't matter too much, since I won't be doing that many miles on them. The cheapest tires in the "snow" category that will work for me are the Blizzak WS60 ($600 after rebate) but are "Studless Ice/Snow" tires vs. the cheapest "Performance Snow" is around $750 after rebate. Given my driving situation, should I buy the V-rated Performance Snow tires vs. the R-rated (max 99mph) Snow/Ice tires. Will the warm weather of SoCal cause the Snow/Ice tires to perform poorly or show extreme wear? Or, since I'm only putting the snow/ice tires on for the days I need them, is it actually better to have the best possible snow/ice traction vs. Performance Snow tires, since they are maybe made for people who need them every day? Last edited by CliffJumper; 10-06-2009 at 01:23 PM.. |
10-06-2009, 02:40 PM | #2 |
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Having lived in the SF Bay Area for 10 years, I've made the trip many times, and I know what you mean about the last 10-20 miles to Tahoe or Bear. Why don't you just get a set of chains?
Unless you've lowered the car, that's a very simple, cheap, and effective solution. That's what I did, and I was driving an E30 in those days.
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10-06-2009, 03:15 PM | #3 | |
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Am I wrong on either of those points? |
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10-06-2009, 03:46 PM | #4 |
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I personally have driven my 335 in big bear and let me tell you, go snow tires or at least some kind of M+S tires. Chains are okay but pretty scary too. Not to mention the possibility of destroying your fenders.
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10-06-2009, 03:50 PM | #5 |
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if you are committed to taking your M3 to the slopes, you really don't have a choice but to get a winter set. it sucks justifying the cost of the setup for just a few miles or just a few days a year, but chains aren't really feasible, and the summers could be deadly. its not worth the risk, IMO. just get something cheap through tire rack that will get the job done. or buy something used from somebody on here.
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10-06-2009, 05:59 PM | #6 |
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How often do you go? For all the hassle and expense of snow tires and a second set of rims you could just rent a car a few times over.
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10-06-2009, 06:52 PM | #7 | |
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10-06-2009, 07:00 PM | #8 |
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Also done both those drives, know exactly what you mean.
1. Chains are a huge pain the arse, plus not sure if ou can even fit them safely on 19", maybe 18. 2. Done the rent a car route, best part is your not as worried at the car but yes the bulk of the drive sucks. 3. If I have to take the M, I'd break down and get a second set of wheels and tires just geared for snow. Easy enough to swap out just before the trip. Downside, ride quality/performance will still suffer.
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10-06-2009, 07:20 PM | #10 |
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I hear what you are saying - but renting seems to be the best option - cant imagine buying snow tires when you live in LA! I dont know that drive since I dont live in LA - but Performance Snow Tires sound like the best option if you must. Quiter on the hiway - I assume most of the drive will be in milder temps and no snow or little snow.
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10-07-2009, 08:49 PM | #11 | |
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10-08-2009, 01:37 PM | #13 |
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Buy all season tires and use them for your a few snowboarding trip and use them as your year around backup set.
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10-08-2009, 01:47 PM | #14 | |
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I believe in getting the best tires for the situation, and I'd never use all season tires for any purpose since winter in LA is a joke. |
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10-08-2009, 02:02 PM | #15 |
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+1, I still have a set of dedicated snows that I brought over from Massachusetts and I'll be putting them on in early December.
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10-08-2009, 02:20 PM | #16 |
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i'd say go with Performance Snow tires. i have Michelin Pilot Alpin on my car (not M3, i know), they're V-rated (i think, "high-speed" anyway) so you can still hammer it safely on the highway on the way there (better traction on dry pavement than my OEM no-season tires) and at the same time they also got me through the Rockies last December fairly safe... you might sacrifice a little bit when it comes to best traction possible (vs. low -speed dedicated snow tires) in the snow, but at least you're not limited by these tires on dry pavement, which would be 95% of your trip...
just my $ 0.02, but either way i wouldnt take a chance on high-perf summer tires on the snow, regardless of what car you dirve! |
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