New Winter means new gear!

[Bridgecity]

^ Thanks for that reference to the Tirerack test, hadn't seen that one.  Been focusing too much on the Tyre Reviews channel, which might not make much sense because the many of the tires he tests aren't available here, haha.  I guess I just like his vids.

[Blueprint]

Looks great!

It's been so warm out I haven't even considered putting the winter tires on.

Yes it has been quite mild indeed.  My wife and I were out in our T-shirts and jeans for a walk just last week! 

Here in Quebec however, the law mandates a hard date for the changeover.  Winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 15 inclusively. 

I am never pressured by the law, myself.  I've been using dedicated winter tires for about 30 years voluntarily.  I usually get my tires changed anywhere from Oct 30 to Nov 15.  I've seen what happens when drivers are caught unawares by the capriciousness of Mother Nature.  Nothing quite like that heart stopping sensation of hitting the brakes in slush and sliding toward that intersection and a very red light to make you vow to never get caught unprepared again.

The worst day to be out driving is the first snowy day of winter.  It's as if we are suffering from collective amnesia with regards to driving.  For Montreal, that day is this Thursday and going into Friday.  Several cm of snow are due that day, starting just around evening rush hour Thursday and finishing just before morning rush hour Friday . 

I am so happy I'm retired.

This week's presser is on SUMMER tires    ... but for once I'm returning it midweek as I'm flying off on vacation on Friday.

I completed the tire swaps on the four family vehicles last weekend, so we're good.

[random006]

Would be interested to hear your opinion on the IcePeaks if you go that route. 

I expect I'll be happy with them, as I was with the WS80's, DM-V2's, and WS-90's I've had on various vehicles.  Like every other Blizzak generation, they're basically dominating all the winter tire tests, so I doubt I'll be disappointed.

I had the WS-80s and found them to be very good in straight line stuff, both stopping and starting.

Lateral traction, however, was another story.  Turning caused the Crosstrek's rear to slide out on more than one occasion. As well, the car kept shifting in and out of snow ruts caused by other vehicles. This was seen mainly in fresh snow during a storm.

Hence the switch to the Michelins.

[Gurgie]

The IcePeak walked away with the snow test in the latest Tire Rack test. It wasn't close. They deducted points for the wet and handling, so it didn't finish first overall.

I will be getting a set of IcePeaks for the Passport since I prioritize snow traction. The Viking 8 seems to be the best all arounder, and the X-Ice the best for dry conditions. All are good tires.

Like you GA, I am going with an 18" vs 17". 17" feels too small on an SUV that came with 20" stock. Nonsense I know, but here we are. I've been surprised how little options there have been for used wheels and tires. I'd figured with the Pilot, Ridgeline and Passport all using interchangeable tires and wheels there would be more. And most of what I do fine isn't far from new pricing.

I ran 17's on my Passport. Had the BF Goodrich Winter TA KSI's on there & they were fantastic for our Ottawa winters. Awesome in the snow!! Did quite a few drives to Tremblant in snow storms and they never let me down, and were always surefooted.

[Tortoise]

Yeah, I seem to recall that traction wasn't an issue when passing on the drive to Tremblant!

[Stodge]

At some point I'll have to work out the best winter tyres to get for Vancouver Island's winter climate. It's probably less about deep snow and more about slush (short term), ice and standing water.

[Fobroader]

At some point I'll have to work out the best winter tyres to get for Vancouver Island's winter climate. It's probably less about deep snow and more about slush (short term), ice and standing water.

Wouldn't an all weather tire with some deeper treads work on something like that?? I know in the late fall/early spring around here I always wish I had my all terrain KO2s instead of the studded Hakkas as in deep slush the all terrains are much better handling it.

[Stodge]

At some point I'll have to work out the best winter tyres to get for Vancouver Island's winter climate. It's probably less about deep snow and more about slush (short term), ice and standing water.

Wouldn't an all weather tire with some deeper treads work on something like that?? I know in the late fall/early spring around here I always wish I had my all terrain KO2s instead of the studded Hakkas as in deep slush the all terrains are much better handling it.

Possibly. I think winter tyres with the mountain/snowflake symbol are mandatory, so I'm not sure what that covers yet. Haven't looked into it yet.

[Tortoise]

You can get all weather tires that have the mountain/snowflake symbol. That seems like the best option for Vancouver Island.