Winterforce in the Winter

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 by Colin


My Blazer had Winterforce tires installed when I purchased it.  Here is the information I offer when customers call with questions about this tire from my first hand feeling for how good these snow tires really are.

The Good

Their deep and light snow traction is very good.  I found that braking, acceleration and turning can be done with little concern. 

The Bad

The ice traction of these tires is not as strong.  I think my all-seasons are almost as good when it comes to stopping on ice.  I have experienced many ABS-assisted stops this winter.  My performance winters, Dunlop Winter Sport 3D, have much better ice traction ability. The Winterforce are also on the noisy side.  The Winterforce can be studded to give them much greater traction on ice.  This will make them nosier still, and not as good on wet or dry roads.  Also, studding is not allowed in all areas.

The Conclusion

The redeeming features of the Winterforce tires are that they are a competent winter tire at an inexpensive price.  Even though they aren't the best, they are a much better overall tire for the winter than any all-season option.  If you can upgrade to a better tire like the Bridgestone Blizzaks I would suggest it.  That is what I am going to do next winter. 










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Tired of Battling the Snow Filled Streets? With More Snow in the Forecast!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 by Chad Hocker
It's not too late to get a Winter/ Snow Tire & Wheel package as winter just won't let up with record snow falls across the country!  Tire Rack still has truck snow tires, passenger car snow tires and winter tires for your SUV or CUV;
Tire Rack Winter Tire Testing
Not every snow tire size is available but many that are available are at special pricing. Combine your tire purchase with a set of winter wheels and  Tire Rack will mount and balance your winter package at no charge, including all the lug hardware needed at no charge!  Check out some of the Snow Tire Reviews to help make your decision or the Snow Tire Test Results.
Tire Rack Wheel Clearance
 
Clearance pricing on select wheels, but only until they are gone.
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Reflections on a great winter season!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 by Damon Witters
As I sit here on a day in early February staring at the phone to ring, I have a chance to reflect on what a great winter season it was this year. I was able to help quite a few customers get through the winter and many people purchased before the first snow fall this season.
Winter driving

Let me take a minute to explain how important ordering early can be.

Every year we can always count on the calls for winter product from late September through Christmas.  But this year I saw an animal of a different color I have never seen in my 7 years here:  More calls earlier than in years past.  And I'm not talking the people who woke up and called us with their first cup of coffee here, either.  I'm talking about pro-active people.  You know, the ones you always secretly resent because at the end of the day their to-do lists are always all checked off and they go home with spotless desks!
 
But joking aside, a trend we have seen in the past here at Tire Rack is some scrambling in Mid-December to buy whatever's left because people hoped they could get through the year on all-season tires instead of Blizzaks, or Michelin X-Ice, or any snow tire.  This year we helped quite a few driver in October, and that's a great thing.

Why?  Because it means people are listening.

Listening to their friends who buy snow tires.  Listening to us. Watching the advertising (have you seen our new commercials on TV?  Pretty snazzy.) in both print and online.  Generally "getting it" that winter tires really do get you and your family from A-B more safely.  Helping more people in October this year means that people are excited about getting into safer tires before the white-knuckle trip to work one morning in late November on three-quarter worn all seasons seemed like they would get through one more winter.  It's an exciting trend to see, and we hope it continues. 

Because really, how much fun is it to use the car in front of you to stop?  

If you have not tried a real dedicated snow tire yet, think about putting a set at the top of the list next year.


Early.




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Just Purchased a New Car; Winter Wheels and Snow Tires or Just Snow Tires?

Friday, January 22, 2010 by Chad Hocker
I just purchased a new car but the Orginal Equipment tires are scary in the snow! Tire Rack has a solution for you. A Winter / Snow Tire and Wheel Package. You may say "I don't want to pay the extra money to get the wheels."  Look at the purchase as an investment.  Let's walk through an example using ZIP Code 13201, Syracuse, NY.  Try the example on TireRack.com for your car.

Tire Rack has many winter tire and wheel combinations available to choose from.

First let's look at some benefits of a Winter / Snow Tire and Wheel Package:
  • Protect your summer wheels from winter's grime and harshness
  • Easy, bolt-on installation at your pace before the first snow
  • Free professional mount and balance using Hunter Road Force balancing
  • All lug hardware needed included at no charge.
  • Better winter traction with a narrower tireElbrus Winter Wheels
Secondly, the pricing of the Winter / Snow Tire and Wheel Package: Now let's compare the same tire using the standard 245/40R18:
  • Using the 245/40R18 Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 ($164 ea)
  • Average installation in ZIP Code 13201 for the 245/40R18 size is $22.23 per tire.
  • Check the Recommended Installers list for the installation price in local markets
  • Total price shipped to 13201 is $705.94 plus an addtional $22.23 average install.
The tire and wheel option is an investment up front but does allow great benefits. Typically the life of a modern winter tire is 3-4 winters. Using that information, if one were to change tires back and forth twice per year for each winter the price would be $178.80 ($22.23 x 2 x 4 = $178.84). Total price to switch tires back and forth would be $536.40 - $715.20 depending if you see 3 or 4 winters. The investment pays off durring the second year of owning your package! You will be ahead $192.98 - $371.78 depending if your tires last 3 - 4 winters. Check out our selection of winter / snow tires and wheels!
 
 




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Best winter traction for your passenger vehicle

Thursday, January 14, 2010 by Kyle Schirripa
I recently faced the decision of picking the best winter tire for my driving conditions.   I considered the category of studless ice and snow tires for these offer the best traction in the worst of weather.  I had narrowed my choice to the following three tires: Continental Extreme Winter Contact, Bridgestone Blizzak WS60, and Michelin X-ice Xi2. 

  Continental                        Bridgestone                        Michelin
Continental Extreme Winter Contact                                 
 
I've had a chance to sample the three tires above and would have been happy with any of the selections.  I decided to try the Bridgestone due to some size and availability issues.  I've been amazed with the overall confidence and winter capability the tire has provided.  I'm also pleased with the overall ride and noise comfort.  Be sure to read our test comparisons and customer feedback  when selecting the tire that is right for you. 
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Nissan Tires

Monday, January 11, 2010 by Tire Rack Team
End your search for Nissan tires with a quick...and we promise it'll be quick...search through our inventory of high-quality options.

Let's pretend you drive the 2009 Nissan Cube 1.8 S. You'd enter these specific make, model and year details when you shop by vehicle and we'd put together some excellent Nissan tire options.

This particular vehicle has an Original Equipment tire size of 195/60-15, so the list might include the following:

• Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3 (Performance Winter / Snow Tire)
• Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 (Studless Ice & Snow Tire)
• Yokohama AVS ES100 (Ultra High Performance Summer Tire)

Ready to go bigger? The Cube pictured above has been upgraded to an 18" wheel size, on which we've installed 215/40-ZR18 Kumho Ecsta SPT Ultra High Performance Summer tires.

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All-Season VS Winter Tires

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 by Colin

Some people think that all-season tires are just fine for the winter. I decided to find out how much difference there really is. 

I kept the General Grabber HTS tires on my Blazer through the first part of the winter. I must say they provided excellent snow traction and handling with their main weakness being ice traction. 

I almost didn't change to the snows until the weather took a turn for the worse. I decided to install a set of the Firestone Winterforce snow tires. The Winterforce did make a noticeable difference in the deeper snow but not as much on the ice. I attribute that difference more to the tires themselves rather than their type. The Winterforce can be studded to improve its ice traction but I would rather have a different model like the Bridgestone Blizzak. 

In summary, a set of four winter / snow tires are the only way to go if you want to maximize your wintertime safety and driving enjoyment! 



 

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Truck Snow Tires

Tuesday, December 8, 2009 by Tire Rack Team
All-season tires can provide traction in winter months, but that traction depends on the amount of snow that falls. The more slush, snow and ice on the road—the less an all-season tire can keep up. If you drive a pickup truck or SUV, for example, you would benefit significantly from a set of SUV or pickup truck tires for snow. Some of our recommendations include:

Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow: This Studless Ice & Snow winter tire enhances winter driving performance with predictable handling on dry and wet roads, along with traction in snow and on ice. Tire Rack Consumer Review: "To get to my house, you have to go up a 15-degree grade, then a 25-degree grade, then finally a 35-degree grade. Imagine 4-6" of fresh wet snow, and then try to make it to the top. I did. Twice. In two snow storms. These tires passed the test." — Tire Rack Consumer Review, Lexus RX350, NY

Firestone Winterforce: These Studdable winter radials deliver outstanding value at an affordable price. An aggressive tread pattern creates biting edges (and allows for studs), which provide exceptional traction in snow and on ice. Tire Rack Consumer Review: "Best winter tire I've ever bought. You can't beat the price, the traction, the tread life. I couldn't get my Rav4 stuck. Toyota's AWD system with these tires is amazing. I've pulled my 2-wheel drive up out of my driveway on solid ice with these things on my Rav4. I will never buy another snow tire after having these."  — Tire Rack Consumer Review, Toyota Rav4 4WD, PA

NOTE: For exclusive Tire Rack winter tire ratings for the Firestone Winterforce, you'll want to read "Winter Testing at the Arctic Circle: Studdable Winter / Snow."

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1: As a Studless tire, these Bridgestone snow tires combine grip in snow and on ice with exceptional handling on wet and slushy roads. The DM-V1 focuses on ice traction and braking, as well as wet road handling and hydroplaning resistance. Tire Rack Consumer Review: "Awesome tread design, wide sipes that channel slush and water perfectly. Our Acadia is AWD but these tires make this SUV a tank!! Highly recommend them to anyone who is concerned about icy roads or deep snow as we live on a back road and these tires are flawless!!!" — Tire Rack Consumer Review, GMC Acadia SLT AWD, PA

See all Winter / Snow tires.

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Bridgestone Blizzak Snow Tires

Tuesday, December 1, 2009 by Tire Rack Team
What's the verdict on Bridgestone's Blizzak snow tires? 

"I can't say enough good about this tire. I live in the mountains of Colorado, where we commonly get snow 6 months of the year and can get snow infrequently every month. The traction is superb in all conditions, including deep snow." — Tire Rack Consumer Review, Honda CR-V, CO

"I purchased four Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60s and it was like a miracle! Regardless of what the actual weather conditions are, driving with the Blizzaks on is like driving on dry pavement. It doesn't matter if it's raining, snowing, sleeting, or hailing; if there's no snow, light snow, deep snow, or ice; if it's 40 above, 20 above, or 10 below; my car goes. I feel totally safe and secure." — Tire Rack Consumer Review, MINI Cooper S, MI

From high-performance winter tread compounds to patented multicell options that grip as good as a metal stud, Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires give you driving confidence when snow and ice threaten to take it away. Search the complete collection of Blizzak winter / snow tires to find a set that's right for you. And if you do buy Bridgestone tires, we'd certainly love to hear your review.


1 Comments »

Chad's 2009-2010 Snow Tire and Wheel Package

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Chad Hocker
Its getting colder and colder every day.  Now is the time to buy your winter tire and wheel Package on-line!  I just purchased my tire and wheel package today for my Chevy Impala.Sport Edition Snow Wheels  Last year I used the Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 with the Sport Edition F7 with great success!  I was very confident in the Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 and do believe they are the best snow tire for the worst conditions for my needs.  Last winter I remember having a few Blizzard warnings and of course I was outBridgestone Winter Tirse driving in them because after all its just snow!  So this year I am passing the Brigestone Blizzak WS60 and Sport Edition F7 wheels onto Katie who has  a Pontiac Grand Prix.

I am going to use the Michelin X-Ice XI-2 and Elbrus I02 as my winter package this season. Elbrus Winter Wheels I often get asked about the Michelin X-Ice XI-2 and it's comparison to the the Bridgestone Blizzak WS60.  We have lots of winter tire test results and also winter tire survey results comparing the two.  I thought why not try them out for myself this winter.  One nice thing about South Bend, IndianaMichelin Winter Tires is we see lots of winter conditions form rain, to ice, to blizzard conditions, to snow packed and slush covered roads from November to March each winter.


Both of these snow tires are top performers in their category.  If you have never tried snow tires.  These snow tires are so good I do feel I should offer a warning.  As you are able to drive confidently with the increased traction be aware that others around you can not and can not stop quickly as you can.  Look at this video of a winter test the Tire Rack did comparing All Season tires vs Winter tires.

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Snow Traction: Tires Make a Difference

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by Tire Rack Team
If you slip and slide all over the icy roads in your area, then you'll definitely want some snow traction tires. Not every tire is made for an icy snowy path, and while those all-seasons help, they're made to take on a multitude of situations. In other words, they can't specialize.

Snow traction tires feature tread designs and specific features, like the multicell rubber compound in Bridgestone's Blizzak, that combat ice and snow better than your typical all-season tire. Trust us. We know how they go in ice and snow. It really does make a difference.

Because we firmly believe in the importance of good snow traction, we've built up quite an inventory so you can buy winter / snow tires when you need them.


 





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'Tis the season to buy snow tires!

Monday, October 26, 2009 by Tire Rack Team
For those of you that drive through snow in the winter months—they're here and it's time to buy snow tires for your vehicle! Trust us, it makes a difference. We've compiled a library full of winter tire tech articles to help you understand why. And, of course, Tire Rack has a great selection of  snow tires from a variety of premium brands. Not sure how to pick? Let our Winter Tire Decision Guide help you. It'll make very specific recommendations based on your individual needs. 

Regardless of how you search, you'll see tires like the following:

• Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1
• Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60
• Continental ExtremeWinterContact
• Dunlop Graspic DS-3


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Tire Rack Winter Tires and Wheels Delivered in Canada

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 by Chad Hocker
Yes, the Tire Rack can ship any winter tire and wheel package to Canada.

The Tire Rack Carries many different winter and snow tire brands to fit your vehicle.  We have Performance Winter Tires, Studless Ice and Snow Tires, and Studdable Tires.  A few top brands we carry include:
      Bridgestone Blizzak WS60
    * Bridgestone Blizzak Winter Tires 
    * Firestone Winterforce Tires
    * Dunlop Winter Tires
    * General Altimax Arctic Winter Tires
    * Michelin Winter Tires

We also have looked at each vehicle and determined which tire and wheel package would work best for you.  Check out our preferred packages for your vehicle.  Some benefits of purchasing a tire and wheel snow package from the Tire Rack include.

    * Easy, bolt-on installation before the first snowSport Edition Winter Wheels
    * Save the cost and inconvienience of having to remount tires each season
    * All necessary hardware included at no additional charge
    * Professional Hunter Road Force Balancing at no charge

We will also collect all of the additional sales tax and duties included at the time of purchase as the Tire Rack is a non resident importer for Canada.  No additional taxes, duties, or fees will be collected by UPS Canada upon the delivery of your order.



3 Comments »

Winter Tires or Snow Tires Which Do I Need?

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 by Chad Hocker
If you are looking for snow tires or winter tires for the first time or maybe just looking for some new tires to be used in the winter.  It can be some what overwhelming as their are many choices available, but once we get into things the selection is very clear and easy.  First, let me describe the different categories we group the winter/snow tires into.

Performance Winter Tires
For drivers who want to retain the precision of their ultra high performance sports car,sedan or coupe during winter conditions.  Seeing lighter snow conditions or well plowed roads.  Possibly in urban environments or a wet winter climate.
 
Studless Ice and Snow Tires
For the drivers of coupes, sedans, minivans and crossover vehicles looking for traction on winter's slushy, snow-covered and icy roads.  These tires are for moderate to severe snow environments.  The Studless Ice and Snow tires are for the drivers that need to arrive at their destination regardless of winter conditions.
Studdable Tires
For drivers of sport cars, coupes, sedans, vans and crossover vehicles that desire to use traditional methods of enhancing wintertime traction.  These tires may be studded to enhance winter driving traction.
 
Now lets take a look a few top winter tires in each category and make a few comments on each tire's specific strengths.  Click on the tire to read each winter tire review specifically.

Performance Winter tires
Studless Ice and Snow Tires
Studdable Tires
          General Altimax ArticGeneral Altimax Artic
Check here to see if any of theses tires have any rebates.

8 Comments »

Over the river and through the woods. The Blizzak WS60 will get you there and more!

Monday, October 5, 2009 by Neal O'Neal
    Last winter was a pretty bad one for NW Indiana and most everywhere else. It was my first full winter in an Audi A4 Quattro. The snow was bad and my commute is long so I decided to go with Bridgestone's Blizzak WS60 .

    On Wednesday Feb 4th we had an incredible snow storm that sat idle for most of the day as it dumped close to 3 feet. The screen shot is radar from that day.

















    My commute 34 miles one way of country back roads and two lane highways. Not many people were around that night and the county plows were more concerned about major highways and towns than the roads I travel. As you can see below the snow was deep but my Blizzaks got me home safely.





Half way up the doors!!















    I've tried many other snow tires since I've been in sales, but nothing has come close to these. The incredible ice, snow, and slush traction is exactly what I need in the snow belt. Best to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to snows this time of year.  Pick yours up today!








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Now is the winter of our discontent

Monday, October 5, 2009 by Jonas Paeplow

Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious summer by this son of York;
And all the clouds that low'r'd upon our house
In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.
Richard the 3rd (Act 1 Scene1) -William Shakespeare

Remember when you bought your new Sport Coupe or Sedan last spring. You marveled at the performance, the handling, the level of grip you got on those long sweeping off ramps. Shakespeare opens his play with Richard not actually protesting his discontent, but by celebrating an upturn in his family's fortunes, much as you felt when you first purchased your new car. Well, it's autumn now, the leaves are starting to turn. That new car "made glorious summer" may lead to "the winter of discontent", If you are not prepared for it. 

If you live in the snow belt, like I do, you know that sooner or later we will be battling snow, slush and ice. If you look carefully, you will probably find that your car came equipped with Summer performance tires. Tires such as these provide great handling in warm temperatures but were never intended to be driven at temperatures approaching freezing, let alone on ice or snow. Attempting to drive in winter conditions on summer tires is a recipe for disaster.

http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=TX4&url=/videos/index.jsp&video=26&tab=winter

Your new car may have come equipped with sophisticated Anti-Lock Brakes, Traction Control and/or Vehicle Stability Systems but they still rely on the friction provided by the tire on the driving surface. Do you want to continue to get full use out of your new car this winter and feel confident about your safety and that of your passengers? If you do, you should seriously consider installing a set of dedicated winter tires.

http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=TX4&url=/videos/index.jsp&video=31&tab=winter

The type of winter tire you should buy, in large part, depends on the type of driving you do, and the conditions you encounter during the winter months:

  •  Stud-less, ice and snow tires, such as the Bridgestone Blizzak WS60, or the Michelin X Ice XI2 will provide the best possible traction for the worst weather conditions. Using this type of winter tire will improve your ability to accelerate, brake and negotiate slick corners with a new level of confidence and control.
  • Performance winter tires such as the Dunlop WinterSport 3D and the new Bridgestone LM-60 come with higher speed ratings. They allow you to travel  unplowed, snowy roads with ease while allowing you to drive cleared paved roads with the type of handling you might expect from a performance all season tire.

Which ever type of winter tire you choose, your ability to get around in bad weather this season will be dramatically improved on dedicated winter tires.  In many respects, it's still winter for the restless Richard, who himself has ambitions for the throne. He attempts to bring on his own summer through manipulation, treachery, and murder.

The new car smell has faded a little by now, but you car still runs and handles like new. Don't become discontented, as Richard did. Drive right through winter weather with a great set of winter tires from The Tire Rack. Once you try them, I can assure you, you will never want to drive in winter without them.


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I Leased my Car Should I buy Snow Tires or Snow Tires and Wheels?

Friday, September 25, 2009 by Chad Hocker
I answer this question often and see clients struggling on what to do with the snow package.  "Should I use a winter tire and wheel package or use my stock wheels and remount my summer and winter tires each season?" 
This is the conversion summary on a winter package I helped a client with this week.  He had leased a 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX for three years.  Initially he was looking at snow tires for the stock wheels.  After deciding the Studless Ice and Snow category best fit his needs we narrowed the tire down to the Bridgestone Blizzak WS60.  Which is priced atBridgestone Blizzak WS 60 $137 each plus shipping at $57.22 UPS Ground on four tires.  The price of his snow tires delivered was going too be $605.22 not to bad.  Then we looked at recommended installers for his Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 snow tires.   The average price of local installers in Littleton, Colorado for the 225/45R17 that came on the Subaru is $24.00 per tire. Each seasonal switch would cost $96 changing them twice a year at $192 over three years $576 just to switch tires out.  You can see where this is going and why he did go with the winter tires and wheels from the Tire Rack.  The client liked the preferred winter tire (205/55R16 Bridgestone Blizzak WS 60 priced at $107each) but not the wheels so he selected the Sport Edition F7($91 each).  When you purchase a winter tire and wheel package from the Tire Rack we will mount and balance your package at no charge using Hunter Road Force Balancing.  Also we will include all lug hardware and any small parts needed for the package.  The Subaru Impreza WRX 4-Door Base model is recommended to use a 16 inch snow tire and wheel package.  Some benefits would be
  • A narrower tire for better winter traction
  • A wheel with a finish approved for winter driving conditions
  • Typically a better price point than the original equipment sizeSport Edition F7
The total price for four of the 225/45R17 Bridgestone Blizzak WS 60s delivered to Littleton Colorado is $605.22 vs the Shipped price of the Sport Edition F7 and 205/55R16 Bridgestone Blizzak WS 60 at $901.88 but don't forget the price of mounting over the next three years at $576.00.  So the winter tire and Sport Editionwheel package from the Tire Rack may be an investment up front but could save some money in the long run.  In this order I saved the client $279.34 in the long run.  A couple of other thoughts on tire and wheel packages vs. switching tires out seasonally.
  • Winter tires typically last 3-4 winters, exactly the life of most car leases
  • Using winter tires and wheels will allow the summer/All season tires to last longer
  • Snow tires and wheel packages will keep your summer tires from pothole damage.
Check the preferred winter package for your vehicle at TireRack.com


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New Bridgestone winter tires for your truck/suv

Friday, September 25, 2009 by Kyle Schirripa
Bridgestone has introduced a new winter option for your SUV or light truck.  The Blizzak DMZ3 tire will be replaced this winter season with the new Bridgestone Blizzak DMV1.  The new tire will offer improved ice braking and cornering in addition to improvements in overall dry handling.  Bridgestone also posts strong improvements in wet traction over the previous

  Blizzak DMV1

 
model.  Improvements in both compound and tread design should allow the new model to be a strong performer among the SUV/ light truck category of winter tires.   I've been happy with the overall performance of the Blizzak DMZ3 on trucks in the past and look forward to giving the new Bridgestone DMV1 a try.  Be sure to look at all the performance ratings and  winter tire options currently available for your vehicle. 



0 Comments »

Winter is near

Thursday, September 24, 2009 by Jim Holloman

I hate to admit it but the winter snow tire season is near.  Every year I take off my summer wheels and tires around the second week of November.  I wash and wax them and put them away for the cold months.  I then break out the Bridgestone Blizzaks for the BMW and the Honda.  My neighbors wander what I am doing but I know what is coming.
I tried to talk my neighbor into the Blizzaks for her Honda Odyssey but she thought it was just too much of a hassle and money.
The way I look at it is it is the cheapest insurance I can get.  One slide off into something and the wheels and tires are paid for.  Plus it gives me a reason to buy more wheels for the car and I get better handling summer tires.   Sounds like a win win for me.
I had to convince my wife but only before she drove on the Blizzaks.  She will not go through the winter without them now.
As much as I hate to see it summer is over...bring on the snow.

 

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Slip sliding away, slip sliding away ...

Thursday, September 24, 2009 by Luke Pavlick
Yeah, it's that time of year.

For those of us living north of US 40 it's not going to be long before this type of afternoon

is going to turn into this type of afternoon



So, what can we do about it?
If you are like most folks, little more than shiver, bundle up & complain.

Anybody know what this winters over/under is for ... cold enough for ya?
 
When ever tire companies come out with new products we need to understand who is bringing what to the table. Winter tires are no different but, it's mid-September and 75 degrees outside, how can we figure them out? The road manners, ride quality and noise is the easy part to figure out since it's not as temperature dependent.

Understanding what will happen in slippery conditions requires a bit more creativity.
So, we turned to our friends over at The Ice Box, which is a hockey / ice skating rink here in South Bend, Indiana where Holy Cross College plays their home games and the local youth hockey leagues can be found most weekends. Yes, we took the test cars to the ice to find out what works best during the worst winter conditions.


While slip sliding around on the ice we learned each tires limits accelerating, braking and cornering. It is pretty strange hearing tires squeal on ice, which is exactly that happens when the top performers are pushed to the limits of their traction.

we were focused on 4 tires this time around

My 'seat of the pants' evaluation is that the Blizzak WS60 was able to hold onto its' #1 ranking on the ice and the Continental was a respectable 2nd. The entire test results should be published on TireRack.com shortly.

What does it all mean? To me and my family it means the Blizzaks, which are currently in my garage, will soon be back on the road inspiring safe, confident and controlled winter driving again this year. Isn't that what winter tires are truly all about?


My name is Luke Pavlick and I am a Car Guy


 

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