vtkahns

I need to get snow tires for vermont winters (should we actually have one this year). My 97 SE has stock 215/55 tires on it.

2 questions:

1. What size? 215/55/16 vs 205/65/15

2. What tire? I have Bridgestone Blizzaks on my van , the WS-30 models , now the WS-50 I think. They are very grippy but very soft.

Should I really try to go to the 205/65 for snows to get better snow performance and can I do that with no issues? I believe so.

Choices from tirerack.com:

Blizzak WS-50 205/65/QR15= $81
Blizzak WS-50 215/55/QR15= $104
BLizzak LM-22 215/55/HR16=$123 (silica in compound vs the multicell compound so I hope these would wear better for some small sacrifice in grippiness)
Dunlop Winder Sport M2 215/55/qr16 = $114
Michelin Artic-Alpin 215/55/QR16 = $98
Michelin Artic-Alpin 205/65/QR15 = $76
Michelin Pilot-Alpin 215/55/HR16 = $125
Michelin Pilot-Alpin 205/65/HR15 = $109

Any experience / advice? I think I like the LM-22 at 215/55/hr16. It does not come in the 205/65 version I believe so that is not a choice.

Thanks

S

2DMax

iTrader: (2)

I have a 98 SE.
I bought a set of 15" steel rims from tire rack wrapped in Blizzaks.
I think I bought the WS-15 or Ws-50, don't remember.
I have used them for two years, and they are the best!
Remember 2 years ago when there were tons of snow? I was in Vermont every weekend and NEVER had a problem getting through inches of snow, or getting to the mountain. I was in near frame deep snow and still, no problem.
The only thing with 15" wheels, you compromise performance. You can't corner on the dry highways like you used to. Also, the ride is a little softer, nice on those frost heaves !

BEJAY1

iTrader: (19)

I've had the Michelin Artic-Alpin 205/65/QR15 = $76 for one year on my 97. They whistle in rain and wet over 40mph. Fantastic snow & ice grip through tireruts. I like to race 4x4's in Chicago winters from a stop. They feel a bit tall on dry turns though. I'd go 215/55 if I bought again to compare.

vtkahns

Frost heaves...spoken like a true Vermonter. I never knew that word until I moved up here from S.E. PA.

I have the WS-somethings on my minivan with 205/70/15 and they truly are great in the snow/ice. I agree.

I was just wondering if it is worth the $$ to go to the LM22 to get perhaps a better handling ride and better wear resistance. Do I need better handling? It is not as if I drive it like a sports car..Mostly it is for getting to work, 2.5 miles from home.

The LM22 tires are not as aggressive I am suspecting in the snow/ice but I am sure they are excellent compared to the near balding stock eagle all weathers I have on there now. Plus, I get to save my nice rims for further winter damange. I hate salt.

Anyone have comments on the LM22s directly and whether they are great?

I could get the ws-50s for 81 if I go to the 15" rinms. The LM22s are 40+ each tire so we are talking another $160 bucks (plus the rims are probably more). If it is silly for <1000 miles of winter driving back and forth to work, I should go for the WS50s. I just like the sound of the LM22s being tougher for longevity. With so few miles I put on, perhaps they will dry rot before they wear out so I might as well get the WS50s..

Sorry.. I am babbling now.

Tx