How are the Goodyear RSA tires on light snow, going to SantaFeNewMexico?

Wheel and tire information and upgrade discussions
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lexicon
Posts: 196
Joined: Sat May 06, 2006 3:48 pm

How are the Goodyear RSA tires on light snow, going to SantaFeNewMexico?

Post by lexicon »

Gonna be goin in about a week.Ive got plenty of tread on the Goodyear RSA's.Should be light snow conditions, will be going through Arizona to NewMexico.Any comments? Suggestions?Are chains a consideration or is that overkill for the drive?
2005 VibeAutomaticStockNon AWD125 hp model
CAN-AWD-VIBE
Posts: 636
Joined: Sun Sep 10, 2006 12:31 am

Re: How are the Goodyear RSA tires on light snow, going to SantaFeNewMexico? (lexicon)

Post by CAN-AWD-VIBE »

how much snow could there be between Arizona and New Mexico. looks like very little... http://www.theweathernetwork.c...0.htmthe rsa's will do the job but there is a reason most of us bought winter tires... but thats different when its for 4-6 months of winter, not just a road trip. A little snow will be ok.Chains will be overkill for sure. I drive a stretch through Rogers Pass, and although I have thought about them I still have never needed them. If it looked like this I would be answering differently http://www.theweathernetwork.c...1.htm
CAN-AWD-VIBE03 Neptune AWDInjen CAI, Hotchkis springs, custom magnaflow exhaust w/4" tip, tint, window deflectors, stubby antenna, 3pc Mr. Grille, foglight conversion mod, Grafxwerks front & steering wheels overlays, Injen oil cap, strut tower brace, P225/45R17 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, 17" ADR Sokudos
Houston
Posts: 787
Joined: Fri Nov 01, 2002 3:04 am

Re: How are the Goodyear RSA tires on light snow, going to SantaFeNewMexico? (lexicon)

Post by Houston »

My Vibe came with those and I've done Michigan winters on them for three years. They were lousy here during that time, but since I also had a Grand Prix to use during snow days, that's the car I used. Now that I'm down to only the Vibe there was no way I was going into another winter with them, so I recently bought a set of Goodyear Ultra Grip winter tires. Down where you are, though, you'll be just fine with what you have.
2009 Base 2.4L with a few add-ons.
mspalmer
Posts: 210
Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2005 8:16 am

Re: How are the Goodyear RSA tires on light snow, going to SantaFeNewMexico? (lexicon)

Post by mspalmer »

Whenever I think about Arizona and New Mexico snow is the first thing that jumps to mind I think the tires will be fine for your use.Have a good trip!Mike
2005 Platinum AWDMoons and TunesXM RadioLLumar Window TintingWeathertech ventshauling my Taylor 410 w/Fishman pickup and Gibson SG guitars
northvibe
Posts: 7641
Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2005 2:25 pm

Post by northvibe »

as long as you have tread they will be fine, they even are supposed to be Snow and Mudd tires. Mine are bald now though so im getting a new set for the front tires before it gets to snowy here.
KrazyB
Posts: 92
Joined: Fri Aug 25, 2006 2:09 pm

Re: How are the Goodyear RSA tires on light snow, going to SantaFeNewMexico? (lexicon)

Post by KrazyB »

I used them all year long last year and we had about 6-8 inches of snow. They seem to do ok. Have a good trip
redlava
Posts: 2042
Joined: Mon Jun 16, 2003 9:46 am

Re: (northvibe)

Post by redlava »

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »as long as you have tread they will be fine, they even are supposed to be Snow and Mudd tires. Mine are bald now though so im getting a new set for the front tires before it gets to snowy here.With this crazy winter, who knows when that will be. The first two winters I had my Eagles on they were fairly decent, the last one they were getting to be a little less than fine. Finally have them replaced with something better and what happens? No snow! It's like buying a Corvette but not being able to afford gas. I just sit in the drive way and make vroom vroom sounds.
Caretaker

Re: (redlava)

Post by Caretaker »

old threat rejuvinated. We're having our first snow finally. With one inch or less, I decided to put the Goodyear RSAs to the test. They are pretty awful. Traction from a dead stop was pathetic, and turning corners was pretty hair raising. I'm still going to try to get through the winter with these tires. I hate tearing off tires at 5000 miles. However, it isn't worth crashing my car (or into someone else) because I tried to get a full year out of the tires. I definitely won't go through another winter with them, but since it is almost February, the end of snow is near, and I'll keep them for the 4 weeks of winter that are left.
vibolista
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Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 6:34 am
Location: "Glacial", Maine!

Re: (Caretaker)

Post by vibolista »

A little late for snow in the Delta Quadrant, but now is the time to get snows, might be on sale! RS-As scared me in the rain, never mind the snow. And they stink directionally in the dry. I wouldn't take the chance with them in the snow. It's not worth trashing the car and possibly causing injuries or worse. I can't seem to find a kind word for them, can I. OK, how about, they are round. I hate to be unkind.
'08 Manual, Sun&Sound, 17" Borbet Type CA wheels, 215/50 Summer Tires... 16" OE steel, 215/55 Snow Tires
zionzr2
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Location: Austin, TX

Post by zionzr2 »

I think the RS-As SUCK in the snow.Having said that I also never got stuck with them. I came close! They are not the best for snow but they can get you through some light stuff.Chains will NOT be needed!
Caretaker

Re: (zionzr2)

Post by Caretaker »

now I'm off to go give them a try in this ice storm. Perhaps I should call my undertaker first!!
vibolista
Posts: 1519
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 6:34 am
Location: "Glacial", Maine!

Re: (Caretaker)

Post by vibolista »

I hope you're kidding, right?
'08 Manual, Sun&Sound, 17" Borbet Type CA wheels, 215/50 Summer Tires... 16" OE steel, 215/55 Snow Tires
Caretaker

Re: (vibolista)

Post by Caretaker »

well, the RSA's were not so bad on the ice afterall. In yesterday's snow, they were horrendous. Again, I won't rip them off when winter only has 4 more weeks to go. I have actually found the RSA's the be great on dry pavement, and pretty good in the rain. I'll definitely go with Michelin Primacy MXV4's come early winter next season. I recognize that the tires are probably good on dry pavement and rain simply because they are brand new. I trust tire rack to pick my tires, and Primacy's they will be. Thanks for the concern vibolista. The undertaker couldn't take care of the Caretaker on this icy day!!
vibolista
Posts: 1519
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 6:34 am
Location: "Glacial", Maine!

Re: (Caretaker)

Post by vibolista »

Quote, originally posted by Caretaker » Thanks for the concern vibolista. The undertaker couldn't take care of the Caretaker on this icy day!! Good thing, Caretaker! Must be nice to live in the Delta Quadrant, we can only say '4 weeks of Winter left' by the end of March. Primacy's a highly recommended tire. Watch those RS-As they'll surprise you in the wet sometimes when you least expect it.
'08 Manual, Sun&Sound, 17" Borbet Type CA wheels, 215/50 Summer Tires... 16" OE steel, 215/55 Snow Tires
2002sportside
Posts: 301
Joined: Tue Jun 21, 2005 9:50 am

Re: (vibolista)

Post by 2002sportside »

RSAs are the worse tire I have ever had in the snow. If my Vibe was the daily driver, I would have bought snow tires years ago. In the dry they aren't half bad, I'm used to them in the rain, but absolutely hate them in the snow and ice - always have. I'm at 30k, they probably have about 20k on them and are ready to go. If I could decide whether or not I'm going back to stock height, I could decide what I want to buy.My father had them on his Mazda 3 also, his were worn out by 20k. They were replaced by a set of Cooper's he got locally - he says they are much better in the snow than the Goodyears were, and ride quieter.
2005 Moonstone Base Vibe 38k as of October, 2010 (41k as of 7-15-11)Moon & Tunes, power package, automatic, center console power port added
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