Looking For New Tires

[OneSweetRide]

I have a 2009 Vibe 1.8L with 16" rims. I'm looking for a new set of tires that are good in all weather. I had a tire in mind but it looks like they are no longer out there.Thank you!

[j42.snyder]

Any "all season" or "all weather" tire will have some inherent compromises - some just more than others.This summer I bought a set of Michelin Primacy MXV4's for my wife's Mazda 5 (same size 16"), and so far they've been very good in dry and wet - but we haven't had any snow yet to test them in. They're very quiet and ride/handle nicely. In the tire test by CR, they were about the best all season tire they tested for winter performance. I'm hoping they work out well for us. Not exactly a cheap tire - but I expect them to last very well. This is our first winter with the "5" - so I'll see how it does. The fact that it will probably only see about 10k km/year makes it hard to justify purchasing another complete set of tires and rims.I put two of these Michelins on my Vibe this year as well (on the rear), as I had an issue with one of my factory RSA's. I couldn't believe how much quieter they were, as well as making the ride a little less harsh - but not "squishy". I have a dedicated set of winter tires however, so I won't know how they do in that application.There are a couple of brands selling "all weather" tires around here - but I haven't seen any direct testing to compare to all seasons or winters. I've only driven one car with a set on it (in the summer) - and I found them to be quite noisy. I believe those were made by Nokian. It was a few years ago however, so technology may have improved by now.A lot of it will depend on budget - but to me the MXV4's are a decent compromise for a year round tire.John

[blindman10]

As a fellow Wisconsinite I highly suggest getting a set of winter tires and a set of summer tires. If you do any amount of driving in wintery conditions you will appreciate having a dedicated set of tires.BUT if you insist on an all-season tire, here is a thread with a lot of info. I'd start there. Then when you have a few in mind check reviews on tirerack.com

[jkm311]

Quote, originally posted by blindman10 »As a fellow Wisconsinite I highly suggest getting a set of winter tires and a set of summer tires. If you do any amount of driving in wintery conditions you will appreciate having a dedicated set of tires.As a Michigander I can say: "Yeah, what he said." If you can swing it. I run directional 16" Bridgestone Potenza G019 for the warmer 8 months. Bridgestone Blizzak 15" for the frozen 4.

[OneSweetRide]

Unfortunately running two sets of tires aren't really an option. I'm looking to replace the good for a years that came with the car even though the tread is still good on them. A couple of friends have the BF Goodrich Traction T/A and love them all year round.

[dayday]

Check to see if the Continental Extreme Contact DWS is available in your size. They get great reviews. I put a set on my 17's about 1k miles ago and so far they've been a great choice.

[Kincaid]

Quote, originally posted by jkm311 »I run directional 16" Bridgestone Potenza G019 for the warmer 8 months. Bridgestone Blizzak 15" for the frozen 4. We do not get Wisonsin snow here, but we also have the G019 tires (also knowns as "Grid") on a Civic and they seem to be good - very grippy in dry and wet and not noisy to my ears.

[06pvibe]

Quote, originally posted by blindman10 »As a fellow Wisconsinite I highly suggest getting a set of winter tires and a set of summer tires. If you do any amount of driving in wintery conditions you will appreciate having a dedicated set of tires. Quote, originally posted by dayday »Check to see if the Continental Extreme Contact DWS is available in your size. They get great reviews. I put a set on my 17's about 1k miles ago and so far they've been a great choice.A BIG +1 to what they both said. In Wisconsin you should really consider dedicated winter tires and if possible winter wheels too.It's true we don't get a lot of snow here in Texas (thank God) but when we did last winter, I was one of the few to make it into work in my Mazda3 and my wife in her Vibe. We are both running the Conti DWS's. Others were just sliding around. I even passed a few other driver's who were strugging and going much slower than I was. But even those are probably not going to be a perfect match to the winter snows you get there.

[09vGT]

Quote, originally posted by 06pvibe »A BIG +1 to what they both said. In Wisconsin you should really consider dedicated winter tires and if possible winter wheels too.It's true we don't get a lot of snow here in Texas (thank God) but when we did last winter, I was one of the few to make it into work in my Mazda3 and my wife in her Vibe. We are both running the Conti DWS's. Others were just sliding around. I even past a few other driver's who were strugging and going much slower than I was. But even those are probably not going to be a perfect match to the winter snows you get there.I guess they don't salt the roads in Texas... I know the feeling here in Arkansas. HORRIBLE. When snow falls here, drivers assume they can keep driving like crazy nuts. Sliding all around, many close calls from other drivers.

[Salsa Guy]

I have some 16" Riken Raptor on my Matrix. They ride and have worn very well. Have 40K on them and looks likes we'll will need new ones next year (another 15-20K miles left). The traction was very good during our record snow fall last year. Also I think they were very well priced. Edit: Raptor HR version...about $400 mounted, balanced, road hazard and out the door

[star_deceiver]

Get a dediacted set of winter tires to put on those steelies and save up for some nice summer rims!!! No space in the closet for 4 tires is a pitiful excuse!Summer: 205-50-17's Hankook Ventus V4. XXR520 17" rims.Pros: Awesome traction, good wear, difficult to get them to hydroplane even now that they're nearing the end of their life!Cons: Scary in snow, suicide on ice!$$$: $1600 rims/tires/mount and balance after taxes/fees... I got a good deal!Winter: 205-55-16's Firestone Winterforce, fully studded.Pros: Superb snow and ice traction, black ice is no issue, braking is quick and easy! Get out of my way!!!Cons: Very loud, can hydroplane in standing water, don't expect summer like traction on dry roads, this is a no comprimise winter only tire!!!$$$: $500 w/studding mount/balance on OE steel rims.There's no such thing as an "All Weather" tire. You comprimise summer and winter traction and end up mediocre at both!