Snow tires for 2009 Vibe GT?

musicmanmu · Post by **musicmanmu** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 4:58 am

Hey guys -Anyone have snow tires for their 2009 GT? Does anyone know where I could get them? Where I should get them?Thanks!

musicmanmu · Post by **musicmanmu** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:04 am

Anybody have them? What kind(s) are good to get?

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 2:30 am

Read some of the threads already in progress, much dicussion on winter tires already happening... Hay, I coulda said SEARCH NOOB.... lol....

ned23 · Post by **ned23** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 5:19 am

Do they still make snow tires? I thought everyone went "all-season" now, except for trucks. Anyone remember studs? I remember when I was, like, 11 years-old and my Dad gave me the chore of sitting in the garage and plugging studs into a pair of snow tires for our station wagon. What a sucky job. I had a screwdriver-like thing that I would put the stud in, then dip it in soapy water, then I'd have to mash it into the tire without it flying off. Took me hours!

whytea · Post by **whytea** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 10:29 am

ned23 Not sure if your being sarcastic about still making them. If your not might wanna look into it. Here in Canada there's lots of talk of making it illegal not to have them from Dec-March one province has already made the stepAnd to OP they say any snow tire is better then the best "all season". I have hankook on my 09 2.4L havnt had much time to test them but there are plenty of thread on here regarding snow tires

ned23 · Post by **ned23** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 1:26 am

I was only being slightly facetious. The last time I tried to order snow tires for a passenger car, the guy told me that they're a special order because hardly anyone buys them anymore and you can't even get them for every size. For example, it's really hard to find snow tires for 17" car rims with 45 or 50 profiles. You can still get them for 70's but snow tires for the new, narrow profiles are few and far between. You may need to buy an extra set of rims so you can mount 60 or 70 snows.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 3:50 am

Crosspost much?? We have a wheel and tire section and the topic is being betten to death as we type... Discount tire directThe Tire Rackand YES Ned23 you can get low profile snow tires, though a higher profile tire give a smoother response on the snow, which is a good thing because most people get in trouble when things happen fast (in terms of turn in response) Insted of "plus sizing" for winter you want to "negitive size" or go with a smaller wheel and higher profile tire...

ned23 · Post by **ned23** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 3:36 am

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind Â»Crosspost much?? We have a wheel and tire section and the topic is being betten to death as we type... Discount tire directThe Tire Rackand YES Ned23 you can get low profile snow tires, though a higher profile tire give a smoother response on the snow, which is a good thing because most people get in trouble when things happen fast (in terms of turn in response) Insted of "plus sizing" for winter you want to "negitive size" or go with a smaller wheel and higher profile tire... I agree. I jsut suspect that most people will not want to put mis-matched rims on their cars or buy 4 extra rims for snows. Especially in today's day and age of tire pressure sensors on new cars. In my opinion, low profile snow tires may not even give you enough boost to justify the added cost.Also, when you change wheels and tires, double-check your speedometer with a GPS Unit. Once, 20 years ago, I put snow tires on a VW Rabbit that caused the speedometer to read 8 mph below the actual speed of the car. Didn't have GPS units, then. Had a friend who was a police officer follow me in his car, which had a recently calibrated speedo.

shemp · Post by **shemp** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 3:58 am

I prefer an extra set of wheels for the snow tires... It allows you to downsize the rims and makes switching them out much easier.Sounds like you changed the diameter of you tires on your VW. It's pretty easy to figure out the diameter of your stock tires, so you know what you want your snow tires to be.Example: for tire size: 215/45/18215mm X 0.45 = 96.75mm (width to sidewall height ratio)96.75 X 2 = 193.5mm (for top and bottom sidewall)193.5 / 25.4 = 7.6" (convert to inches)7.6" + 18" = 25.6 (tire height plus wheel diameter)So if your stock tires are 215/45/18 you want your snows to be as close as possible to 25.6 diameter to keep your speedo and odo accurate.

oriden · Post by **oriden** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 10:34 pm

personaly i have the new michlien x-ice2 tires and they seem to be holding up exceptionaly well in the snow and ice!

ned23 · Post by **ned23** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 3:14 am

Well, I'll see how the new car does with the stock tires and TC before I think about snow tires. I've gotten through the last several winters just fine and not really gotten stuck even in some pretty heavy snow. Generally, if the roads are open around here you can get through with any car most of the time. There were a couple of times I needed a quick push last year during one particularly heavy snow event but that was it. Never needed a tow or anything.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 3:25 am

Quote, originally posted by ned23 Â»Well, I'll see how the new car does with the stock tires and TC before I think about snow tires. I've gotten through the last several winters just fine and not really gotten stuck even in some pretty heavy snow. Generally, if the roads are open around here you can get through with any car most of the time. There were a couple of times I needed a quick push last year during one particularly heavy snow event but that was it. Never needed a tow or anything. You are forgoing some really cheap insurance though... what's your insurance deductable? What's the price on your time? If snows help you avoid 1 accident, they payed for themselves...

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 3:26 am

Nice to see the OP is really interested... lol..

ned23 · Post by **ned23** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 3:58 am

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind Â»Nice to see the OP is really interested... lol.. If you're referring to me, I'm not the OP.

ned23 · Post by **ned23** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 4:00 am

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind Â»You are forgoing some really cheap insurance though... what's your insurance deductable? What's the price on your time? If snows help you avoid 1 accident, they payed for themselves... I carry an insurance deductible of $1,000. I've never had an accident in the snow. I haven't even been cited for an accident since I was 19 and I'm almost 40. I also get discounts for being in Mensa, for having AA credit, and having to take defensive driving every two years at work. You probably wouldn't believe how cheap my insurance is.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 4:38 am

No doubts on your driving ability.... every little bit helps though and the only thing between you and the road is rubber.. And no, I was talking to the OP, or origional poster..

ned23 · Post by **ned23** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 5:07 am

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind Â»No doubts on your driving ability.... every little bit helps though and the only thing between you and the road is rubber.. And no, I was talking to the OP, or origional poster.. I have to admit, this discussion has raised my interest in the idea. They don't plow side streets around here as much as they used to. I hear the mayor of Chicago just announced that they are going to cut back on side street clearing in Winter. He must have gone to a mayor's convention and saw a powerpoint on how much other cities saved.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 10:37 pm

Well, I personally feel that the offset in safety is WELL worth the cost... And that is what it comes down to for most people, cost... it's a shame though, because the safety aspect of something so relatively cheap is GREAT... much greater than the cost, which you incur once in say 3-4yrs. To go beyond that, once you were to purchase the wheels, the tires can be changed for under 300$... Spread that cost over 3-4 years of more confident and safe driving and then look at what it costs.. Again, in my eyes, I will ALWAYS run snow tires, it would be silly NOT to... If one were to breakdown the cost VS the very subjective safety factor, adding in time off work and/or insurance deductibles and in the worst event, time in the hospital... (not saying snow tires will PREVENT any of that, though... but they could help avoid things) It's really a no-brainer to me...

ned23 · Post by **ned23** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 3:52 am

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind Â»Well, I personally feel that the offset in safety is WELL worth the cost... And that is what it comes down to for most people, cost... it's a shame though, because the safety aspect of something so relatively cheap is GREAT... much greater than the cost, which you incur once in say 3-4yrs. To go beyond that, once you were to purchase the wheels, the tires can be changed for under 300$... Spread that cost over 3-4 years of more confident and safe driving and then look at what it costs.. Again, in my eyes, I will ALWAYS run snow tires, it would be silly NOT to... Does your estimate include installing additional tire pressure sensors on the extra rims? New models all have the sensors, now.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 6:38 am

Don't worry about the TPMS, it doesn't do anything you can't... It just tells you when you are low on pressure.. I would forgo the sensors and put a little piece of electrical tape over the area on the cluster, or just deal with the light being on... They don't hinder performance of the car in ANY way.. just another indicator..

ned23 · Post by **ned23** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 6:34 am

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind Â»Don't worry about the TPMS, it doesn't do anything you can't... It just tells you when you are low on pressure.. I would forgo the sensors and put a little piece of electrical tape over the area on the cluster, or just deal with the light being on... They don't hinder performance of the car in ANY way.. just another indicator.. That would drive me nuts. I'd have to put sensors on the wheels.

RIT · Post by **RIT** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 7:21 am

What is the smallest diameter rim that will fit on the GT ? Will it take a 16" ?

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 9:25 pm

Quote, originally posted by ned23 Â»That would drive me nuts. I'd have to put sensors on the wheels. hay, you do what you gotta, but, if that's the case, don't be down on my because my estimate didn't include the sensors.. I don't have them and wouldn't use them if I did, I like the idea of being 1 with the car, not removing myself and my expierence FROM it...

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 9:27 pm

Quote, originally posted by RIT Â»What is the smallest diameter rim that will fit on the GT ? Will it take a 16" ?I think there are posts elsewhere that cover that... it's a "hot topic" right now, even though it's cold out.. lol..

ned23 · Post by **ned23** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 10:37 pm

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind Â»hay, you do what you gotta, but, if that's the case, don't be down on my because my estimate didn't include the sensors.. I don't have them and wouldn't use them if I did, I like the idea of being 1 with the car, not removing myself and my expierence FROM it... I like the theory of sensors inasmuch as they help you keep the tires properly inflated but they're not "sensitive enough." They only warn you when your tire is really low. I'd like them a lot more if they would give you an actual estimate of the pressure so that you could always keep all 4 tires at the ideal pressure. That makes sure your car handles best, gets the best milage and keeps your tires from wearing out prematurely. So, they're pretty useless to me because I still have to carry a guage and check them myself in order to maintain proper pressure.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 4:00 am

Quote, originally posted by ned23 Â»I like the theory of sensors inasmuch as they help you keep the tires properly inflated but they're not "sensitive enough." They only warn you when your tire is really low. I'd like them a lot more if they would give you an actual estimate of the pressure so that you could always keep all 4 tires at the ideal pressure. That makes sure your car handles best, gets the best milage and keeps your tires from wearing out prematurely. So, they're pretty useless to me because I still have to carry a guage and check them myself in order to maintain proper pressure. EXACTLY

musicmanmu · Post by **musicmanmu** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 12:40 am

I'm interested...I think this is probably more than I bargained for, however. I think I'll just forego the winter tires. Thanks to everyone for the info, though!

vibolista · Post by **vibolista** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 11:51 am

There's no substitute for snow tires during Winter driving conditions. I just got home in a snow storm and there are cars stuck all over the place on the hills around here. Pretty much guarantee most of these poor folks were running all season tires. Tow trucks are having a busy night and the repair shops will have some work next week. Having snow tires also saves your expensive alloys from salt and sand degradation. Your expensive summer rubber gets a break and lasts longer, too. To top it off, like Sublime says, fairly cheap insurance. I would never risk my passengers, others on the road or my car with an all season tire in the Winter. It shouldn't take a Mensa membership to figure stuff like this out.

ou.grizzly · Post by **ou.grizzly** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 4:21 pm

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind Â»Don't worry about the TPMS, it doesn't do anything you can't... It just tells you when you are low on pressure.. You do realize in some cars, that it will effect the ABS.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 1:59 am

Sure it could, does it tie into the VIbe's ABS?? If not then don't worry about it... To be perfectly honest, ABS is more of a hindrance in the snow anyway.. I could explain more if you like,..

ou.grizzly · Post by **ou.grizzly** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 2:13 am

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind Â»Sure it could, does it tie into the VIbe's ABS?? If not then don't worry about it... To be perfectly honest, ABS is more of a hindrance in the snow anyway.. I could explain more if you like,..We are not talking about how ABS works in snowy conditions, the discussion at hand is if the TPMS is tied into the 2nd Gen Vibe's ABS System and without the sensors will it cause a malfunction with the ABS. If you are not sure if it ties into the system, then giving advice that is not 100% accurate may not be the best avenue.

ned23 · Post by **ned23** » Wed Dec 24, 2008 1:04 am

Quote, originally posted by vibolista Â»There's no substitute for snow tires during Winter driving conditions. I just got home in a snow storm and there are cars stuck all over the place on the hills around here. Pretty much guarantee most of these poor folks were running all season tires. Tow trucks are having a busy night and the repair shops will have some work next week. Having snow tires also saves your expensive alloys from salt and sand degradation. Your expensive summer rubber gets a break and lasts longer, too. To top it off, like Sublime says, fairly cheap insurance. I would never risk my passengers, others on the road or my car with an all season tire in the Winter. It shouldn't take a Mensa membership to figure stuff like this out. Please don't misunderstand. I am not saying there are no tangible benefits from snow tires, particularly in some geographic areas. I was noting that "around here" in my area I don't see a positive cost benefit analysis because there only seems to be a few days each year where they'd be useful. They'd just waste gas the rest of the time. That's why I used the phrase "around here" in several of my posts. Meaning that I had evaluated them for my area. I did not mean to suggest that they were useless everywhere or did not have benefits.