Tire Advice: Winter Approaches

[Orangutan]

My 2012 Mazda5 Sport came with 16" alloy wheels and Bridgestone Turanza EL400-02s. I've put 14,000 miles on them (yikes) since I got the car in the spring. The tires have been fine, not the grippiest but they work and aren't overly loud. However, as winter approaches I've been considering my options. I live in central Indiana and commute 120 miles round trip every weekday. Where I live sees annual snowfall of approximately 12 inches but where I commute to sees about 24 inches. Temperatures here (Dec. Jan. Feb.) go 41, 37, 42 for highs while where I commute to has 38, 32, 39 for highs respectively. All that said, I also spend two weeks in December in the South where temperatures are 20-30 degrees warmer and where snowfall is between 0 and 2 inches annually, so basically none.

Obviously winter tires are the ideal solution for driving in winter. However, where I live doesn't see overly much snow or ice. Where I commute to sees twice as much but still not a ton. The Christmas vacation is much warmer and drier, though.

It seems like winter tires are overkill for my situation and would deteriorate quickly on the trip south. That means I could invest in really good all-seasons. The Contintental ExtremeContact DWS is the highest-rated all-season tire on TireRack for winter driving (and one of the highest in general, especially wet conditions). But then I'm left wondering why I'd spend my money on a set of all-season tires when I already have a pretty new set on the car. However, the Turanza EL-400-02s are the lowest-rated all-season tires in their category and one of the lowest rated for winter driving out of all the tires on TireRack. The fiancee has a set on her 2000 CR-V and I haven't been overly impressed with them, but it's not a direct comparison because she has AWD.

Any thoughts on what I should do? I see three choices, as outlined in the poll above. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Nurburgringer]

Voted for winters.
Yeah they'll wear down faster above ~40F, but all it will take is one crash with "all-seasons" in the cold, wet stuff and they'll more than pay for themselves. Or get a cheap set of 16" rims (tons of OEM Mazda rims on CL from people who upgraded) and swap them out. Takes less than an hour twice per year and costs a few hundred more, but then both sets will last longer and you'll get to change up the look for variety.

I'm planning to get a dedicated set of winters for my M5, even though Milwaukee typically doesn't get a huge amount of snow. My parents in NJ got more than us the last 2 winters!
My wife's (RWD) BMW wears a set of cheap tirerack rims and Blizzaks from mid-November to April, and with a 100lb bag of sand in the trunk she's never gotten stuck. Have Firestone Winterforce tires on the Grand Cherokee and it's an absolute TANK in the snow/slush/ice.
What do you plan to do about the TPMS on the M5 if you get another set of rims?
Yesterday I emailed a craigslist seller who has a nice looking set of Mazda 3 wheels with winter tires for sale. In the ad he says they have "315MHz Tire Pressure Monitor Sensors." Do you know if this is the same system as the 5, and what might need to be be done to get them 'synched'?

 

[dieseldriver]

I am still looking to get me a set of Bridgestone Blizzak Studless Snow/Ice set along with the rims I showed you. I have a feeling this winter in Northern NJ will be worse than last year. And being that I work at the Stadium, NFL don't care if it snows.... you better be there.

 

[Orangutan]

I plan to ignore the TPMS light if I swap out. I've looked around and I don't know about the transmitter frequency. I think tire shops and the dealer can synchronize your TPMS, for a charge of course.

 

[ErikO]

I just got a set of winter wheels and tires. Went with the Semperit Speed Grip tires. From what I've read, they seem to be pretty decent.

I didn't get the TPMS sensors as I pay fairly close attention to my tire pressures. The light in the dash is on but it doesn't seem to be too distracting.

I highly recommend getting proper snow tires if you get consistent snow fall where you live. They can really save your bacon when it matters most. A set of tires/wheels is a lot cheaper than fixing accident damage IMO.

 

[dieseldriver]

I agree. When I was out in Oregon or one of these states that I've been through, it would say something like "Winter Tires or Snow Chain Required" sign if I remember correctly on some roads.

I just got a set of winter wheels and tires. Went with the Semperit Speed Grip tires. From what I've read, they seem to be pretty decent.

I didn't get the TPMS sensors as I pay fairly close attention to my tire pressures. The light in the dash is on but it doesn't seem to be too distracting.

I highly recommend getting proper snow tires if you get consistent snow fall where you live. They can really save your bacon when it matters most. A set of tires/wheels is a lot cheaper than fixing accident damage IMO.

 

[2012]

Got the Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero Serie II and put on last Saturday. Other than the first day was rainy, luckily all the week is sunny, don't have to test it yet.

 

[Orangutan]

I picked up a set of used steel wheels and Firestone Winterforce tires back in December. I finally put them on about an hour ago. I had been waiting until winter finally arrived. It's still not here but it is going to get colder and snow a small amount over the next few days, so I figured I would go ahead and try them out. Holy hell, I just drove a few miles around town at 30 mph or less and they are loud. The highway commute every day is going to get even louder than it already was. Hah.

 

[Nurburgringer]

I had Winterforce tires on the Jeep Grand Cherokee I just sold, after buying the 5. Didn't notice any additional tire noise (the Jeep was pretty loud before!), but man they were GREAT in the snow....

edit: took the 5 out in ~6 inches of unplowed powder - did pretty good! The traction control doesn't cut in until higher revs than I was expecting (~4000 maybe?). Happy with the Blizzaks - it's no Jeep but felt fine sending the wife off this morning in it (she took the BMW yesterday and said it was "slippery". No sh!t there was fresh snow over ice! lol

Here are some pics from the 18"+ blizzard last winter - the Jeep just motored through, that was fun!

 

[DynoBunny]

I had to make this descision earlier this year. I decided I wanted to keep summer tires and instead picked up a set of General Altimax tires with steel wheels. They are 16s and fit both my 3 and 5 so I can switch as needed, and since I only paid 678 shipped from Tire Rack it was cheaper than getting all seasons mounted. Plus they work awesome in the snow/ice/whatever.

 

[dieseldriver]

I was just looking at the Generals on TireRack and I've decided to go with those in a few weeks mounted on a 17" rims from TireRack along with TPMS sensors. Might go all the way with studs as well. Read some very positive reviews about them.

I had to make this descision earlier this year. I decided I wanted to keep summer tires and instead picked up a set of General Altimax tires with steel wheels. They are 16s and fit both my 3 and 5 so I can switch as needed, and since I only paid 678 shipped from Tire Rack it was cheaper than getting all seasons mounted. Plus they work awesome in the snow/ice/whatever.

 

[DynoBunny]

I read great reviews as well, and I like the fact they they are studdable. I went with 205/60/16 and didn't get the tmps sensors, I figured if it snowed a lot I would be running a lower tire pressure anyway so what's the point.

 

[dieseldriver]

I was actually thinking out a way to disable the TPMS altogether; just providing idiot light is just as bad as not looking at the tires every now and then to check if they are deflated. So if deflated, do you really need a light to tell you that... umm, I will not answer that question. Those sensors are costly though, and I don't know how long those batteries will last. Not 100% set on getting them though, jury's still out on that one...

I read great reviews as well, and I like the fact they they are studdable. I went with 205/60/16 and didn't get the tmps sensors, I figured if it snowed a lot I would be running a lower tire pressure anyway so what's the point.

 

[DynoBunny]

Well without them the only thing that happens is the light stays on, when I put my other wheels back on it goes off.

 

[dieseldriver]

Yup you're absolutely right, I might just forgo the TPMS sensors, that will save me a chunk of change which I can use to get a XBox or PS3 for the M5. I might look into a mod where I can just turn on/off the TPMS light via an external switch. I was already pulling some schematics as JPG's off JimEllis' Mazda Parts website to figure out how to remove the instrument cluster so I can change out the white backlit bulbs to VW-like Blue/Red coloring scheme -- or maybe even all red like the older Audi.

Well without them the only thing that happens is the light stays on, when I put my other wheels back on it goes off.

 

[twintrbo]

I have dedicated winter rims and tires on my 5 and I would recommend it highly since the stock toyos stink on my year. That being said, I would go with the continentals for your application. You only get occasional snow and the drive down south will eat the snow tires up quicker than it should. A good all around tire will be enough to get you through 6" snowfalls no problem, here in the NE we get some big ones and the ice under the layers of snow is the killer. Most people get stuck trying to get out of parallel parking spots than anything else.

Diesel, you should get 16's for pothole protection, it doesn't look as cool but it sure takes the edge off the frost heaves and potholes! I did last winter without TPMS but I got the sensors put in this year. Off the car, I only spent $60 to have them put in and re balanced, I got a set off Ebay for $70, so $130 total. I check mine routinely as well but its nice to have a heads up if there is a slow leak you dont know about. I hadn't thought to check my pressure after the guy installed my sensors but I got a light within a few blocks, although he set 30 in the other 3, this one had 15! I set them all to 34 now of course. TPMS , IMO, is for a flat on the go before it becomes a problem. Ideally I would like the GM system where I can call up the pressure on the dash for all 4 tires, THAT makes a lot of sense and I wish all cars had that.

 

[dieseldriver]

I might just stick with 17's, in case I ever want to use the rims to mount regular tires on. Also might just bite the bullet and get the TPMS as well, what the heck.

I have dedicated winter rims and tires on my 5 and I would recommend it highly since the stock toyos stink on my year. That being said, I would go with the continentals for your application. You only get occasional snow and the drive down south will eat the snow tires up quicker than it should. A good all around tire will be enough to get you through 6" snowfalls no problem, here in the NE we get some big ones and the ice under the layers of snow is the killer. Most people get stuck trying to get out of parallel parking spots than anything else.

Diesel, you should get 16's for pothole protection, it doesn't look as cool but it sure takes the edge off the frost heaves and potholes! I did last winter without TPMS but I got the sensors put in this year. Off the car, I only spent $60 to have them put in and re balanced, I got a set off Ebay for $70, so $130 total. I check mine routinely as well but its nice to have a heads up if there is a slow leak you dont know about. I hadn't thought to check my pressure after the guy installed my sensors but I got a light within a few blocks, although he set 30 in the other 3, this one had 15! I set them all to 34 now of course. TPMS , IMO, is for a flat on the go before it becomes a problem. Ideally I would like the GM system where I can call up the pressure on the dash for all 4 tires, THAT makes a lot of sense and I wish all cars had that.

 

[torquelover]

Pretty nasty outside, ice with snow on top and high winds. The M5T sits in the garage tonight while the wife takes the 4400# Town and Country to work. The 17" Toyo shod M5T is not the best in snow, and the low front bumper is not icy snowdrift friendly.

Next season I'm going with these in 16"

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&tireModel=ExtremeWinterContact&partnum=055TR6EWCXL&wTire=10&autoMake=Mazda&autoYear=2012&autoModel=MAZDA5&autoModClar=Touring&snowSortCode=10554&sortSize=16

I have these on my DD. They're a pretty good all-around mix snow tire that's very quiet and good tracking, too.

 

[dieseldriver]

Well, I was trying to avoid plunking down over $1000 for a winter wheel set from tire rack this year but snow just started. So now debating whether to just go ahead with my original plan to order the winter wheel set and get it by next week or just try to wing it for now.

Pretty nasty outside, ice with snow on top and high winds. The M5T sits in the garage tonight while the wife takes the 4400# Town and Country to work. The 17" Toyo shod M5T is not the best in snow, and the low front bumper is not icy snowdrift friendly.

Next season I'm going with these in 16"

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...odClar=Touring&snowSortCode=10554&sortSize=16

I have these on my DD. They're a pretty good all-around mix snow tire that's very quiet and good tracking, too.

 

[Orangutan]

I'd say wing it. Winter doesn't have much time left, and what little there has been was mild. I bought winter tires and haven't needed them once because we've had so little snow and ice. We got the snowfall yesterday that you're getting now. All-seasons can easily handle it.