snow tire questions, please advise

[K_1]

Hello everyone, this is my first posting.

I just bought my first car a few weeks ago, a 2003 Silver Protege 5. I live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada where winters can be hell. I must have snow tires put on but I don't know much about them. I've done some research and I think I'm going to go with 15" rather than 16" because they handle better - is that correct? I went to tirerack.com and they listed several possible winter tires for the P5. I cross-checked these options with Transport Canada's list of approved snow tires and only 3 make the cut: Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50, Michelin Arctic Alpin, and Michelin Pilot Alpin. According to the Michelin website, the Arctic's are better than the Pilot's. So, I'm wondering, what's the better brand and why - Bridgestone vs. Michelin?. I'm going to get steel wheels as well. I will be doing more city driving that highway driving so I must have good traction at slow speeds and corners etc.. Please give me any advice you can.

Karen

 

[ZiO]

I myself bough a set of Artic alpins, 195/60/15 on steel wheels. I went with a smaller tire so i can get a bigger sidewall... they say this is better for wnter tires, not to mention a bigger sidewal will give you a softer ride. As for blizzak vs michelin.. its just what you prefer... of course everyone will argue which is better, but hey.. i am using alpins this winter, and if i dont like them, i will switch next time. Hope that helps.

 

[Red Baron]

I went with 14" rims. Since I drive mostly on highways, I bought ice tires : Yokohama A720 Guardex (185-65-14), the best I've had for the past 20 winters, a bit pricey though.

If you drive in the country or mostly city, get snow tires not ice since they lack grip at low speed. My opinion.

 

[Raptor]

I'm myself am in the Ottawa region, and bought 15 inches P195-55-R15 Nokian Hakka 1. Granted it's an overkill, but I can beleive how good these tires are. Simply the best

BTW you should check the East Canada forum on the http://www.protegeclub.com This is were we organise our meet in the Ottawa region.

See ya out there

 

[Red Baron]

I'm myself am in the Ottawa region, and bought 15 inches P195-55-R15 Nokian Hakka 1. Granted it's an overkill, but I can beleive how good these tires are. Simply the best

BTW you should check the East Canada forum on the http://www.protegeclub.com This is were we organise our meet in the Ottawa region.

See ya out there

Hey Raptor, I'll be in Gatineau the whole weekend, I'll try to spot you and say Hi!