Winter tires

[New Phase!]

Living in the winter condition of Canada, winter tires seems to be one of the necessity to survive (especially driving to work this morning in Ottawa!!!!)

Anyway, long story short, I am doing some quick research on 16 winter tires (thanks for Dre confirmation on 15 doesnt fit). Here are some information that I gathered.

205/55/16

Manufacture Model Price From
Nordic Ice Trac $105.99 Canadian Tire
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22 $166.00 Talon Tires
Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 $159.00 Talon Tires
Dunlop Graspic DS-1 $120.00 Talon Tires
Dunlop SP Winter Sport M2 $149.00 Talon Tires
Firestone Winterforce $95.00 Talon Tires
Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3 $158.00 Talon Tires
Goodyear Ultra Grip $124.00 Talon Tires
Kelly Pacemark Snowtrakker ST/2 $110.00 Talon Tires
Pirelli W-160SD + $141.00 Talon Tires
Pirelli Winter 210 Snowsport $176.00 Talon Tires
Pirelli Winter 210 Snowsport $181.00 Talon Tires
Pirelli Winter 240 Snowsport $201.00 Talon Tires
Pirelli Winter 240 Snowsport $201.00 Talon Tires
Pirelli Winter Carving $158.00 Talon Tires
Pirelli Winter Ice Sport $172.00 Talon Tires
Toyo Garit HT $145.00 Talon Tires
Toyo Snowprox S950 $154.00 Talon Tires
Yokohama AVS Winter V901 $163.00 Talon Tires
Yokohama Ice Guard IG721 $152.00 Talon Tires

Do you guys have experience with any of above tires? Any other good recommendation?

I personally have experienced with Blizzak, no doubt its one of the best tires I've ever had but they are expensive. =)

Also, I just look around with the recommended size (205/55/16) but would you guys pick any other size. Narrower tires for the winter?

 

[Dre]

I used to ride on Michelin Arctic Alpins. Great tire, no complaints. This year I went with a buddy's recommendation and tried the Hakkapeliitta 2's. Awesome tire! Eventhough the Michelin is a great tire, I wouldn't go back.

 

[New Phase!]

how mcuh is Hakkapelitta and what size did you get?

 

[Dre]

4x Hakkapeliitta 2 (205/55/16)
4x 16" black steelies
balanced, installed, taxes included

$1,127

 

[Logan]

15" does fit, I have them on my car.
195-55-15 Blizzak WS-50

 

[Mazda3]

You have them on what car?
We're talking about a Mazda3 GT. The brakes are bigger than the Mazdaspeed.

 

[New Phase!]

2.0L Mazda 3 also fit 15", just not 2.3L.

 

[M3-GT]

After that hellish snow storm we had, it was the perfect time to test my new winter tires. I have the Yokohama AVS Winter V901 $163.00 Talon Tires.

They are made especially for Canadian winters and now I know why....they simply are great. Came out of a snow bank where my car was parked on the first try. This without traction control that the mz3 doen't have. I'm pretty happy with my choice.

Here's another testimony on that tire:

http://www.audiworld.com/reviews/wheels/wheels14.shtml

 

[droptoppaul]

hey i saw a great buy on ebay for anyone who has a msp and wants winter tires 530 i think for rims black steelies and awesome snow tires 215/45/17 check em out http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2476180922&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3ALC%3AMT%3A1