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Are Winter tires necessary?

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Old 10-28-2007, 12:22 PM
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Default Are Winter tires necessary?

I live in the middle of missouri (columbia) and am debating getting winter tires. I need new tires regardless, but I'm torn between getting decent all season tires and trying to survive with some sandbags in back and actually breaking down and buying winter tires. If I will only be driving on a few inches of snow at most, think I can survive?
Old 10-28-2007, 03:41 PM
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I made it through the winter with all season tires but I highly recommend getting some winter tires. The winter tires helped out a lot. If possible, get some really cheap wheels for the winter tires. It makes things easier. JMO.
Old 10-28-2007, 05:31 PM
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I've never drove an f-body in the snow but I can tell you snow tires have made a huge difference with my other cars. I would assume the same would apply here as well.
Old 10-28-2007, 06:39 PM
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Get winter tires and some cheap rims for them. I have drove with summer tires in the snow in my T/A and it was not a lot of fun. It can be done but why risk smashing up your car.
Old 10-30-2007, 09:53 AM
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I broke down and bought winter tires for my SS last winter, and I'm still convinced that it is the only thing that kept my car in one piece here in Dayton. Thankfully, that was my car's last winter on the roads.
Old 10-31-2007, 07:14 AM
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I had a set of BFG KDWS tires that worked pretty well in the snow. I got caught in a snow storm driving from SC to PA and was driving in 4-5 inches at some points. Throw a sandbag in the back and call it good.
Old 10-31-2007, 08:48 AM
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I live in Canada, so I'm going to make a good guess that we get lots more snow than you do, but I'd just say go for a set of winter tires. All season's won't work well in the winter, or the summer.

I once got caught in the first snowfall of the year (maybe a 1/4 inch of snow) with the summer tires still on the LT1 Camaro (Goodyear GS-C). It was the hardest drive of my life. The car would easily break traction at 45mph in 6th gear. Pulling away from a stop sign was practically impossible.
Old 10-31-2007, 09:03 AM
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Thanks guys, im in the process of buying some. Found a pretty good price on some used ones.
Old 10-31-2007, 09:32 AM
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Oh, also...Don't use any wheels which you care for at all. The salt will corrode them like crazy. I just picked up a set of steelies for real cheap - they look horrible...but...it's winter after all.
Old 10-31-2007, 11:03 AM
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I can recommend Blizzaks as a winter tire. They are awesome.
Old 10-31-2007, 01:35 PM
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F-body's are terrible in the snow regardless of the tires. Too much power, low ground clearance and rear wheel drive = ng.

Buy a front wheel drive beater for the same amount of money you would have spent on them winter tires and rims.
Old 10-31-2007, 01:38 PM
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Originally Posted by gtarist
I can recommend Blizzaks as a winter tire. They are awesome.
Those are the best...

However winter tires are not nessisary at all! Spend $1000 on a beater driving a f-body in the snow even with good tires is deadly!
Old 10-31-2007, 01:54 PM
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I got Pontiac 16" silver painted take-offs from SLP when they had them. $50 each, and Dunlop Sport M2's x4 for like $100 each. So for like $600 you get 4 to 6 winters of good snow traction and decent dry/cold traction. Plus is saves wear and tear on your summer only wheels and tires.

You can't find a beater that will last 5 years for $600.
Old 10-31-2007, 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted by R1urDone
Those are the best...

However winter tires are not nessisary at all! Spend $1000 on a beater driving a f-body in the snow even with good tires is deadly!
Come On, It's not deadly.

I've driven for 20 years only F-bodies year round. With and without snow tires. With snows you can stop and turn as good or better than any car out there. Getting going will be about as good as a FWD car with crappy all-seasons.

With summer only tires it's embarrissing getting stuck at every traffic light. And the car will not go straight ..EVER! You better be an excellent driver to even try it.




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