Are Winter tires necessary?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Verdad Gallardo 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.
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.
Buy a front wheel drive beater for the same amount of money you would have spent on them winter tires and rims.
TECH Regular
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 457
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From: Boston, MA
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.
You can't find a beater that will last 5 years for $600.
TECH Regular
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 457
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
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.
