jd@hpfclo.UUCP (jd) (09/25/84)
I have lived in Colorado (Denver area) for 4 years now and have never
bothered to buy snow tires for my car. However, I am faced with the
prospect of doing much more driving this winter so I am uncomfortable
with sticking with regular radials (I have chains for emergencies, but
do not want to drive any distance with them if at all possible). I have
the following questions that I would really appreciate getting answers
to (if you would mail me your info I will summarize later).
1. Which is better for Colorado, snow tires or all-season tires. I
do not do much skiing so going into the mountains is not a concern.
An article in Consumer Reports indicated that all-seasons are
better in light to moderate and not constant snow conditions. Snow
tires are only required when constantly faced with 6 inches or more
of snow or very sticky snow (the larger tread gaps allow the snow to
come off easier). The reason for all-seasons being better is that they
have more edges in their tread design and thus provide better traction
in a wider range of conditions. I am thus leaning towards all seasons
but would like to hear of anyone's experiences.
2. Should I buy 2 or 4 tires, given that my car has front-wheel drive.
Consumer Report was not conclusive. The problem with just 2 is getting
better traction on the front wheels of a car like mine results in possible
over-steering and the rear wheels locking up easily. If I do decide
to go all-season it would seem to be best to bite the bullet and
buy 4 (this is somewhat financially painful as my current tires
still have lots of miles left in them).
3. The area where I have been unable to find any info is what brand of
tire should I buy. There was nothing in the last 2 years of Consumer
Reports or some other consumers magazine (Consumer's Union I think),
plus I did a quick scan of the Periodical Index in the library and
came up empty. So, how do I know what a good buy is? If anyone has
any exceptional experience (good or bad) I would really appreciate
hearing from you.
Jim Darling
...{hplabs, ihnp4}!hpfcla!jd