prgclb (10/27/82)
I'd like to get a sampling of opinions on whether radial snow tires are worth getting. I've heard two sides to the story -- the "experts" (i.e. tire companies, who naturally want to sell tires) say that regular radials are really not meant to be used as a snow tire, but most radial tire users feel their regular tires do just fine. Here's my situation -- my wife is driving her 1980 Chevy Malibu back and forth to school (60 miles round-trip), mostly over two-lane country road. We live in northern Illinois, where snow can get deep! Around town, they salt liberally, so she didn't find snow tires necessary. But she'd like a somewhat reliable means of traction out in the country. Incidentally, I've used plastic chains, which work wonderfully in deep snow. They're a whole lot easier to put on than metal chains, and easier to drive with, yet it does take some doing to attach them, and it's best done in a warm garage! Therefore, I don't consider the plastic chains to be a viable alternative for my wife on her winter commute to school. I'll appreciate any and all opinions! Thanks, Carl Blesch IH 2A-159, x3360 ihuxj!prgclb
larry (10/27/82)
As far as I'm concerned there is NO "normal" tire that is sufficient for Chicago winters. It is after all the rib design that determines how well you will get thru unplowed streets *not* the orientation of the cords that hold the tire together. Granted radials tend to keep more of the rubber on the road than non-radials. I also grant you that normal tires have more traction on glare ice than snow tires (more rubber on the ice), but I think the time spent on glare ice is rather small. By the way I would assume the question whether to have snow tires or not --not the actual design of the tires. Only a very foolish person would MIX the type of tires they had on the car in the winter time!! Larry Marek ihuxf!larry IX 1B-423 0859