All Weather Tires?

[unicycle]

I thought it would be a good idea to check with my dealer about when to change my tires for winter (and to reserve the tires now, etc). She wrote me back with some great news: My Smartie already has all-weather tires. So I don't have to change them at all.

I guess this means that my mileage could be even better right now if I had the less-grippy warm weather treads, but saving a few hundred bucks (and the hassle of having to swap out the tires twice a year) is well worth the decrease in mileage.

Maybe this explains why I'm getting 'only' 42-43 mpg despite my granny-like driving (speeds under 65 mph, 80-85% hwy driving).

[jwight]

You might want to research the snow tire threads; I seem to remember the first owners up North recommending swapping to full snow tires for best results in the winter (unless the car's in Las Vegas, of course. )

[blackbeagle]

I used to work in the tire industry so I have to throw in my 2c on this 'exciting' topic. You do have all-weather tires or more commonly known as all-seasons tires.

All seasons tires serve their purpose pretty well. However, they are not the greatest in dry, they are not the greatest in rain, and they are certainly not the greatest in snow.

I live in MN so the winters get pretty bad here. The plows do an excellent job so we rarely have to encounter driving in 10" of snow on the highway. But the side roads and city streets are different. They don't get plowed as fast. These all season tire 'should' do fine though because they are narrow.

My biggest fear is not the snow but the ice. This is the main cause of accidents in the winter. Expedition, Escalades, Wranglers, 4runners, Cherokees, Hummers-I've seen them all in the ditch. Why? When they encounter ice, 4x4 is totally worthless. They just can't brake in time.

That's why I plan to buy snow tires (like the Blizzaks). Trust me, when you're driving in January and the pavement has that 'dark-color' to it, generally, it means you're driving on black ice. That's the stuff that causes fender benders and people to go in the ditch. The snow tires will definitely help. There's no comparison between the Continentals that are on stock against the Blizzaks.

Trust me on this one folks. If you live in the northern hemisphere, you will need them. To stop your Smart 5 feet shorter than someone else in an emergency braking situation is priceless. Call it insurance. I know there are people that have all-season and will say they have gotten by OK with them. I just don't think they've driven on snow tires before.

It's a no-brainer IMHO. Do yourself a favor and get them mounted on some cheap steel wheels. I'm guessing Tire Rack should have a combo set for under $800 by this winter.

[SuperGeek]

Ah, the memories. I used to live in Denver and black ice was the best part. (sarcasm). I would slide through an intersection when the first black ice showed up - same intersection a lot of times, slight downhill, 10mph very careful approach, with ABS. First time that happened I got a set of snow tires and only slid halfway. Saved my tail once 'cause someone was able to swerve around my nose, but just barely.

4x4 means nothing on ice. ABS means nothing on ice. Studded snow tires are the only thing that can grip, and it's a challenge even for them.
I think the Continentals that came with my smart are ok, mid-range performance in rain... I've never slid once with light mud, wind, tight turns... so they grip ok, but I'm sure in mud or heavy rain the shallow tread could be an issue.

[SubSlr88]

Originally Posted by SuperGeek

Ah, the memories. I used to live in Denver and black ice was the best part. (sarcasm).
4x4 means nothing on ice. ABS means nothing on ice.

I lived in Denver for 20 years . . . while heading home from work one miserable night I came upon a scene that was both sad and funny. A car had slid off the road and down a short slope. A big Chevy 4x4 pickup, all jacked up in the air, had stopped to help. They hooked a tow strap to the car, gunned it hard . . . and proceeded to pull themselves (truck and two young guys) down the slope to join the car. FUNNY! But they certainly didn't think so. I pulled up in my little 4x4 Toyota pickup, mounted my chains on the front tires, and pulled the embarassed kids out of the ditch. . . then they helped me get the car out.

I could tell you stories all day about dumba$$ drivers and winter in Denver. . .