We seem to be getting pounded with snow this year. Generally I will drive the first winter on all seasons but wih the HHR I didn't want to run the 17" rims in the snow. Unfortunately I didn't get new snow tires and rims before the first few snow storms. I have to say, contrary to what people have said here, the stock tire pretty much useless in any amount of snow or ice. During the first storm I got stuck on flat ice and couldn't move anywhere.

So, i finally got time to get my snows on. Due to the poor snow performance and the amount of winter driving I do I decided to go for high quality snows. I bought Nokian RSi's, 205/60/16's. We got another pounding last night so I went out to play this morning. With these babies there was almost no slipage and great braking. A world of difference, snow covered roads are like driving on bare pavement.

I would reccomend anyone who is driving alot in the winter to buy snows and the Nokian would be at the top if my list. Unbelieveable difference!

 

I also procrastinated and didn't buy snows before the rush..now I'm regretting it. The stock Firestones are like driving on bicycle tires..so the HHR is in the garage and the AWD Rendevous with Goodyear Fortrera's is back in service as primary transportation.

I think I'll see if I can still find a set of Nokian's since Spring seems a loooooooooooong way off at this point!

 

My family has run Nokians for years now. They are incredible in the snow. I would recommend them to anyone looking for snow tires. Great choice.

 

Semi-related question here: Will speedometer readings/DIC info be affected if you change from stock 17" rims to 16" rims/snow tires and/or 18" summer rims/tires? I'm not sure about this. I ask because the OP went from stock 17's to 16" snows and I've always wanted to know. Thanks!

I've never driven on snow tires but I've always been curious.

 

The tire diameter determines the speedometer reading not the size of the wheels. So if you use a tire that's the same diameter as stock, it won't be affected.

 

yesterday in Quebec we've got a MAJOR snowstorm(1 1/2 feet) and i have to admit that the stock firestone runs very well in the heavy snow, sure winter tires are the best i couldn't denied that but i was really amazed with my stock tires.

 

When I was Quebec last year it appeared they do not like shoveling snow up there with the tunnels from the front door to the street and the covered carports that extend to the street..

 

I got 15" rims and Toyo winters for about $60 per wheel cheaper than the same Toyo tires in the 17". Local guys wanted $240/tire installed for 17" or $140/tire plus $60/steel wheel. Same overall diameter as stock so mileage and speed aren't affected.

After 40,000KM on those stock firestones they were useless... the backend would go out if I hit a pile of leaves...


:)

 

I also have a 2lt with the 17 inch wheels and the firestone tires. I have noticed since I have had around 15000 miles on them they get barely any traction in anything but absolutely dry conditions. Anyone else notice this?

I havn't noticed any strange wear patterns on the tires and have them rotated every other oil change. The tires still have a lot of tread on them, I would hate to have to replace them but they are really not good in wintry weather at all.

 

At what point do snow tires also require chains?

Thanks!