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Old 11-01-2013, 07:46 PM
 
14 posts, read 27,513 times
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Hi I just moved from CA to New Haven, CT. I have no experience driving in the snow and I was wondering if I need snow tires for the winters here? I have a FWD. Thanks
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Old 11-01-2013, 07:52 PM
 
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Before this thread gets really long regarding the variables of climate around the state, i'll say this. Snows are relatively inexpensive and well worth the $$$. I wish that i had invested in them years earlier. Given that you have no winter driving experience, it's a no-brainer in your case. Get them.
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Old 11-01-2013, 08:14 PM
 
Location: Sierra Nevada Land, CA
9,455 posts, read 12,538,654 times
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Living in snow country (yes, CA gets lots of snow) I have strong opinions on tires. I am so tired of people with their 4wd vehicles with "all season" tires losing control in snow and ice in my area.

True winter tires make a huge difference. All season tires are really three season tires marginal in winter conditions at best. Fact is, the most important thing about driving in winter conditions is control. Things like braking, turning and stopping. Has zero to do with whether your vehicle is FWD or 4WD. It's all about where the rubber meets the road-literally.

One word: tires.

Winter tires will make you happy and safe.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Colorado xxxxx View Post
If you were in Denver they are optional, not on the East Coast no way. I am frugal and if it were me I would get the best Blizzak. Think of it this way. One set of tires is less than your insurance deductible.

This will get you started.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...sp?type=W&VT=C
Cannot agree more and Tirerack is excellent.
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Old 11-01-2013, 08:15 PM
 
Location: Corona the I.E.
10,137 posts, read 17,472,767 times
Reputation: 9140
Quote:
Originally Posted by calswim View Post
Hi I just moved from CA to New Haven, CT. I have no experience driving in the snow and I was wondering if I need snow tires for the winters here? I have a FWD. Thanks
If you were in Denver they are optional, not on the East Coast no way. I am frugal and if it were me I would get the best Blizzak. Think of it this way. One set of tires is less than your insurance deductible.

This will get you started.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...sp?type=W&VT=C
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Old 11-01-2013, 08:23 PM
 
Location: Wallingford, CT
1,063 posts, read 1,362,001 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by calswim View Post
Hi I just moved from CA to New Haven, CT. I have no experience driving in the snow and I was wondering if I need snow tires for the winters here? I have a FWD. Thanks
Quote:
Before this thread gets really long regarding the variables of climate around the state, i'll say this. Snows are relatively inexpensive and well worth the $$$. I wish that i had invested in them years earlier. Given that you have no winter driving experience, it's a no-brainer in your case. Get them.
Not so much about the variables in the weather. I'd say it's more about how urgent it'll be to get around in a heavy snow storm. We get maybe 3-4 major snowstorms a year. The snow is usually plowed off the roads before the next day. Unless you anticipate needing to be out in the snow shortly after it starts, I don't believe they'd be necessary. I'm actually trying to think of a single person I know who has them and am coming up short.

I guess the other question is, where in CT will you live? If it's a town in the middle of nowhere, then you can't really rely on roads being plowed in a reasonable time frame.

I don't really think they'd provide you peace of mind, but rather a false sense of security. Snow tires or no snow tires, if you have no experience at all driving in the snow, don't drive in the damn snow.
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Old 11-01-2013, 08:31 PM
 
Location: Near the Coast SWCT
83,500 posts, read 75,234,500 times
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Yes. Get them. And remember chains are illegal ( I think ) but the roads are fine hours later anyway. If you can manage to wait until the snow stops then you and city workers will be safer.

Don't forget to check in on the weather thread. I don't see any snow threat for another 2 weeks+ so nothing to worry about yet.
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Old 11-01-2013, 08:33 PM
 
8,777 posts, read 19,852,893 times
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Chains are legal in winter.
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Old 11-01-2013, 08:40 PM
 
14 posts, read 27,513 times
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Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I am definitely going to get some. I wont need it for work but just on the weekends for groceries and what not. I was hesitant due to the cost but I think it's better to be safe
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Old 11-01-2013, 08:41 PM
 
14 posts, read 27,513 times
Reputation: 10
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colorado xxxxx View Post
If you were in Denver they are optional, not on the East Coast no way. I am frugal and if it were me I would get the best Blizzak. Think of it this way. One set of tires is less than your insurance deductible.

This will get you started.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...sp?type=W&VT=C
I am thinking about checking out Sam's club this weekend for tires. Does anyone know which is a good tire from Sam's club? Thanks
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Old 11-01-2013, 08:50 PM
 
Location: Connecticut
132 posts, read 149,386 times
Reputation: 225
Snow tires are an absolute MUST with FWD as far as I'm concerned. Yes you can get away with waiting for the roads to be plowed and cleared but I wouldn't take the chance of being caught in a storm, especially with no experience driving on snow.

Best bang for you're buck is the General Altimax. I run them on 6.5" steel wheels on both my Civic and Subaru. Took the Subaru out during Nemo and had zero issues.

Remember, thinner is better when it comes to snow.
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