Winter's coming/Tires for Winter (Billerica, Newburyport: how much, home, to buy) - Massachusetts (MA) - City-Data Forum

alabamafam · 10-22-2008, 11:10 PM

All,
Just relocated to Billerica, MA from Montgomery, AL this past June so I'm prepping for my first winter---new boots, overcoat, long-johns, and maybe even a new snowblower! If today's high (which was in the 40's) is any indication of what's to come in the next 3-4 months, someone may be writing a poem about me as Robert Service did in his poem, "The Creation of Sam McGee."

Anyway, quick question about tires--my wife drives a 2007 Chevy Tahoe that's a 2 wheel drive. She took it to a place to get an oil change last week and the guys told her she'll need to buy snow tires since it's not a 4 wheel drive....is that true? I've heard buy some all weather radials and you'll do fine. Any other suggestions (I've heard adding weight trunk area is a good move)

Look forward to your advice....

smarty · 10-23-2008, 02:53 AM

The answer is probably... I'll answer the question with questions...

Do you plan to go out during snow storm? How often and where will you be driving? (hopefully no hills)

It is always nice to have snow tires for a RWD vehicle.
Tires from many vehicles in the South do not have good treads... no good traction in snow or ice.
Do put a lot of weight on the rear axle so the rear tire will not spin.
Drive slow.
Allow plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front so you can stop.

I suggest BJ Wholesale or Costco for tires... they get the best price.

ChrisA70 · 10-23-2008, 07:31 AM

Do you know if the truck has limited slip? I would buy a set of snow tires if not. I had a truck up here that was 2wd and it was not too good. Check out prices on... Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels great prices, i got my tires from them the last 2 times.

haberstroh · 10-23-2008, 01:17 PM

I have a Saturn Vue 2 wheel drive and never had a problem with my normal tires except for the occasional slip. I do average "housewife driving" meaning I stay home when there is a snow day at school and can stay local when there is a storm.
She should just try a winter here and than decide. It all depends on the weather and terrain.
From my experience there is only a problem when you have rear wheel drive in the snow and ice.
Good luck

miu · 10-23-2008, 02:00 PM

I've lived in MA most of my life and I've only had one 4wd car for one winter. I love my snow tires, but that's because I like to drive a lot in the winter, like around NH and ME for antiquing. I love Nokian snow tires the best.

How much driving does your wife do? What is the condition of her current set of tires?

stevem319 · 10-31-2008, 02:39 AM

you were asking about snowtires, My recommendation is Bridgestone Blizzaks

VlyRoadKid · 11-03-2008, 01:59 PM

Funny post! But yes, if all goes as usual, you're looking at a long stretch of nasty weather and road conditions! The GOOD news is, that, being on the coast and barring a whopping nor'easter, the roads will be far more passable than those in the interior (where we are! *groan*!).

For years, I drove 2WD cars (a tiny VW fastback, while living in Newburyport...don't know HOW we managed that!), an AMC Hornet (don't ask! Hand-me-down from the 'rents), a 1972 Impala--boat of a car, and my fave: a '79 Ford LTD.

In almost ANY 2WD WITH WEIGHT to it, you put at least 80 lbs. of sand (NOT sand mixed w/concrete--as you won't be able to REMOVE it from the car in spring--I know!), with studded snows and you're good to go!

In many ways, having driven a 4WD since 1995, I actually MISS that! Let's face it: you're ALWAYS going to get more traction going DOWN a slipper hill, WITH STUDDED SNOWS than without (which you're not supposed to use w/4WD, useless on the downhill).

In 1984, my sister & I drove from W. Mass to Craftsbury VT, IN A BLIZZARD, in my trusty LTD, with nary a problem (except for the hightened price of beer...which made no sense, as we wanted Molson!).

The last person's recommendation of Bridgestone Blizzaks...I could NOT repeat more heartily! I had them on my front-wheel drive Ford Taurus wagon and they were GREAT!!! I plan to get them for my latest "great deal", insane SUV (Ford Expedition) this winter, as its torque is FAR too high for our steep roads in W. Mass!

Any more driving questions about Massachusetts or in general...feel free to message me. "Of course I'm an excellent driver...Heh-heh!" (Not kidding)!

ChrisA70 · 11-03-2008, 09:26 PM

I stuck a set of Kumho KR21's on my 1989 Saab 900 last winter and it was nearly impossible to get that car to slide or lose grip. Yes it's front wheel drive, but I have owned a few front wheel cars and they were terrible in the snow. I replaced a set of Pirelli 4 season tires, and they were horrible. What happened to Pirelli? Blizzaks are great tires I hear.