How Important Are Snow Tires? (Nashua: apartments, insurance, transfer)

[prncsnyc]

We are moving to NH in a couple of weeks and we are not sure what to do about our tires.

We need new tires anyway but we are unsure if we should by all-seasons now for the drive from CA-NH or if we should wait until we get to NH to get the snow tires.

See, we will most likely be in an apartment and won't have anywhere to store extra tires. How do people who live in apartments keep off-season tires? This is baffling to me.

I grew up in Buffalo, NY (although I never drove there) and my entire family (all still in Buffalo) uses all-season tires. They do not switch out with snow tires. They all say that we will be fine with all-seasons as long as we keep some cement in the trunk. They say there is no need for snow tires.

Is NH really that different than Western NY? We are worried that we will buy $500 in all-seasons only to have to swap them out for snow tires as soon as we get to NH with nowhere to store our all-season in the off-season.

Hope I made sense. I'm tired and stressed about the move!

Thank you in advance for any advice!

[maxxoccupancy]

Very. I have had snow tires, and I've had AWD. Snow tires are definitely a better investment.

Keep in mind, of course, that two different sets of tires tend to last twice as long, so you're not wasting money, there.

[CrazyDave]

I have not run snow tires in at least 15 years. My last 4 wheel drive vehicle was 8 years ago and my current vehicle is a 2wd Dodge Dakota. I get along just fine.

[NH2008]

I checked with a mechanic when we moved here. He said all-seasons are fine as long as you're not doing any off-roading or driving on isolated, unplowed mountains, etc. Just make sure they're in good shape with deep treads. We did fine last year without the hassle of changing tires.

[rmcewan]

I couldn't drive my RWD car at all until I put all-seasons on it. It had performance tires on prior to that and had no traction at all in any depth of snow. I do have to wait for the plow to come by if more than a couple of inches is on the ground, but the grip is really there with the all-seasons. Make sure you choose some that have good snow & ice performance. tirerack.com has comparative reviews on many tires and specifically scores snow performance on all-seasons. It would be a good idea to wait until you get out here to purchase tires. Most dealers will do free rotations and have road hazzard warranties that may not transfer west to east coast. I can highly recommend Town Faire tire (locations all over NH). They will also match any local or internet price you find for your tire choice.

I have snows for winter driving in my 4wd Jeep, and that truck can now go anywhere in any snow conditions.

[steveusaf]

rmcewan is right about not all all-season tires being good in the snow. The stock all seasons that came on my 08 Highlander were downright dangerous in the snow. I bought some Blizzak snow tires, and along with the 4WD, it drives (and stops) like a tank. I think the biggest benefit from snow tires is the improved stopping distance you get. Studded snows will improve that even more, especially on ice, but just the tread pattern and stickier compound in cold weather helps greatly compared to all seasons. Now that I have snow tires, I will probably always use them. I can notice a tremendous difference. My snows are on the stock rims, and I bought some new all seasons already mounted on some Toyota rims off of Ebay for a decent price. Now I don't have to pay someone to mount and balance twice a year, as I can easily switch between the two sets when it's convenient for me.

Do I HAVE to have snow tires? Probably not, but mine and my wife's confidence levels are higher knowing our chances of getting stuck are less and chances of stopping a little sooner are improved. It doesn't give me a license to drive like a Californian in the snow and ice, it's just a little extra insurance. Here in ND, people die from getting stranded out in the booneys - it's freakin cold and isolated and if you're not prepared, you'll be a popsicle.

I highly recommend snow tires, but there's plenty of people here in ND and in NH that get along fine without them. It's up to you and your comfort level.

[WannaComeHome]

Do you HAVE to have snow tires?... where in NH are you moving to? that can actually make a difference. Most of NH does really well at removing snow (just try to stay out of their way while it's coming down hard!) - a bit of a difference from the 70s when even in Nashua, snow-pack was the rule for even main streets! always interesting in the spring when you find out where the yellow line really is So many places you can get by with good all-season tires. There are some places that you might want the snows, though.

As to living in an apt... many apts have a storage cubicle for each apt, I remember seeing some kept tires in them. Sure it's a hassle bringing them in and out, but it does store tires not in use.

[fishnfool]

I've never put snow tires on any of my or my wife's cars. I do currently own a 4 wheel drive truck but it's a very rare occurrence that I ever turn it on....usually only when hunting and launching from iffy spots.

My last truck was a rear wheel drive and it was fine. My wife has a front wheel drive sedan and commutes to Boston just fine in the winter.

[prncsnyc]

Thank you so much for the replies!

I guess I should have mentioned that we both drive Ford Focus's so we do not have 4WD. :/

We are not sure where in NH we will end up....but probably the Lakes region.

We were planning on buying the top-rated Michelin all-seasons at Costco.

Not sure any of this added info makes a difference.

PS. Town Faire Tires sounds like a great place!!! They beat Costco's extras!

[WannaComeHome]

personally, I think 4WD is over-rated.. unless you're actually going off-road or on a lot of logging roads (basically same thing). They don't help on slippery anyway. Front wheel drive is usually just fine. Best thing is, if you're not used to snow driving, go find an empty parking lot and practice manoevering in it early on in the season. Take is slower and gently and you'll be fine.