Snow-studed Tires, best time (Salem, Bend: sale, living in, price) - Oregon (OR) - City-Data Forum

skypros · 10-27-2009, 07:15 PM

I am wanting to get studded tires.... However I hear that November 1 the tire shops are VERY BUSY!!

When should the frenzy die down... and for that matter when would be the best time to get a "deal" on a set of studded snow tires?

Thanks,
Steve
Bend, OR

skinem · 10-28-2009, 10:03 AM

Yup, first of the season is busy. If the weather is still mild, after the first week or two the "frenzy" is usually over.
Best time to get a deal is at the end of the season!

Hawk J · 10-28-2009, 02:18 PM

Sometimes i see studded tires fer sale on Craigslist. Some say, slightly used.

ladyflyfsh · 11-12-2009, 09:10 AM

I'm new to Bend and was wondering if studded snow tires is really the way to go and if you really need them? I never had them in 12 years living in SW Montana but ice was not a huge issue for me. In Bend, I'm thinking that may be a different situation. What is recommended? Studs? Just traction tires or all seasons? I just read an article about all of the above but it didn't really say what is best for this area. Anyone want to weigh in? I am hoping to get over the pass to the Salem area off and on this winter so if that helps you with helping me.

Terryj · 11-12-2009, 10:34 AM

I'm not a big fan of studded tires, they do allot of damage to the roads, an alternative to studded tires is having your tires sipped. Siping a tire is having lines cut into the tread this process creates much better traction on rainy or icy surfaces, it also allows the tires to run cooler during the summer.

davefr · 11-12-2009, 12:57 PM

If you're going to be going over Santiam pass then get studs on all 4's. That's a trecherous highway and snow and ice are very common. (You'll also need a set of chains for backup.)

Cascade snow is not at all like Rocky Mtn snow. It's much wetter and slicker.

The next best thing is dedicated winter tires.

ladyflyfsh · 11-12-2009, 04:02 PM

thanks davefr, having never driven over OR passes in the winter I have no way of knowing. I do already have chains so I'm good there, but was more worried about the every day ice and the occasional trip over the pass to the wet side of the mountains to go truffle hunting this winter. Was also wondering if the studs were necessary. Huge cost I wasn't expecting, snow tires etc. I never imagined they'd be so expensive!

davefr · 11-12-2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyflyfsh

thanks davefr, having never driven over OR passes in the winter I have no way of knowing. I do already have chains so I'm good there, but was more worried about the every day ice and the occasional trip over the pass to the wet side of the mountains to go truffle hunting this winter. Was also wondering if the studs were necessary. Huge cost I wasn't expecting, snow tires etc. I never imagined they'd be so expensive!

It's an upfront expense but you're spreading the wear over two sets of tires instead of one set and optimizing the tire's seasonal performace in the process. (and your own safety!!)

Cornerguy1 · 11-12-2009, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyflyfsh

I'm new to Bend and was wondering if studded snow tires is really the way to go and if you really need them? I never had them in 12 years living in SW Montana but ice was not a huge issue for me. In Bend, I'm thinking that may be a different situation. What is recommended? Studs? Just traction tires or all seasons? I just read an article about all of the above but it didn't really say what is best for this area. Anyone want to weigh in? I am hoping to get over the pass to the Salem area off and on this winter so if that helps you with helping me.

Many Oregon passes are designated as Snow Zones by the DOT and have specific tire requirements for vehicles.

See TripCheck - Road Cams, Road & Weather Conditions in Oregon - ODOT for complete info including maps and current conditions.

You don't have to wait for snow to have issues in the passes. There have already been several instances of roads becoming quite slippery due to black ice at elevation.

A set of studded snow tires may be an unforeseen expense, but the peace of mind they'll bring is well worth the price.

skypros · 11-14-2009, 08:46 PM

I went and got a set of 4 studded snow tires.... I also have 2 sets of rims I purchased an extra set from someone when I purchased my Tundra.
Now I will have 2 sets of tires for easy change-over... I would suggest that anyone wanting studded snow tires to have then on a extra "nice" set of rims (remember you will be driving with them 5 months of the year)... The cost of having the tires switched over 2 times a year + the inconvenience will pay for it's self in just a short period of time.

SNOW TIRES are softer rubber than normal tires.... this makes them better for COLD weather.... The problem is obvious.... they wear faster... and if you leave them on year round the Heat from summer will really make them wear fast.

My snow tires already had the siping done.

I went to the tire shop at 11:30 on 11/11/09 and the place was real busy.... said it would take 1 to 1 1/2 hours..... at 12:30 there was no customers in the shop (Lunch time) and at 1pm my truck was done... and there was only a few customers in the shop.... So I would say to go in a little before 1pm as this may be the best time for the least amount of wait time.