Are winter tires a must for WI? (Milwaukee, Wisconsin Rapids: living in, safety) - City-Data Forum

SJWVPhan · 03-03-2011, 03:08 PM

Greetings from a new member from the Pittsburgh area

(BTW I'm not a Steelers fan

)

We are relocating to the Wisconsin Rapids area this summer and I wanted to maybe get the locals' opinions on whether it is an absolute requirement for seasonal tire changes from all-seasons to pure winter tires for the majority of the winter season up in WI.

The vehicle is a late model SUV with only 2WD that has survived the winters of Pittsburgh on Goodyear Fortera TripleTred all-season tires purchased from Sam's Club.

We have never had snow tires in the past and I would not hesitate to have a set of snow tires for the safety of my family if it is an absolute necessity.

Thank You

Jesse276 · 03-03-2011, 03:29 PM

Welcome to WI!

So, I've been driving in Wisconsin winters for 10 years and I've never really considered snow tires. I've driven front-drive cars the entire time and you'll have trouble in really bad weather, but that's to be expected.

However, my road experience is around the Milwaukee area and some winter trips on the freeway around the state, so you might have different local conditions, but I think you'll be fine with what you've got.

MaseMan · 03-03-2011, 03:32 PM

Most of my cars have had front wheel drive and been equipped with "all weather" tires. I have only had one spin out ever, and that was hitting black ice in my Sebring (it wasn't a great winter car). Having some type of automatic traction control with your car also helps. Of course, AWD/4WD is even better.

susancruzs · 03-03-2011, 03:35 PM

I wouldn't invest in snow tires, don't think you'll need them. Living in Penna, you drive in the winter time not really going to be an issue for you! I'll be surprised if you get any responses saying they think you need them!

r_k · 03-03-2011, 04:35 PM

You don't need snow tires unless your regular tires are getting worn down. Front-wheel drive is more important. Do expect the snow and cold to be a lot more severe than Pittsburgh, however.

hamjeepr · 03-03-2011, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaseMan

Most of my cars have had front wheel drive and been equipped with "all weather" tires. I have only had one spin out ever, and that was hitting black ice in my Sebring (it wasn't a great winter car). Having some type of automatic traction control with your car also helps. Of course, AWD/4WD is even better.

I agree with the automatic traction control! Also anti-lock brakes.

I have a Jeep Wrangler without anti-lock brakes and have to carefully pump them on slick roads when stopping. I have Firestone Destination ATs that have done well, particularly in fresh snow. I understand that BFG Radial ATs are even better.

My wife's car is a Saturn with both traction control and anti-locks and it has Michelin HydroEdge. It only has problems if the snow is deeper than 3" and only because of clearance.

Drover · 03-03-2011, 06:26 PM

You don't "need" winter tires as long as you live in a municipality that clears off its streets and you don't do a lot of driving on rural roads. State highways and most main county highways are cleared off pretty quickly after a snowfall.

However, winter tires do improve traction not just for pulling away from a stop, but also for better turning response and especially shorter braking distances. All-seasons are adequate, but winter tires use a softer compound that maintains its pliability at lower temperatures better than all-seasons do. that means they provide improved grip not just in snow, but on dry pavement too when it's cold out.

northbound74 · 03-03-2011, 10:02 PM

Having snow tires couldn't hurt, but aren't an absolute necessity if you're vehicle does okay to begin with.
Anti-lock brakes are a must. We're planning on trading our non-anti-lock vehicle in on one that has it.
4 wheel drive is okay, but all wheel drive or some sort of 4wd that has automatic engagement is best.
Our good winter car is a Subaru. Never spins out. Never gets stuck. I've tried to spin out or get stuck in the thing, but it just won't do it. I'll keep trying.

TKramar · 03-04-2011, 05:03 AM

Related question--I didn't want to open a new post.

I haven't been to that area in a LONG time (25 years), if I were to go the first week of October, how likely is snow? I've never driven in snow, and don't want to learn now.

golfgal · 03-04-2011, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TKramar

Related question--I didn't want to open a new post.

I haven't been to that area in a LONG time (25 years), if I were to go the first week of October, how likely is snow? I've never driven in snow, and don't want to learn now.

First week in October it is likely to be in the 70's.