What kind of tires do you have for the coming winter? (Firestone: living, cost)

[phetaroi]

Snow tires?
All-weather radials?
Regular radials?

[Fullback32]

I just use all season radials. Never used snow tires and I've lived here for ten years and go skiing. Worked for me.

[PokerMunkee]

I have some Firestone Winterforce (didn't stud them) on another set of wheels, going on their 3rd season. They might make it through April. But I installed some General Altimax HP's back in April and went through a couple decent snow storms through them and I was impressed! They are rated #1 on Tirerack. I'm going to see how they do in the next month now that I have 10k miles on them.

If I lived in the Springs I wouldn't even bother with winter tires. A good all-season is plenty.

[ColoWeb]

All season / All terrain tiers here. It is the performance tiers that you do not want - really bad on snow.

[froggin4colorado]

In the 14 yrs I lived there- all season. Remember, the city shuts down when it snows and you won't be driving it and it is only on the ground for a few hours. So, those store trips can't until it has melted.

[Terytee]

I also think it depends on what kind of vehicle you have. A rear-wheel drive corvette with all-season tires isn't exactly the ideal situation.

All-season tires on a vehicle with front wheel, all-wheel, or four wheel drive is very different. Studded snow tires are never a bad idea in the winter and plenty of folks switch to those come winter.

Again, sometimes it depends on the car you drive and the time of day that you do most of your driving. If you're a truck guy, heavy sand bags in the bed are also a smart idea.

You're retired, right Pheta? If so, it might be easier for you, since you don't necessarily have to be out in the early early mornings. When the sun comes up and warms everything up a bit, the roads can be completely different than just an hour or two before.

I'm on the road in the wee hours of the morning and it's dark and it's often before the plows hit the roads.

Cars do get stuck in high snow or slide off the road a'plenty around here.

There are mornings where Powers Blvd. is like an auto graveyard because there are so many abandoned vehicles on the shoulder. What doesn't help is that Powers and Academy have a lot of sloping hills....and stop lights right at the bottom.

I guess all that is to say, get good tires. Cheaper is not always better.

[Fullback32]

Originally Posted by Terytee

I also think it depends on what kind of vehicle you have. A rear-wheel drive corvette with all-season tires isn't exactly the ideal situation.

Heh, no doubt. My Corvette hibernates during the winter and usually doesn't see the outside between early November and late March. I've seen some Vette drivers out there in the winter though and trying to drive in the snow. Seen Mustangs doing it too. I don't get it.

[phetaroi]

Originally Posted by Terytee

You're retired, right Pheta? If so, it might be easier for you, since you don't necessarily have to be out in the early early mornings.

Yes, Tery...I am retired. So on the one hand I don't need to be out in the worst of it, but as one who is living here partly due to the beauty of the state, I don't want to cower inside in "reasonable" winter weather (nor do I want to be foolhardy).

I had missed it before, but last night I went out and checked my tires again and finally noticed they are rated radial-M&S, which means they are better than all-weather radials. So I guess I have a reasonable level of protection for my needs.

I appreciate your thoughts a great deal!

[PokerMunkee]

I'm sure you will be fine. Just remember to slow down and brake earlly

See how this first winter goes and if it gives you issues, get some Blizzak winter tires on another set of wheels. Sure it will cost around $1,000 but they will last you 3+ years, make your all-seasons last longer, and give you better control on the ice and snow.

They are predicting this winter will dry.

[ColoWeb]

Originally Posted by froggin4colorado

Remember, the city shuts down when it snows

Really? I know Washington D.C. does but unless we get several feet everything continues to work and function.

I recall only 3 big blizzard (Oct. 1997, 2003, and 2006) when many places really were shut down due to heavy blizzard. Other than that, to work we go.