Are snow tires in MA necessary? (Boston, Marlborough: buy, live, storage)

[BostonBornMassMade]

No

[5pyg1a55]

Originally Posted by Lampert

This is just wrong. All weather tires perform way way WAY worse than winter tires.

@OP
It depends also on where you live in MA. If you live in Boston urban area is one thing. If you live on a minor road outside 495 it's a very different thing.

Personally if it wasn't for snow tries I would be stuck at home a few days at year, with snow tires I am never stuck at home. Also the handling of the car is just not comparable and it makes you feel much much safer.

Are 'all weather tires' just regular tires?
I live on a cut-through type road off of 'Boston Post Road'/ Rt 20, but the driveway is wicked long

[BostonMike7]

[quote=5pyg1a55;59480688]

Originally Posted by BostonMike7

IWhat brand/model are your tires specifically. /QUOTE]

Michelin Premier A/S
205/55R16 91H
Treadware: 640
Traction: A
Temp: A

Those are decent tires overall, but average performance (for an all-season) in snow. You might be better served getting some dedicated snow tires given your location in metrowest.

Originally Posted by 5pyg1a55

Are 'all weather tires' just regular tires?

All-weather = all-season tires.

Basically a jack of all trades, master of none. They don't have the supreme grip of a summer performance tires, nor the snow performance of a winter compound tire. They are made to be able to be used when it's 0 degrees out, and 100 degrees out, while offering a tread design that tries to get max performance from dry, wet and snow driving. It will never be as good as a true snow tires, or a true performance tire. These tires are made from different types of rubber. FOr instance, drive a summer performance tires under 40 degrees and it's like driving on glass. Very dangerous due to lack of grip. However, in 80 degree temps, they are like glue. They also wear in 20k miles while all-seasons made froma different compound can go 60-80K miles. A little more than you were asking for in terms of tire info.

[wolfgang239]

I have an awd SUV and I still have snow tires. If you drive at all during storms or before the road really gets cleared off they are essential. Snow tires help with turning and stopping distance in cold weather due to the composition of the tire.

[5pyg1a55]

[quote=BostonMike7;59480773]

Originally Posted by 5pyg1a55

Those are decent tires overall, but average performance (for an all-season) in snow. You might be better served getting some dedicated snow tires given your location in metrowest.





All-weather = all-season tires.

Basically a jack of all trades, master of none. They don't have the supreme grip of a summer performance tires, nor the snow performance of a winter compound tire. They are made to be able to be used when it's 0 degrees out, and 100 degrees out, while offering a tread design that tries to get max performance from dry, wet and snow driving. It will never be as good as a true snow tires, or a true performance tire. These tires are made from different types of rubber. FOr instance, drive a summer performance tires under 40 degrees and it's like driving on glass. Very dangerous due to lack of grip. However, in 80 degree temps, they are like glue. They also wear in 20k miles while all-seasons made froma different compound can go 60-80K miles. A little more than you were asking for in terms of tire info.

Thanks you all, for all for all this info- It is much appreciated. No such thing as too much info

So I am in a position where -if I had to- I could stay indoors for several days in an emergency. The car has front wheel drive. Is it possible to 'get away with' putting snow tires just on the fronts?

[gf2020]

In general, I would say no. However, I do put snow tires on my truck and my wife's SUV.

That's mainly because we don't ever want to be in a situation where our mobility is limited.

It also extends the life of the standard tires so the cost of buying a second set of wheels and snow tires is somewhat offset by that.

[wolfgang239]

Originally Posted by 5pyg1a55

Is it possible to 'get away with' putting snow tires just on the fronts?

I would never do that. It may work fine most of the time but during a hard stop or black ice situation you'll lose control due to the differing levels of grip each type of tire has. You'll also wear out one half of your summer tires.

[Lampert]

Originally Posted by 5pyg1a55

Are 'all weather tires' just regular tires?

Yes. When you go to a store a buy a random set of tires is all-weather/season 99%. If you want specific summer or winter tires you need to ask.

BTW, on youtube there are plenty of snow tires vs all-season tires. Those can give you an idea of why and when snow tires are good to have.

[BostonMike7]

Don’t install just two snow tires. Don’t mix tires in a general rule. If you have all seasons on the rear, in a panic braking situation the rear will have less grip and could possibly come around on you as the back end of the car tries to overtake the front.

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by BostonMike7

Don’t install just two snow tires. Don’t mix tires in a general rule. If you have all seasons on the rear, in a panic braking situation the rear will have less grip and could possibly come around on you as the back end of the car tries to overtake the front.

To be fair, on a FWD vehicle is nearly a non-issue due to OEM front/rear braking proportions. RWD only? Buy 4 snows.