I live in New York CIty and I have just purchased a 2002 GS300 Sport Design and I have done some research on all season tires. I am trying to get ready for the snow this winter. So far, I am looking at:

My tire size is 225/55/R16 94V

Pirelli PZero Nero M&S (225/55WR16 Serv. Desc. 93W)
BFGoodrich Traction T/A V (Size: 225/55VR16 Serv. Desc. 95V)

Is it okay to install the Pirelli's that has a Serv. Desc. 93W?
My orginial is 94V would it be dangerous in anyway to install a lower weight capacity tire?

Have anyone driven any of these 2 tires in the snow before?
If yes, how was it? and now many inches?

Should I buy snow tires instead? Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 ?
Do I only need to buy rear snow tires only or all 4 tires?

Thanks!!!

 

This will be my first winter with my 2004 GS300 I just purchased 4 Michelin X-Ice 215/60-16 snow tires (Top rated by CR) and will be putting them on the first of December.

 

I've recently put 4 studded Hankook HPW401's on and have had the oppurtunity to try them out in about 1" of snow with some ice underneath here in Alaska. Performed quite well with a light foot on the accellerator. I decided to go this way because good studless tires are very expensive and soft. Lucky to get one season out of them up here with 6 months of winter. I hope to get 2 maybe 3 seasons out of this set. Time will tell. I have used the top of the line Nokians, but as I said, very spendy and they were almost wore out after one season.

 

You really need to go with 4 tires. You need to stop and turn also.

I put some firestone winterforce on one of my other cars. It was simply amazing for stopping and starting. But I didn't like the handling.

I've driven in the snow with the BFG's and it wasn't pretty. (different car)

Michael

 

Consumer Reports tested them this month and the Michelin X-Ice were the best by a good margin . I just purchased a set from Costco but luckily no snow in Connecticut yet to test them.

 

Not fun to have the VSC light comes on frequently with the OEM 'all season 'Goodyears at highway speed during the winter time. My FWD Maxima also have traction problem with the OEM all season tires. I just installed a set of snow/ice tire from Tirerack.