Tyler1984

The Starfire 225/50/R17 winter tires I had last year were terrible and I'm putting new ones on this week. Anyone here have any really positive or negative recommendations for my RWD beast? I don't care about price...I just want the greatest tires possible for this specific car. As much as I want to go with a low-profile performance winter tire, I am pretty sure I should avoid them this year. Would prefer to store the car over the winter, but it isn't an option.

Thanks, Tyler

AmyUD06

iTrader: (1)

I loved the Dunlop WinterSport 3D/4Ds that I've had on mine. They handled well enough to be run in the summer, and I never got stuck in the snow, but we also don't get that much snow where I'm at...3-4" at most.

KevinLex11

I am in the same boat as you and quite worried, not sure if it's gonna make a difference for me if I have 20's but so far am too worried to drive my car in any snow to even buy winter tires.

Let me know how it goes for you.

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

I have Hankook iPikes but if I could do it again I'd get a more ice-focused winter tire like Blizzaks or X-Ice. Just look at this year's reviews for winter tires, there's nothing special about the GS. I'm assuming Bridgestone, Michelin, and Nokian still lead the pack.

MattyG

The usual category leaders for sure. X-Ice, Blizzak for big money budget. Goodyear Nordics for small money. Gislaved studded for N. Ontario since S. Ontario they won't be legal. Toyo Garritts in the mid range. Step down to the base wheel/tire size.

Don't go wide - tall and narrow so GS 300 that should be 215 60 16 and some ballast in the trunk. For deep snow, open block tread, and for ice and slush along with handling, more sipes and square sidewall. Taller sidewall for cutting through snow and lower sidewall for handling on ice.

DarKnight

iTrader: (3)

I've used Blizzaks in the past with good results.

jriggs

I run Michelin Alpine PA4s, perfect balance of grip comfort and performance.

Blizzaks always have felt floaty and uninspiring to me.

newgsman

iTrader: (4)

I have tried a lot of different brands of snow tires. I find the Pilot Alpins to be right near the top for me. They provide good grip and comfort. They also wear better than Blizzaks.
The real secret to driving well in winter is recognizing the perils of any given road condition. Even the best snow tires will easily break loose if you punch the gas on snow or ice covered roads. Good snow tires simply help to maintain your steady course and simple turns.
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Tyler1984

Thanks for your guidance on this. I went tall and narrow with the Blizzak WS80 and for the first time ever feel comfortable on the road. Thanks!

Tyler1984

I took advice from this forum and did as much research as possible. The two most trusted tires for this specific car were the Michelin Pilot Alpin and the Blizzak WS80. I went tall and narrow, so stayed on my 17s, but avoided performance tires and width. I went 215/55/R17 and it handles very well on cold wet pavement and maneuvers great through thick, deep snow. Surprisingly no road noise that I expect from winter tires. I hunted down the best price (for Southwestern Ontario) and got my tires from Costco for under $900 installed and taxes included. I don't believe that the guys at Costco are licensed mechanics though, so don't expect to speak with a tire guru if you go that route. The Blizzaks have been great, but I do wonder now how the Alpins would feel lol.