vtwheels

I want to put snow tires on my 2005 RX 330 for the VT winter and to manage our very long, steep driveway. I am leaning toward 17" wheels to maximize traction. I have received two tire recommendations: the Bridgestone Blizzak DMZ 3 and the Dunlop Grand Trek SJ6. I had heard that in prior years the Blizzaks only used the softer winter tread compound on the outer depth of the tread (in theory because the Japanese changed tires annually in the fall, using the outer tread for winter and the better handling, normal rubber compound the following summer). Has anyone had experience with either of these tires (or last year's version), or do you have any other winter tire that you would highly recommend? Finally, will I have any trouble with after market wheels from TireRack?

HarrierAWD

In VT with long steep driveway.... I'd get studable snow tires or winter, especially if you have no time to melt the ice before you head to work. Cooper and Nokian have good studable tires. Check local law on stud tires though.

FWIW, size of wheel has no impact on winter traction.

bizzy928

Usually for winter tires, people tend to get a more narrow tire instead of a tire with more width. The idea is to "slice" through the snow. I on the other hand like to stay stock.

I'm suprised no one mentioned the Michelin X-Ice to you. As per consumer reports they are the "best" all around winter tire while being compared to 4 other major winter tires. (Consumer Reports Nov Issue)

http://www.1010tires.com/tire.asp?ti...emodel=X%2DIce

I would definately go X-Ice, I know two people personally who have them on and they both love them.

mikey00

No one mentioned the Michelin X-Ice because is is not available in the proper size for the RX. I am in the process of getiing a set of them for one of my other cars, a Pontiac Vibe.

bizzy928

I should have been more clear:

Michelin Latitude X-Ice tires designed for light duty trucks/SUV's. You will be able to find the correct size for the RX. (300 at least...)

http://www.1010tires.com/tire.asp?ti...titude+X%2DIce

mikey00

You do realize that the first link that you provided for Michelin X-Ice is the tire that CR tested and does not come in the size for RX. The second link you provided is for the Lattitude X-Ice and is NOT the tire that CR tested and is a lower rated tire than the X-ICE both on the 10-10 tires link you provided and on the Michelin site.

bizzy928

Wow, did I strike a chord?

I'm not going to argue with you. Take my suggestions as... suggestions. The difference between the Latitude and normal is mainly the load ratings. True, CR didn't test the Latitudes, but i'm sure if they did, the findings wouldn't be far from the regular X-Ice.

Relax, VT just wants options and thats what we are here for.

mikey00

I am very relaxed. Sorry if it didn't come accross that way. I was just trying to point ot that you recommended the X-Ice based on a CR test. Then posted a link to X-Ice which does not come in the RX size. Then when you posted a link to the Lattitude X-Ice which does come in the RX size it is not the tire CR tested and is ranked lower than the X-Ice by the manufacturer and the site you provided. And it is ranked lower pretty much accross the board in catagory ratings, not just load ratings.. I just didn't want someone to buy the Lattitude and think they were getting a CR high ranked tire based on the info or "suggestion" you provided. My guess is that if the manufacturer and the tire site are correct in their ratings, the Lattitude would come out much lower than the X-Ice if CR were to test them.

bizzy928

Fair enough

Could you link me to the manufacturer rating? I still can't find it.

mikey00

Here you go:
http://www.michelinman.com/assets/pd...titudexice.pdf
http://www.michelinman.com/assets/pdfs/doc_xice.pdf