Winter Tires
10-03-2008, 10:54 PM
#1
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Join Date: 01-24-2008
Location: USA
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Winter Tires
I have been looking for studded winter tires for my HHR 2LT, which has the 17" rims. Think they are 215/50/17s. Have been searching Tirerack and few other sites, but no luck. Everything studless.
Anyone found winters for your cars? Reasonable? What other sizes can we get away with on our cars?
Anyone found winters for your cars? Reasonable? What other sizes can we get away with on our cars?
10-03-2008, 11:07 PM
#2
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Join Date: 08-26-2008
Location: Sequim Washington
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Some dealers can drill and install studs in certain tires with the right tread pattern. Check that out.
How about compounded tires such as Blizzacks or others as well. You can drive them 6 months of the year if needed with pretty good results an no hiway wear or noise to deal with.
With compounded tires you can drop your air pressure 10-15% on ice and snow but keep your speed down to prevent heat build up and excess flexing. Pump them back up when it's all clear.
Do you have traction control? That helps to "Go" only.
How about compounded tires such as Blizzacks or others as well. You can drive them 6 months of the year if needed with pretty good results an no hiway wear or noise to deal with.
With compounded tires you can drop your air pressure 10-15% on ice and snow but keep your speed down to prevent heat build up and excess flexing. Pump them back up when it's all clear.
Do you have traction control? That helps to "Go" only.
10-04-2008, 10:53 AM
#3
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I dont' believe my 2LT came with traction control. It was the Cappaucinno Frost version. My wife has to drive a ton in our Western New York Winters for her job and she used to be scared to death. Then I went to studded tires all-around - it's like night and day. So, all-seasons arn't a part of the picture, and the studded is really important.
I am facing purchasing 4 studded on my Aurora @$229 each (Sam's Club) and have come up with 4 "not-studable" winters at Sam's @$139 each. That's $1400!
Last night I ran into a Tirerackcloseout on the Aurora for Firestone's @ $95 each plus $15 to stud. They had nothing available for the HHR. Of course, I still have to pay to have someone put them on an balance. 17 inch tires are a bummer when it comes to cost.
I am facing purchasing 4 studded on my Aurora @$229 each (Sam's Club) and have come up with 4 "not-studable" winters at Sam's @$139 each. That's $1400!
Last night I ran into a Tirerackcloseout on the Aurora for Firestone's @ $95 each plus $15 to stud. They had nothing available for the HHR. Of course, I still have to pay to have someone put them on an balance. 17 inch tires are a bummer when it comes to cost.
10-04-2008, 11:37 AM
#4
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Join Date: 08-26-2008
Location: Sequim Washington
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Take your vin number to your dealer and they can tell you if you have traction control. 2LT ... should have it if it is late model. I'm not sure if it was Std. on earlier models. Make sure who ever mounts your tires has touchless equipt. so they do not damage your wheels.
10-04-2008, 12:07 PM
#5
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Join Date: 07-05-2008
Location: Akron Ohio
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Easier yet is just get on loose gravel or wet pavment and hit the gas.
The tire will break loose and start to spin and the traction control will then take over. You can do it in any drive way.
You may not have it if you have had this for several winters and don't know. If you have it you know right away when it kicks in.
Tire prices in general are a Bummer. Though prices now on 17-18 and 20 inch tires now are better than they used to be.
The raw material cost of a tire is oil and it really hits the MFG hard. They are struggling to make a Profit even at these prices.
The tire will break loose and start to spin and the traction control will then take over. You can do it in any drive way.
You may not have it if you have had this for several winters and don't know. If you have it you know right away when it kicks in.
Tire prices in general are a Bummer. Though prices now on 17-18 and 20 inch tires now are better than they used to be.
The raw material cost of a tire is oil and it really hits the MFG hard. They are struggling to make a Profit even at these prices.
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