Wet Traction, Cost Efficient Tires ??
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 03-19-2009
Posts: 296
From: Connecticut
Wet Traction, Cost Efficient Tires ??
Hey, I was reading through some of the post and did not see anything specific. SO if there is a post I missed, feel free to link it here.
Anyways. Got the 2007 HHR Auto with the 16" Rims running 215/55-16's and Just over 46k miles its time to replace the stockers. I have a long commute now (35 miles one way) though heavy dense traffic but that highway traffic is moving at 65-85 mph on average and water pools up good on the highway.
The car does NOT have ABS so if I hit it hard enough it will lock the tires up and skid. Had a good scare not too long ago so its time to at least get some better rubber.
Not trying to break the bank, looking to pay less than 100$ per tire. I still need to get Snow tires. Also on that, wonder if it just be easier to get snows on the car now, now being October/November time and just ride them out till Spring.
So anyways. Let me know what you have. I often use Discount Tire Direct or Tire Rack. So Post up!
Anyways. Got the 2007 HHR Auto with the 16" Rims running 215/55-16's and Just over 46k miles its time to replace the stockers. I have a long commute now (35 miles one way) though heavy dense traffic but that highway traffic is moving at 65-85 mph on average and water pools up good on the highway.
The car does NOT have ABS so if I hit it hard enough it will lock the tires up and skid. Had a good scare not too long ago so its time to at least get some better rubber.
Not trying to break the bank, looking to pay less than 100$ per tire. I still need to get Snow tires. Also on that, wonder if it just be easier to get snows on the car now, now being October/November time and just ride them out till Spring.
So anyways. Let me know what you have. I often use Discount Tire Direct or Tire Rack. So Post up!
Senior Member
Joined: 11-24-2010
Posts: 124
From: Cincinnati, OH
I run the General Altimax Arctic for winter tires. Last winter was first season, wouldn't you know it, we didn't have any snow, so I can't give actual SNOW performance. They are very highly rated for snow, and the tread is very aggressive, so I suspect that would hold true. Our winters are very rainy when we don't have snow and they were superb in the rain for me, but I only run up to about 70 mph or so. They seem very quiet for such an aggressive snow tread, and in about 5000 miles, I see very little wear.
In my opinion the sidewalls are a little 'mushy'. This helps the ride, as well as wet/snow road traction I'm sure, but until I got used to it, the car seemed to have a little bit of a mind of it's own as to where it wanted to go. I just had to mentally adjust and not let the car start to 'drift' to one side or the other. In other words, pay a little more attention to where it wanted to head.
I got the 205/60-16s, and knowing now what I do about the sidewalls, I would get the tires again, but the 215/55-16s.
In my opinion the sidewalls are a little 'mushy'. This helps the ride, as well as wet/snow road traction I'm sure, but until I got used to it, the car seemed to have a little bit of a mind of it's own as to where it wanted to go. I just had to mentally adjust and not let the car start to 'drift' to one side or the other. In other words, pay a little more attention to where it wanted to head.
I got the 205/60-16s, and knowing now what I do about the sidewalls, I would get the tires again, but the 215/55-16s.
Premium Member
Joined: 10-09-2010
Posts: 14,420
From: Tacoma
I don't sugest buying the cheep tires, your life could depend on them at any time, cut back on ,or make your own coffee, I'm sure I saved enough to buy tires.
Unless you get feet of snow a good all season will do it. We had lots of snow last year and I got around fine on these Gmax-03, they are great at channeling the water, and ride extremely smooth and quiet. Plus they are rated at 45k miles
Unless you get feet of snow a good all season will do it. We had lots of snow last year and I got around fine on these Gmax-03, they are great at channeling the water, and ride extremely smooth and quiet. Plus they are rated at 45k miles
Guest
Posts: n/a
I just got s set of General Gmax tires... yes they do cost a bit more but.. they are worth it.. so far they have done OUTSTANDING in wet weather... handle great ride is very nice I will have to agree with SS on this and say you should not go with cheap tires. specially if you do a lot of driving... its worth it to spend a bit more and have peace of mind... 
Senior Member
Joined: 08-25-2012
Posts: 120
From: Hamilton, On
haha SS fan, general G max may be outstanding for a WA state winter, but then WA isn't exactly known for it's snow is it lol. The OP is from Connecticut, new england gets just a bit more snow than the west, just a bit lol. I like the Gmax and may end up with a set for my 18s next spring, so good info there on water channelling.
Premium Member
Joined: 10-09-2010
Posts: 14,420
From: Tacoma
We had way too much last year, tore up my trees, the G-max did fine. I have also ran around in Edmonton, Alberta, in december on all seasons, they were Goodyear, F-1 AS, they were amazing traction, but they were a bit more spendy, and rough riding. Lately we found out that the Michilin Pilot sport AS fit the stock SS wheels in the 235x45 size, We put a set on Banshee08's SS, He loves them, I am planning on a set of them for the panel since it has the SS wheels, but again they aren't cheep. I am still sold on the G-max for the money they are great, I have a set on my 740 sport a much heavier car, love them. I hope I wont need snow tires, here it is best to stay out of the mess, folks around here have no clue how to drive in it. It resembles a demolition derby, when it snows.
Here is my snow bunny, isn't she cute!!
Here is my snow bunny, isn't she cute!!
