Anyone running Blizzaks on their rwd vehicle?

[compos mentis]

Our awd SUV got totaled recently due to slippery winter conditions. Looking at options to replace it and I'd prefer a rear wheel drive vehicle instead of another SUV.

I'd like to know what peoples experiences are using Blizzaks on their rwd vehicles in the snow and ice.

The commute is 50 miles a day almost all at highway speeds.

I previously ran 4 studded snows tires on a rwd vehicle in the winter and that of course is still on option, just a noisier one.:)

[whitess]

I ran them on the rear of my '85 SS for 4 years and other than real slick ice on a very cold day (intersection) or real deep snow (on a hill) I had no problems.

[BonzoHansen]

I'm out of the business for a 7+ years now, but I never liked those tires. They perform well but wear poorly. I expect more than 2 quality seasons out of a snow tire. I liked Michelin (pricey) and Dunlop snows more, but Dunlop has since been bought by Goodyear so I don’t know. Customers liked Pirelli product as well. I was not satisfied with Toyo snows.

I never liked studs in places where the roads are more often wet than ice/snow packed. But if you live in the land of lake effect snow that might be an option. You could always buy studdable ones and have them studded later.

Buy 4, RWD, AWD or FWD (especially FWD and AWD). Predictable handling/balance is important. I’d suggest getting a set of winter wheels.

I’d normally suggest running the OE size, but going a hair narrower can help, except in dry of course. OD needs to be consistent.

[fast Ed]

I ran the 1st gen. Blizzaks on a 95 F-150 4x2, worked pretty well for me. Southern Ontario, so pretty similar climate to WNY. They do get much less effective below 50% tread depth.

Another one to look at is the Michelin X-Ice, and X-Ice2 if they are available in the size you need. Also, if you can get them down there, Gislaved winter rubber from Sweden is a great performer for a reasonable price.


cheers
Ed N.

[BonzoHansen]

European companies seem to know snow tires more. I think it is more commonplace to use them there, vs here, os the market is bigger & more developed. I could be wrong on that though.

[wmhjr]

I ran Blizzaks on an '00 Mercedes CLK320 for several years. They made a tremendous difference. Nothing (including 4WD) is as good on ice as studs, but OTOH studs NOT on ice can be less safe as well.

I had no issues here in Pgh, PA with Blizzaks for 3 years on a RWD vehicle. At the end of 3 yrs (I only used them in the winter) they were worn out.

FWIW, ALL snow tires of this sort have a softer compound than regular tires and will wear faster.

[rjp71]

I have been running Blizzaks on my BMWs for the past 15 years and I have been very happy. Traction has not been a problem in the snow and ice.

Its been mentioned before but run Bizzaks on all four corners. I have separate wheels for my snow tires.

[compos mentis]

Right, even ran I ran studded tires, I ran all 4 that way.

[19topless69]

Im running 17 in Blizzaks on my 05 g35 coupe on all four. I have driven it in all conditions no problems.
Except when the snow is deeper than the nose on the car.
Just take the train on those days. Worth the money for sure!

[compos mentis]

European companies seem to know snow tires more. I think it is more commonplace to use them there, vs here, os the market is bigger & more developed. I could be wrong on that though.

I think your right. I had some Nokian tires on the Buick Rainier awd v8 that got totaled and they worked great in the winter and had good tread left with about 43K on them.

My mistake assuming that with awd we didn't need addtional weight added over the rear wheels. We think that was the reason it broke loose, because my wife keeps her speed down in the bad weather for sure.

As much as I like the Nokians I read more than a few times the Blizzaks were better in the snow and ice.

As far as wear I recall the studs only have 2 solid winters in them. The tires themselves though last more than that of course.

[RYU]

i apologize if this is OT. this topic is very interesting to me because logically (in my small brain) i'd assume awd is much better for overall traction, though worse on mpg. i live it S.California and the only snow I see is perhaps 3 -4 times a year when I drive to go skiing. My 4x4 (not awd) toyota does just fine even in heavy snow conditions, granted only driving under 40mph or so.

If the original poster lost control in an awd suv then isn't it dicier to drive on a 2wd? I think i'm missing something here...

[compos mentis]

i apologize if this is OT. this topic is very interesting to me because logically (in my small brain) i'd assume awd is much better for overall traction, though worse on mpg. i live it S.California and the only snow I see is perhaps 3 -4 times a year when I drive to go skiing. My 4x4 (not awd) toyota does just fine even in heavy snow conditions, granted only driving under 40mph or so.

If the original poster lost control in an awd suv then isn't it dicier to drive on a 2wd? I think i'm missing something here...

Good points of course. Its helping me reading others opinions with thinking this through. My original post should have had more info. The tires that were on the Rainier I would have not run another winter. Also, they are all weather and not straight snows.

I have read a lot of high praise for blizzaks, but maybe awd with 1/2 life tires are still better than new blizzaks or studded snows on rwd?

Another option is just keep the rental awd vehicle till the snow ceases. Then buy whatever...

Again thinking it through today, its now 100% in my mind we should move to end my wifes' commute before next winter. Looking at the limited visibilty outside right now and knowing how close we are to where Continental Flight 3407 tragically crashed last week ...not a hard decision.

[ssmonte86]

Go Subaru. Awd,good fuel economy (mid 20's), awesome in the snow.

[69LT1Nova]

Go Subaru. Awd,good fuel economy (mid 20's), awesome in the snow.

:getout::wf:

We're talking tires here, not cars. (btw, the Subaru drivers around here are FRIGGIN CLUELESS MORONS that drive 10 mph under the speed limit in the fast lane)

Another vote for the Michelin X-ice tires. Have them on my DD, and do awesome. Not cheap, but got a good deal for a full set at Costco with a Michelin rebate. Yes, Costco!

[85_SS]

I had them on my old DD '84 Monte SS and they were the best winter tires I've ever used. Even with a peg leg 3.42 rear and no weight in the trunk, I never had an issue.

As mentioned though, they wear extremely fast - even for a winter tire. After two winters (I have a decent drive to work) they were due for replacement, but I sold the car that summer.

[BonzoHansen]

I think your right. I had some Nokian tires on the Buick Rainier awd v8 that got totaled and they worked great in the winter and had good tread left with about 43K on them.
I forgot about them, yes they made good ones.



FWIW, ALL snow tires of this sort have a softer compound than regular tires and will wear faster.Absolutely. My experience is just the B/S ones wear out too fast. 3 quality seasons is pretty good from those.

[compos mentis]

Obviously Bridgestone must believe the extra soft compound is the key to getting max grip in the snow and ice at the cost of longievity.