Tire Rack - Winter Testing at the Arctic Circle: Studdable Winter/Snow

[lfsracer79]

I didn't know they sell studdable tires. I thought winter tires are either pre-studded or non-studdable.

[327bran]

why are studs illegal?

haha ima go to jail ;D

[dimos47ki7]

@327bran probably because they gradually damage the tarmac. 1 car will not do damage, but imagine every car in your area driving with studs...tarmac would be damaged pretty quickly ;)

[MmaNcovers]

were all these bmws RWD or the Xdrive AWD

[thetirerack]

@MmaNcovers The vehicles used were RWD.

[Northernstar9370]

I gotta do some lobbying to get studded tires legal in Minnesota and Wisconsin!

[jwetzel3141]

Why don't they test on a hill? I have never gotten stuck on a perfectly polished surface. But the slightest hill and I'm done. How do these tires handle stopping on a hill? I don't want to ever stop on an icy hill, but I'm often forced to by circumstances.

[thetirerack]

@jwetzel3141 Good question. Our testing experience has shown us that eliminating variables is paramount to getting good results. Testing in the snow or on the ice has proven to be the most challenging test environment we face. It's not easy to properly maintain consistency on a flat test area and adding an uphill component would further complicate an already difficult task.

[thetirerack]

We think that you'll find the rank order differences between tires on a flat area will transfer over to an uphill or downhill environment. But any test environment that isn't kept consistent will create invalid test results.

[jwetzel3141]

@thetirerack I appreciate the effort that goes into collecting proper data. And I applaud your professionalism. I would say; however, do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. I think it would still be interesting to test a snow tire vs all-weather tire etc on the Honda on a hill with a stop light at the top. My question is... can any tire get you up an ice hill?

[thetirerack]

@jwetzel3141 That sounds like a good real-world scenario to try and duplicate. And we’ll look for ways to accomplish it with meaningful results. In the mean time, the general differences found in our flat test should help give guidance. Finding a way to predict results on the endless variety of uphill climbs will prove a little more challenging.

[chrisdakilla]

Just got the Arctics for snow trips to the local mountains here in l.a for my '11 WRX :) .  Snow already damn it!!

[chrisdakilla]

Just got these for snow trips to the local mountains here in l.a. Snow already damn it!!

[MrBooster999]

how about mattracks?

[JediGTI]

I just put these on my Mazda 5. Now if it would just snow now in Chicago.

[fastalan]

I have the Generals installed on my 2010 TDI wagon. Comfortable tires but horrible in dry handling. However, on ice condition without studs, they are very good, you can abuse them pretty hard on rough ice, pushing the front end and clearly feel where the grip limits are. The grip level on rough ice under spirited driving is ferocious compared to any all season. Good value, good winter tires, probably very good in deep snow. However, do try something else if you need better dry handling level.

[JacanaProductions]

Ok so it appears that the Generals are better here but what about Nokians. Seems like the other two were more performance winter tires i.e. better for driving when there is no snow?

[gz2g0k]

this infomercial brought to you by general tire...oh wait they didnt want you to know that lol

[CTOL1]

Just ordered a set of 4 General Altimax Arctic for our Honda Fit sport, mounted on steel aftermarket rims,175/65R-14 should put the fun back into winter driving. I'll tell you the stock Dunlops on the sport rims work alright on dry roads but create a white knuckle situation when it snows. I doubt anything will come close to my old Saab 96 with Nokian Hakkapeliitta's. Damn I miss that car

[dennisjocks90]

I have to buy winter tyres for my opel corsa and i'm thinking to studded tyres like those.

[keabler77]

guys i have a 92 astro van i use to deliver papers. last year was the first year i got stuck the first snow then put studed snow tires on the rear only i could drive that thing through snow all the way up to the running boards they are simply put awsome

[acidmatar]

''sensitive onboard equipment'' a microwave =D

[zerosoma33]

I'm almost sold on this General tire, but I just love the way the Pirelli looks. I have a sweet all-black Hyundai Santa Fe from 2004 and the Pirelli's would like awesome, but the Generals are cheaper...man, help me decide!

[skraelingshortbus]

@zerosoma33 I just picked up a set of the altimax's. Guy who i bought them from loved them to death.

[TimeLapseSteve]

@zerosoma33 Function over form.

[TheWhyness]

@zerosoma33 - you'll like the generals just fine. they have a decent aggressive look due to the tread pattern. i put some on my vw tiguan 4motion and was literally the king of the road last year during that crappiest weather in my area.

[zerosoma33]

@TheWhyness

I actually just bought tires this last weekend. I decided to go with some all-seasons with long mileage life. I bought a set of Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S. They ride nice and have a very aggressive pattern. They have great reviews so I'm looking forward to using them in the snow and ice.

[JediGTI]

@zerosoma33 I had the A/TS on my Jeep. They were awesome.

[Trancekam]

i have owned both altimax and firestone studded tires and in my opinion the firestone is better. much more softer compound if you are driving in extreme low temperatures.

[siditesolar]

You can purchase General Altimax Arctic on TireRack for $68 usd without shipping cost with shipping 40-50 bucks more depends where you leave in US.

[jonathansragg]

i have 2 wheel drive and also thinking about these tires for the winter

[jonathansragg]

have a 2010 corolla s are these the general Altimax Arctic winter tires how do you think they will preform on my car compared to yours?

[krypekeeper]

hell yeah, just got 4 brand new altimax artic unstudded 195/60/15's for my car. good to see i made a good choice. got them for $68 each with install and free shipping

[hondahp18]

@krypekeeper 68$! dam we canadians get the short end of every stick, i payed, the best price here, 120$ a tire!

[TheNineveh]

dry wet or snow studs not as good, studs are only good on ice.

[cbremer83]

For MN, where it's more snow than ice, I really like my Winterforce tires. Low cost and great snow/slush grip. I have to agree on the ice traction though. Not the best if it gets icy. Since that's not a huge issue here in MN, I'll take the Winterforce for the bear claw grip in the snow.

[Ronberge]

Took them off may 7 2010 and put on my all seasons. I must say I'm disappointed with the winter we just had - hardly any snow - with only two or three snow falls that I remember of! A quick search proved me right - this has been the warmest and driest winter since 1948 (which reportedly had no snow!). So I all I can safely say is that they handle well (not exceptional) on the bare road and, for the little snow we had, did the a very , very good job as Snow and Ice tires.

[Ronberge]

Note: General Altimax Arctic = Gislaved Nordfrost 3.

Continental owns both General and Gislaved. It was decided that the Nordfrost 3 would be rebranded by General and made in Germany.

IMO The NF 3 were the only equivalent to the Nokian Hakkapelita during the last decade.

[Ronberge]

After carefully reviewing all available online info on the current snowtires available I decided on buying 4 General Altimax Arctic (unstudded) for my car. Had them installed on december 9 2009.

These are the best snowtires I've ever owned to date - traction unmatched! - the only con is the dry road noise (but hey, winter tires right?) Past tires: Michelin Arctic Alpin grip was lacking, noise was low though; Toyo Observe excellent tires; Pacemark/Kelly Snowtrakker solid economy winter tires.