OEM Dunplop Tires In Winter

[k27]

I've searched and couldn't find what I was looking for. I recently bought a set of '07 style Fit Sport 15" Wheels with Dunlop SP31's on them. I bought this set up for the winter.

What is your thoughts on the Dunlop SP31's in the winter? Mine still have about 80% tread.

Thanks in advance.

[Firebat666]

they are fair with lots of tread, once the tread wears down they suck...

[polaski]

Fair? I wouldn't give them that. They're not that good.

Only way to get enough traction to move on level ice is keep the tire pressure down near recommended pressure, or (gasp) lower. Winter hit when my sp31s had 38# of air in them a year ago, and my valve stem caps had seized up and I couldn't get them off; that was the most perilous driving of my life. At that time I drove a two ton forklift with solid (not pneumatic) slick tires and it was better on ice than my car. Heck even the old 5400-lb empty 2WD super duty ford with near 70% of the weight on the front tires and the factory e-rated Firestones with 60# of air in them was more capable. The fit's SP31s down to 30# or so wasn't quite as bad. At least the car would stop at speeds over 15 mph, but it was still darn easy to get stuck. My old car's dunlop SP Sport A2s (h-rated) were easily MUCH better in the cold, by an order of magnitude.

Since I'm not going to be able to spare change for the Nokians like I had hoped, I'm gonna try for Kumho HP16s. Those were acceptable in the snow on the 2 cars I've driven them on. If the economy tanks and my place of employment follows suit I'll be running 26# like the CR-V guys and praying.

[gd3vbp]

If you aren't a complete dipshit when driving in the snow the OE tires are fine. The reviews I've read on here appear to be from complete retards. Yes there are better options out there, but these tires are fine, just remember when your in the snow to take your time.

[cargun]

Haven't driven in the snow with them... but I'm sure it's going to be an experience. The SP31's are a low rolling resistance tire made for economy/hybrid cars. The tires purpose in life is to NOT stick to the pavement. I drive up a steep hill and when it's raining the SP31's will spin in 3rd gear at 3k RPM's. Look at the reviews on TireRack, I think they're pretty much the worst "all-season" tire you can buy.

I'm going to see how they work... but I'm thinking I'll end up with snow tires before the end of winter.

FYI: for summer use I replaced them with Z1 Star Specs, and even in 50 deg rain the Z1's have more grip than the SP31's did in 70 deg dry weather.

Yes they may be "fine", but bald tires are "fine" as long as you keep your speed down. SP31's are bottom of the barrel tires, if you have a choice I'd get something better.

This chart pretty much says it all:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ay.jsp?type=AS

[kenchan]

crap in deep snow... get snow tires.

[seeremlive]

Drove in all kinds of winter snow last year and I would say they are average. I got 45K out of the originals so that is't to bad. I am now running Cooper CS4 on my 08. Man do those things stick to the road even in the rain and they are whisper quiet.

[kenchan]

Hahaha, I just noticed the title Dunplop.

Those factory tires are exactly that. Hahaha plop into trash

[Fat Ping Cat]

Originally Posted by kenchan

Hahaha, I just noticed the title Dunplop.

Those factory tires are exactly that. Hahaha plop into trash

ahahah nice..

yeah those tires sucked.

[HotIron]

We had a pretty bad winter here last year and they are crap in the snow. If the car weighed about five hundred pounds more, it might have done better.

But it makes for some entertaining driving if you know how to control your car as you glide around corners. It just kinda slides through the snow. Definitely not for beginners.

I'm going to get a set of dedicated snow tires this year.