With the recent wet snow storm (~8" around here) in the northeast US, we got to test our equipment and winter driving skills. Pennsylvania isn't "flat land" at least where I drive. Not that it's the Rocky Mtns but potential trouble all the same.

On my '11 Sport AT (has VSA but sometimes I turn it off) I'm running inexpensive General Tire Altimax RT43 205/50-16 on cheap 16x7 wheels. With a full tank of gas, for weight and safety, the FIT got me around others spinning on various hills on my path home. These are my "full-time" tires for the last 20K miles (Aug 2015), and yet they still look new and perform well for my daily purposes.

 

Good to know. Mind sharing your opinions on tire noise and comfort? I understand that model is well regarded for both of those things.

 

That tire however is not a winter or snow tire.
At tire rack, it only garners a 7.6- "good" rating for snow.

So what you really have is a Non-Winter tire you feel is decent in snow.

If you really want the best performance in snow and ice, you have to buy winter snow tires. "All Season" is at best only a "decent" compromise.

 

Comfort / noise depends on the tire pressure more or less (I stay between 29-33 psi). Prior to these, I ran the Continental DWS (205/50-16) after the OEM Dunlop SP 7000 wore out (185/55-16). The Conti had soft sidewalls and never felt "sure" where they were going even after going from the OEM 16x6 - 16x6.5 to a 16x7 wheel. The DWS seemed to showed signs of wear early on too.

I have to admit that I'm not paying much attention to those other attributes. Going work, hauling my mom to dr appts, daily chores, and an occasional 800-mile round trip into OH from PA. Just saying that the RT43 seems to be a good all-round tire for my purposes.

 

All true. At a rating of 7.6 - good / All Season, I'm very satisfied.

 

RT43 are trash in the snow. I had them on my GD3.

Buy actual snow tires & stop putting others at risk

 

That's kind of an amazing denunciation. The RT43 seem to be my "Goldilocks" tire. I promise to stay off of the roads during all future snowstorms in southcentral PA.

 

 

I have to ask......

What are Recommendations for a Stock tire 175-65-15 or to be more clear (WINTER USE Snow tire) How about STUDS?
FOR Driving in the Snow Belt

I will consider put two on the front for this season.

Thanks, Just

 

You want the grippiest tires in the back if you're only buying two.

That said, get four regular snow tires, don't tear up the roads with studs because you're too cheap to buy tires.

 

Interested in specific models of tires.

Are there???? on this Forum Honda Fit drivers who are in the SNOW BELT or dealing with snow often(continuously)

Who can share ACTUAL experience regarding tires they have chosen?(and Why)

Thanks, Just

 

 

Nokian tires or go home

I have studded Nokians on my Fit and unless the wheels can't touch the ground, I'll go through any condition.

 

Hi Carotman! I didn't know you had a Fit too.

I agree, Nokian has been the pioneer of winter tires forever. My budget was a bit short for winter tires this year, so I ended up with Dunlop WinterMaxx tires, since Tire Rack was offering $120 in rebates. I should probably go home now.

 

Hahaha yeah, I have a Fit as my daily driver.

The Dunlop WinterMaxx seems to be an OK tire. It's just that where I live, you can see every single different road condition on a few KMs. I even got studded tires and I just love them.

 

Cooper Evolution winter are a very good tire . There's $50 rebate until December 31st . Go to Cooper tire site for details of the tire and rebate . Just had 4 w/ studs installed . Most of the sipes go to the base of the tire for better grip .

 

Yeah, I'm sure they'll be fine for around here. Not enough snow and ice to justify studs. I figure it's better than the crappy all-seasons that came on the car, and definitely better than the Azenis that I ran during the summer lol. If it does snow, we'll at least be better prepared than most around here.

 

 

Here in southcentral PA, on average, we get 27" of snow per year (splits the season recording it that way). Within a day or two, the roads are mostly clear after the salt and sunlight do their job. No doubt there are many fine winter / snow only tires out there but it is rare that I'd need more than an All-Season tire. The day of and the day after it snows, I can work from home, and use my spare time on clearing the snow from the driveway here and the neighbor's.

 

You should always use 4 tires with studs for braking , etc.. Go to Tire Rack or other tire retailers for input . Some states and tire installers will not allow installation of 2 snows with or without studs .