Goddammit. I snapped a wheel lug while swapping my rims. I had hoped I could go a couple days of minimal driving while using only 4/5 lug on the one wheel, but that's a definite no.

And since it's dark when I go to work and dark when I come home from work, I don't know how I'm gonna get this fixed before the weekend. :mad:

So I'm buying a set of winter tires for my wife's Impreza...the following two tires meet our budget

General Altimax Arctic (winter premium)
Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3d (winter performance).

Both seem to get average reviews, I'm tempted to go with the General Altimax Arctic, based solely on the fact that they are winter premium tires. I currently have a set of Yokohama AVS Winter V901 on my RSX which were rated as winter performance. In dry and wet conditions, they are great, but in the snow, they are no better than just regular season tires...any thoughts?

^ i have the altimax arctic. its awesome!

I wouldn't get any sport/performance winter tire at all. I'd gladly sacrifice dry and wet traction for snow/ice traction.

I've used performance winter tires in the past, they're alright in most Vancouver winters, but in hard winters when you really need them they're useless.

I'd much rather have a safer winter tire designed to handle snow.

Go for the General Altimax Arctics, great tires!

I have a set on my car and absolutely no complaints, price was good too!

^

indeed got it on my parents car and they are great


debating to replace with those or stick with my conti ewc

Replacing my shredded tire tomorrow. Fwiw my all seasons did amazing in the snow ice.

I have the Dunlop's on right now on my WRX and they've been superb :thumbsup:.

That said though, if your wife isn't much of a driver/car person, I think you might as well just get the General Altimax Arctic's. :)

^

indeed since its the cheapest yet performance well

i wouldnt get the firestone winterforce over the general tho

Any tips on purchasing used (unmounted) snow tires from a private seller?

How would I know if they're still good - no punctures/holes?

TIA.

You honestly can't.. you should also check the date code on the tires to make sure it is not old. Tires are like food.. the newer the better.

For those with summer on alloy wheels.. wash, clean and wax.. before you store them for the winter. The wax will help with brake dust not stick to the wheels next summer. Any cheapie wax will do. I typically use NuFinish.

Look at the year it was produced and look at the remaining tread.

And yes, checking for damage would be a good idea as well.

just got mine on yesterday.

getting mine on in a couple hours. i hope it snows like a bitch starting from today.
blizzaks ftmfw

Thanks for the replies, General Altimax Arctic it is!

go for the general

u dont need winter performance since ur wife wont be racing no one

+ Check for fine cracks in the outer layer of rubber. You can usually see them between the tread blocks.

Just because they're less than 5 years old, the rubber could still show signs of dry rotting/hardening.

Just ordered a set, hopefully will be in by this weekend so I can install for her and try out my new jack :p

:thumbsup: post up your review once you get them

I just put mine on....

19" M6 rims with blizzaks -- found them used on M3post.com for super cheap!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathansuzuki/5199741196/http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathansuzuki/5199741196/ by Jonathan Suzuki, on Flickr

So far my General Altimax Arctics have been superb performers.

Just for shits and giggles, on the night it actually snowed, I had my Traction control completely off and there was no slipping that was uncontrollable. A little bit of slip off the line, but was easily dealt with. Going up and down hill (king george highway before the bridge) was no problems at all.

So far, these tires have gone above and beyond my expectations. Definitely a good purchase.

^

on the RWD 06 mustang?

I'll try Dunlops for performance winter tires next time :thumbsup: