[Elantra GT] Winter Tires

[Brian Nystrom]

Marc wrote:
> I'd like to start up the age-old conversation of winter tires. My Michelin
> stock all-seasons are 2 years and 3 months old (about 46000 clicks if I'm
> right.). They've been used through 2 Canadian winters and I've got a feeling
> that they won't do so well this winter. Anyone out there recommend a good
> tire for my '04 Elantra GT? Looking for something that will work well in
> both packed snow (icy too) and slushy conditions. That's what we get here in
> Ottawa. Thanks!
Compared to dedicated winter tires, the stock Michelins absolutely suck 
in snow and slush, even when they're new.  After trying them for the 
first couple of months of winter in NH, I gave up on them and bought a 
set of four Nokian Hakkapelitta 2 snow tires (185/65-15) mounted on 
stock-sized steel wheels. The difference in snow/slush performance is 
absolutely night and day. The slightly narrower tires on narrower wheels 
(than the alloys) are better at cutting through the crud on the road 
than the stock size rubber. You could go with 175/70-15's for even 
better snow/slush performance. Just remember that your car will handle 
differently than it does with your summer tires and there will be a 
short adjustment period when you change wheels/tires in the spring and fall.

-- 
Regards

Brian