ahung

I'm debating the need to pick up a set of dedicated snows for the RL as we approach winter here in Chicago. I've had dedicated snows for all my previous cars including my 06 Evo but the Evo never had all seasons on it - it was either snows (Blizzaks) or max performance summers.


1 . How is the RL in the snow with all season tires? The car has some Bridgestone AS's on now, don't know the model off the top of my head but they are not cheap, and are near max life. When I say snow, I mean I'd need to be able to get through 1" per minute type of snow.


2. Any suggestions on OEM Honda/Acura 17 x 7.5's that will fit the RL?

m8393

I'm from Rochester, NY and last few winters we have had a lot of snow. I was under-impressed with the RLs handling in snow on all season (Michelin Pilots). I feel like the tires are somewhat wide, which is awesome for the summer, but in winter the car tends to sit on top of the snow and slides.

I got a set of the Blizzak ws80 225/55-17 last winter; the car is incredible, stops on a dime. I could do doughnuts in the parking lot and the VSA wont kick in unless i floor it almost completely. I think its so worth it, but it depends on how you drive and what level of control over the car makes you feel safe and comfortable.

Also look for stock rims on craigslist if you want dedicated rims, i lucked out, but ive seen them on there.

oo7spy

No all season tire or drivetrain can defy physics. If you are going to drive on snow more than a handful of times, get snow tires.

Also, moving to the tire section.

TacoBello

007 is right. All seasons should be renamed to "all compromise", because they suck in the summer, even more so in the winter, and they suck in the wet and dry (as compared to dedicated summer tires and dedicated winter tires).

Also, for winter, you want the narrowest tire possible if you're driving through snow. As the previous dude mentioned, with a wider wheel, you tend to float on the snow, where a narrow tire sinks right in and gets better traction. You want narrow in the winter, wide in the summer. Another reason why one tire just doesn't cut it.

Nersh7

I had a set of good year winter's last year and they were awesome, had to get a new set this year and went with a set of Toyo's. I haven't tried the toyo's on the RL yet, but have had them on previous vehicles and they are a pretty wicked tire.

With our drivetrain and winter tires I feel like the car is on rails driving in the winter.

christopher1

just get snow tires then it becomes a Tank!!! I am in ct. . last year nothing stopped me from getting to work on time. if you get snow by 4 general brand tires do not have to buy expensive snows. my 2005 rl has 273,000mils never had any repairs. it runs like new. I do maintenance just it....

ahung

Yeah I think I will pick up some dedicated snows based on feedback. I've always sized-down on my wheels when going with snows, just not sure what OEM options are available if I choose to go the OEM route. Suggestions?


Tire-wise, I'm thinking of going with General Arctic Altimax (I think is the model). Have those on my S2000 currently, they have been great. Its no Evo + Blizzaks but I don't like the idea of a special compound wearing away after two seasons, leaving me with a compromised winter tire anyhow. Plus, General is cheap.

oo7spy

Have you searched snow tires in the "search this forum" toolbar?

Tires are sized by width-sidewall height-wheel diameter. You can typically reduce width by increasing sidewalk height.

dahatter

I just bought a set of Pirelli Sottozero for my 2005 RL. Tire Rack had a sell 360 for the set. I went with 225 55 17.

BDoggPrelude

Damn. That's a hell of a price for a great set of tires.

rlerman

I had bs serenities and now have versados, I think they both have done well for me in bad weather. I'm sure dedicated snow tires would do much better, but can't say I've had issues and we get pretty crappy weather here in nj. That said, on really bad days, I take my wife's 4wd suv to work.

WhyteLegend

Nokian WRG3 is one of it not the best all weather tyre you can get . You pay a premium for these FYI.
Other all weather tyres - Dunlop SP Sport 01 A/S & good year triple tread

dahatter

That's what I said! At the time I bought winter was a few months away but couldn't let them sellout>