imagerockone

I'm trying to decide between the Yoko Avid V4S and the Goodyear Eagle ResponsEdge tires. It seems that both will be better in dry traction and cornering than the OEM Michelins, but my main concern is which tire will grip better in the snow and ice since winter will soon be approaching. Plus I'm in the Chicagoland area so winters can get pretty bad. The Goodyears have been getting higher reviews than the Yokohamas on tirerack.com, but I wanted to ask you guys too since so many have the Avids. So what are your impressions of the Avids when used in snowy and icy conditions?

Of course the best option would be to get a set of 16" wheels with a good set of winter tires but I can't afford that with the replacement cost of my current tires too.

Thanks for any responses.

02type-s

Like I said in that other thread, being a service writer, I haven't had good experiences with Goodyear, but to each his own I guess.

dug-mac

If you leap on over to tirerack.com you will see where THEY have given THEIR ratings for these tires, apart from consumer ratings. Not surprisingly they thought that the ride could be sharper but overall they felt they were capable. This is not surprisingly partly because they are grand touring tires, not high performance. I would expect them to be somewhat better than the Yokos in light snow, however. I have the Yokos and they are just alright in snow - not great, but acceptable (not as good as the MXM4 Michelins). The Yokos do grip like velcro with no squealing whatsoever on a dry surface. So, it appears to be a tradeoff. I'm very happy with the Yokos; particularly their wear characteristics given how well they handle. Driving in light snow requires a steady throttle and defensive driving - unless you're considering true snow tires I'm not sure the difference in actual snow performance warrants having to give up handling the rest of the year. Good luck...

hockeynut

First off, I dislike my Avids very much although many give them a good review here and on Tirerack. I replaced OEM Michelins with them and found them noisier and more difficult to get a good balance. The good is that they are better for hydroplaning than the OEM's. I will probably go back to OEM next or try a different tire.

Regarding winter - if you can manage to swing it financially, get winter tires for winter. I do this for all my vehicles (Wisconsin winters) and you would not believe the difference. People think I'm nuts for spending the money because everyone thinks "all season" tires really mean all season. I am not kidding when I say I can blow by 4wd trucks and SUV's all winter at high speeds and am very stable. You must buy 4, do not try to get away with 2 tires. That said, you have to get the right tires, many winter tires are too soft for our cars and give a squishy, uncontrolled feeling. I personally love my Dunlop Wintetsport 3's, they hande better than my Avids or my old OEM Michelin's on dry pavement. We require a winter "sport" or performance tire so you get the speed rating and sidewall stiffness needed.

If you cannot swing the $ for dedicated winter tires check ratings on Tirerack.com and Consumer Reports. I do know the Avids get very low scores for snow by both of those places.