ChicagoBurbs

Bought a set of winter wheels ('08 Base TL Take-Offs from another Aziner) because last year the winter did some pitting damage to my Axis Hiro's, and the YOKO Advan S4 tires were just plain SCARY in snow; they were pure banana skins.

The take-offs I bought came from the factory with Bridgestone Turanza EL42's mounted on them. I've read enough threads here to know that most of you think these tires suck, but I think that's from a warm-weather perspective. But I'm curious about other owner's experience running these tires in cold weather with frequent snowfalls (AKA Chicago winters). Tire Rack rating says they're OK in 'light snow'. But here we get some pretty heavy snowfalls sometimes so I'm concerned.

One option is...My local Discount Tire store does 'siping' on tires. I can have that done relatively inexpensively. This supposedly helps traction but of course it does not make an A/S tire into a winter tire...It aint magic!

The other option I'm considering is replacing the Bridgestones with dedicated winter tires and selling the Bridgestones in the Black Market (they have <1,000 miles on them so they should sell for a decent enough price).

The big question is whether or not the Bridgestones are adequate as is, or with 'siping', or should they be replaced? I just don't want to go through another scary winter driving season.

Your input?

blkaspec

i would just sell those Bridgestones and get a real set of winters. there is no use going from a summer tire to an a/s and still not getting the traction you need. you may be able to "get by" with what you got, but the ride will be totally different with dedicated snow tires. for me, i dont want summer tires because i put way to many miles on my car, so i am doing the a/s switch to winters this year. the a/s are ok in the snow, but if we get a hard winter this year there is no way i am getting to work with what i got.

rksokol

In my area the winters aren't that harsh. And YES, while I am a professed EL42 basher, I must admit that the EL42s weren't teh suck in the snow. They performed alright/good enough in the winter conditions.

Not being in the Great Lakes area, I'm sure you guys got it a lot harsher over there in the winter months. I would advise to consider your options beyond siping an EL42. Good luck!

blkaspec

where are you from, the DC area?

yeah, we got a few 12" in an afternoon dumps last year that pushed me to get the winter tires. i am actually excited to get some snow this year.

TLAwesome

If you thought the heavily-siped S4s were bad, the EL42s will be little better, because they appear to have an even lower void-to-tread ratio. Also, the EL42s are already heavily siped. Not sure what you're going to accomplish trying to add more sipes, other than perhaps destroy the tread blocks altogether.

Get dedicated snow tires. The new Michelin X-Ice Xi2 will be among the best ones on the market this coming winter.

leedogg

I wouldnt touch the el42's with a 10 foot pole for any condition. As far as I'm concerned, they're good for saving on gas (low rolling resistance due to nonexistant traction) and thats about it.

millarduck

Belt seperated at 27,000 miles on my EL42s.

ml3456

Chicago Burbs,

I live in the area near you. Try not to go through winter with EL42's unless you have to. If there close to done, get them replaced before the snow flies!! I put some new Eagle GT's on last year and they were great in the winter we had last year. remember, an 1-2 inch drop everyday just to make it annoying to drive and runout of salt!!

warren4066

i would go with all winter tires since i used to live SE Michigan. It practically snowed everyday and the snow/slush does not melt like here in Colorado

oh MODS can u delete the title Thanks