stavebomb

I recently moved to Columbus, Ohio from Orange County, California and needless to say, I need some new tires that are more suitable for driving in the very different driving conditions here.

I am looking for an all-season tire that will perform well in snow, rain and dry conditions. I don't really drive crazy around corners or anything anymore so no need for anything really high performance--my primary concern is being safe while driving.

I currently have Falken Ziex tires, and they are TERRIBLE when it is wet out. I am literally sliding all over the place in the lightest of rains.

I have the stock '04 17" wheels and have a 6MT.

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks guys!

pwr2panda

Continental ExtremeContactDWS...check out TireRack's survey + review

stavebomb

Thanks for the response! Anyone else have any recommendations?

stavebomb

might be sold on those contis tho!

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

conti dws...

big thread on it...search is your friend. so are the tirerack reviews.

my TL was happy last winter with them on. many others on here have the DWS tires and have been mostly pleased with them.

some possible issues: flatspotting (play with psi- ie up it 1 to 3 psi), soft sidewalls (again up the psi a little) on turns, tempermental balancing (road force balance will fix this)...but other than that great performing tire in wet conditions so far. i only have about 5-6k mi on mine...tread still looks new. what are your other options? if any?

jwr0ng626

iTrader: (1)

just curious as I don't live in a white winter environment, but do you guys have to drive with snow chains on FWD/RWD vehicles?

Do you just leave them on during the snow season? or remove whenever the ground is clear and carry chains at all times?

kidduce

iTrader: (1)

Maybe come back to Cali?

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

the snow areas are definitely NOT like the cali mtns you think of. in all the years of living in DC metro, only have all seasons, along with all the other drivers around here with no issues except people who can't drive in it or have poorly maintained vehicles.

i'm not sure HOW much snow columbus gets, but they have the infrastructure to clear of streets (plows and salt). even the worst snows, will not produce the crazy snow that the sierra nevada produces...plus you're driving in the mtns hence chains and in colubus if there is a blizzard going on ...you'll probably be stick at home. if you have the chains already...you can leave them in the car, but you'll most likely never need them. if it makes you that nervous...get dedicated winter tires for your stockies, and then get a nice summer set of wheels and tires (nice excuse for a nice set of rims huh?). the DWS tires rated the highest (i believe) on tirerack for snow handling capabilties. the rest comes down to the driver, nice and easy and plenty of space....you 'll be good to go. if the tires spin in D then start in 2nd to get a bit more traction. i grew up in cali...my brother taught me all the little stuff once he moved to chicago and then out here. i followed him.

Geneg

Potenza RE970AS Pole Position