mrwalter

I ordered my 2004 TL with the 18" Acura wheels. While I did ask for Yokohama tires, no one mentioned that they would be Summer-only tires. One would expect that to come up at some point when ordering in Chicago's northwest suburbs (or anywhere snow and ice are a possibility). Seems that Acura should have offered the Yokohama AVS dB S2 all-season high performance tire as an alternative (even at a higher price). Even those not living in the snow belt may have occasion to drive through snow and ice.

I really DO NOT want to buy/store/swap another set of wheels and tires for winter-only use (make that WILL NOT).

So, now I have a bit over 1,300 "babied" miles on these nifty Yokohama AVS E100 summer tires and I'm wondering what happens next winter when the snow hits. Has anyone driven Yokohama AVS E100's on snow and ice (and I'm talking hardpack snow, not just wet streets)? Were they acceptable? Think I dare drive them in snow **with my family in the car**? I'm a skilled winter driver, but tirerack.com has many comments from owners who warn against use in snow. But every car, and every driver handles differently.

Or should I try to trade in the ES100's somewhere as fast as possible for the Yokohama AVS db S2's (or something else)? The dealer claims they don't get a choice, and cannot do anything (although they will advise potential buyers from now on).

Edward'TLS

Don't even try. Summer tires have absolutely no traction on snow or ice. So even if you're a pro in winter driving, you won't be able to control your car because the car will just skid and slide all over the snow or ice-covered roads.

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

Just get some winter wheels and tires from Tire Rack. The problem you'll have is that on an 8.5" wheel, there really aren't any winter tires. That is way too wide for a snow tire. Narrow tires handle the best in the snow.

Street Spirit

Nope - as said, don't even bother trying to use summer-only tires in the snow! Even most all-season tires are pretty horrible in the snow! There's absolutely no comparison between the best all-season and a good winter tire! They use a softer rubber and totally different tread design. All seasons will really only help you out if it's good pretty new tread too. I just got a cheap set of steel wheels for my winter tires.... Anyway, an all-season will definitely help you out when compared to a summer/performance tire, if that's the most you will do. Also keep in mind that once your tread starts to wear a bit (if you run the same tires year 'round) - you'll really notice the lack of traction even more in the winter on snow and ice...

FidizzyTypeS

i'll have to admit i used summer tires this past winter in nyc.......i honestly did not have a problem I had the same level of control as the stock michellins. My friend has a clk 430 with the michellin pilot sports and he was fine too.

njtls

alot of kids in my school dont change their aftermarket rims or their stock rism that are equyiped with summer tires...alot of thm do fine as long as its not actually snowing...ie no fresh powder on the roa.d..what you have to remember is even if their isnt any snow one the ground..but its cold and snowing...you still have a high chance of slipping....

shimbo519

its the beginning of summer....why the hell are you worried about winter???? :P

brahtw8

These tires will not work well in snow. In some conditions they could be dangerous. You need to get snow tires on a separate set of wheels, or you need to get all-seasons. I have the Yokos for the summer and Blizzaks for the winter. (LM 22s-awesome!)

BTW, as I am sure you are now aware, you have to be an active participant in the car-buying experience. Educate yourself and ask the questions before you buy, or end up having to ask the sometimes unsympathetic masses after the fact.

I do not mean to be rude, particularly to someone who needs a welcome to the board, but I hope that society as a whole can try to be more responsible. Your situation is far from unique. Indeed, you are fortunate to have the sense to be asking about it now, and not next January after you totalled your TL . . .

Welcome.

prophet_RENAMED

i drove through over a snow storm for 100 miles (driving from phila to harrisburg on turnpike) on kumho 712's, let me tell you it wasn't fun. This was on a Civic Cx that had little torque which would still lose traction as soon as I had to speed up a bit or slow down a bit. Getting off the off ramps were a freaking nightmare.

All in all I probally would never do that again, lets just say it took me almost 4 hours to go home. That said, I drove through 2 winters with the kumho's and survived with no accidents. The only thing you will notice is that the tire will wear out REALLY quick since alot of your rubber will burn through because of ice.

I'm not sure about the TL...there is definitely a lot more torque at the lower rpms than my civic... Personally I wouldn't risk a 30K+ car over tires.. Go get some Dunlop sp5000's. They worked great over the last part of the winter for me.

Edward'TLS

Up here in B.C., the insurance agency won't cover any car that's using summer tires on snowy or iced-up roads. So if you're still on summer tires during the winter, and some car hits your car. Even though that driver is 100% at fault, you will not get paid a single dime for the collision or personnal damage because your insurance coverage is already voided by you putting your "not properly equipped" car on the road.

shimbo519

I suggest getting All-season tires and save yourself some money. I have Sumitomo HTR+ and they handle great in the snow.(Believe me i know, I live in Rochester and it snows here til friggin April) Otherwise, like someone mentioned above, get Blizzaks..those are some great snow tires.

fsttyms1

you should have a set of designated snow tires!
they will make a WORLD of difference in driving even over allseason tires. its the only way my cars drive in the winter is with snow tires. the dunlop wintersport m3's are the best ive driven and i have had most

hemants

mrwalter, we don't really know you but despite that we do not want you to die.

buying a set of 16 or 17 inch steel wheels and tires will save you money because every mile you spend riding on $120 per tire rubber is a mile saved on your $200 per tire rubber.

don't become this years darwin candidate, lose the stubbornness and get some winter tires

02Type S

ive taken these tires in the snow...they suck real bad...take everyones advice and get some snow tires.....you will understand

vinarnold

i have a question , iam guessing that the 17 inch potenza po3 would not be good in the winter to. even thought my friend is selling them to me for dirt cheap and their new.... need advice i have an o4tl auto