[TekWarren]

So I've never run winter tires before...on any vehicle I've owned. My last job I commuted 20-30 minutes and did okay here in W. MI last year with a pretty hard winter. I recently changed jobs and am now commuting an hour each way close to 120 miles/day I think. I want winter tires now, I'm convinced of the benefits and I'm spending a lot more time on the road so lets do it.

2011 MT Eco. I am looking at tire rack and thinking I will go with 15" steel replacements with 205 tires (I think I read here that this will maintain at least the stock ride height)...hope these will cause less off balance issues with packed ice/snow than the stock spoke rims? I was looking at the Winterforce tires also since they where the cheapest. I know money shouldn't be a main factor but it kinda is. However...My parents are now offering to help as a Christmas gift. So now I'm wondering if I should consider a different tire in terms of longevity and MPG, both of which I realize are compromised in this setup but worth the trade off.

I run an average of 65mph normally for MPG so I don't think I am "hard driver". I live near/drive through a lake shore area which can have drastically different road conditions as I get closer to work.

Thanks for any guidance!

 

[Slammed2014Eco]

So I've never run winter tires before...on any vehicle I've owned. My last job I commuted 20-30 minutes and did okay here in W. MI last year with a pretty hard winter. I recently changed jobs and am now commuting an hour each way close to 120 miles/day I think. I want winter tires now, I'm convinced of the benefits and I'm spending a lot more time on the road so lets do it.

2011 MT Eco. I am looking at tire rack and thinking I will go with 15" steel replacements with 205 tires (I think I read here that this will maintain at least the stock ride height)...hope these will cause less off balance issues with packed ice/snow than the stock spoke rims? I was looking at the Winterforce tires also since they where the cheapest. I know money shouldn't be a main factor but it kinda is. However...My parents are now offering to help as a Christmas gift. So now I'm wondering if I should consider a different tire in terms of longevity and MPG, both of which I realize are compromised in this setup but worth the trade off.

I run an average of 65mph normally for MPG so I don't think I am "hard driver". I live near/drive through a lake shore area which can have drastically different road conditions as I get closer to work.

Thanks for any guidance!

I went with a set of stock steelies 16" with blizzak tires W90... I think were the tires can't remember off hand. If they are offering to help you out you could go with some blizzaks or a nice all season tire that has good snow rating as well.

 

[TekWarren]

I see the Blizzak's recommended a lot but they are also the most expensive!

 

[Slammed2014Eco]

yea, depending on the size and offset you're looking at you're gonna pay for em lol I do hear a lot of these guys on here end up going with a smaller tire on the stock wheel instead of a 215 they go with a 205 for there winter setup. I went with a 215 on the 16 in stock wheel and still have my 17" wheels with the LRR tires from the factory eco

 

[Slammed2014Eco]

Jdblack on here just picked up a set of all seasons that he seems to really like that do good in the snow as well here's a link to the thread.

http://www.cruzetalk.com/forum/12-w...ion/99657-conti-pure-contact-impressions.html

 

[Green]

I posted this link on another topic but here it is again:

Automobile Protection Association | 2013 Winter Tire Reviews: Passenger Car Tires

It is a site from Canada but gives you and idea of excellent down to poor winter tires (appears they are in alphabetical order within each catagory).

I might suggest the Blizzaks also , but with your long commute perhaps The toyo observes might be better (I used to like them and I believe they would be more durable with the compound they use)

 

[Robby]

I ran the Winterforce tires on a 2006 HHR.....They were spectacular.......I have no problem recommending them.

Like any snow tire though, remember to get them off when the temperature is staying above 40 degrees......the soft compound in warmer air, will wear like crazy.

Rob

 

[obermd]

Not tire related, but carry water, food, blankets and other cold weather gear. Don't forget some way to open and eat the food. I'd also recommend flares and a small collapsible shovel.

 

[Green]

http://img0.joyreactor.com/pics/post/demotivation-posters-auto-337087.jpeg

 

[eastyorkbmx]

i always have run winter tires, I have had pirelli wintercarving, conti extreme winter contacts, which were both great tires ! very aggressive tread. I had the pirellis on my DD honda for 4 winters, commuting 200km a day. and they still look brand new, the continentals, my gf had them on her car for 3 winters and they are fairing the same, alot less mileage on them although, I recently just purchased a set of the new michelin xice3 tires, interested to see how they do thsi winter, michelin's usually have a rep of long life, hence the higher price

 

[Discount Tire]

Considering the distance you'll be traveling each day, you may want to consider running a 15" aluminum wheel instead of steel. Aluminum wheels typically weigh 5 to 6 lbs less when compared to a steel wheel of equal dimensions. This reduction in weight may help fuel economy. Here are some pre-bundled 15" packages we offer for your application.

15" Winter Tire Packages

 

[money_man]

Considering the distance you'll be traveling each day, you may want to consider running a 15" aluminum wheel instead of steel. Aluminum wheels typically weigh 5 to 6 lbs less when compared to a steel wheel of equal dimensions. This reduction in weight may help fuel economy. Here are some pre-bundled 15" packages we offer for your application.

15" Winter Tire Packages

But when you slide into a pothole you were trying to avoid or hit a curb or other obstacle, it's easier to bang back out a steel wheel than it is to try to put chunks of aluminum back into place.


Sent from the sexy electrician

 

[Green]

But when you slide into a pothole you were trying to avoid or hit a curb or other obstacle, it's easier to bang back out a steel wheel than it is to try to put chunks of aluminum back into place.


Sent from the sexy electrician

That's true but going to a 15 inch tire with proper outside diameter and there is going to be a lot of rubber to squash before you damage wheel.

 

[Slammed2014Eco]

http://img0.joyreactor.com/pics/post/demotivation-posters-auto-337087.jpeg

I lol'd

 

[TekWarren]

So I went with 15" steelies and the general altimax Arctic. About to go install them but have no idea if the tire pressure should still be at 35 like stock or something else. Mostly Highway driving.

 

[spacedout]

Aluminum wheels typically weigh 5 to 6 lbs less when compared to a steel wheel of equal dimensions.

This is not always true and even less true with smaller diameter rims. The factory cruze 16in steel rims actually weight LESS than the 1LT 16in aluminum wheels(1-3LB from my research, though have not weighed to verify).

For you ECO owners 16in factory steel wheels are only 1LB heavier than your ultra light 17in aluminum wheels.

 

[TekWarren]

Lifting the wheels tires I didn't feel much difference between the ecos and the 15" with snow tire.

Still wondering about what pressure to run. I have them at 35 max is 44 for these tires.

And... Of course now that I mounted the snow tires... The temp went up to 45 and all the snow melted. Michigan.

 

[Robby]

Same info I've given in the past still holds true with your setup......never less than the pressure posted on the door ring decal, never more than that posted on the tire sidewall......you can experiment within that range.

ez,pz,

Rob

 

[obermd]

You may want to go closer to the door placard pressure with snow tires, especially if you're actually driving in the snow. Lower pressure allows more flex in the rubber, allowing the tire to flex better and thus expel snow from the treads a little quicker.

 

[TekWarren]

Thanks guys, 35 is what is on the door so that is where I'll run it for now.