help with new tires.

[BrockWed]

I currently have the stock? diamaris 4x4 all season tires on my 4.4 X5. Today I had a blow out, and with all the tires low on tread I finally decided that new tires are needed ASAP. I am going to college in Pullman, WA (if not familiar very hot in spring/summer, and very cold in fall/winter. usually have snow on the ground for about 2 months off and on, ranging from an inch to a foot or two.) I live 3 1/2 months in Seattle when I am back from school which is in the summer months. I am looking for a tire that I can use year round so I don't need to shell out extra money for two sets of tires. I heard good things about the BridgeStone Blizzak LM-25. Not sure if these would have good dry summer traction and if the tread would last year round use. Sugguestions and thoughts are more than welcome

[FSETH]

Winter tires are not meant to be run all year long. Look for a good all-season tire. Sounds like it would fit your needs best.

[BrockWed]

They are called "Winter performance" tires? Not strictly winter tires. Not sure if they matters, I'm new to researching tires haha

[BigGar]

Supposedly the Latitudes are a bit better for winter than the standard Diamaris. Another option is get some cheap rims and toss some Blizzaks on them for the winter, and have some nice all season tires on your nice wheels.



Gar

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by BrockWed

They are called "Winter performance" tires? Not strictly winter tires. Not sure if they matters, I'm new to researching tires haha

Exactly, WINTER performance tires. These are tires that are not meant to be run all year. You really don't want to run summer tires in winter (if snow is likely) or winter tires in summer. Winter tires are made for snow, summer tires are not made for snow. All seasons can do both. If you are looking for a tire you can run in all conditions, stay away from anything winter or summer. All seasons is what you want.

[FSETH]

This is what TireRack says...

Winter / Snow Tires


Performance Winter / Snow

You want enhanced dry road handling from your winter / snow tires and are willing to trade some snow and ice traction to get it.
Meeting severe snow service requirements and branded with the "mountain/snowflake" symbol, these low profile, H- or V-speed rated tires are designed to suit winter driving on European highways. They are available in many of the low profile sizes used as Original Equipment on sporty imported and domestic cars. Due to their unique designs these tires must be installed in sets of four

[jst2878]

your fcuked! i would not drive the x as much in the snow. get some high performance all weather tires such as the diamaris(the oem recomended). get ready to fork out some bucks for them. the blizzaks will deteriorate real fast in summer conditions

[motordavid]

I agree with previous posters; your winter situ sounds like it could present
problems with "all season" tires, (a misnomer, imo), and true winter tires
will not be your choice for the 7-8 months of summer. I would rec'd copping
a set of cheapazz winter wheels, (a touch narrower will only help), and
going with dedicated winter tires, (the Blizzaks of any generation are very,
very good), and "regular" tires for the rest of the season. My 50Cts...
GL,mD

[britcon]

I just picked up ( 4 ) 275/40/20 Michelin Alpin's from the Tire Rack for $ 208. each. Have decent ratings for snow/wet/dry roads. Will put my Diamaris back on in the spring.

[sprocket1200]

since you have a 4.4 check craigslist for cheap oem rims (like all four for $300-400) and hopefully 17 inch ones. then buy winter rubber as it will be the safest. then in spring pickup a/s tires or used oem ones.

it won't cost that much if you use 17 inch and both sets will last for years. don't forget to rotate your tires as this will lengthen life drastically. whatever you do, don't buy 20inch winter rubber as it will be expensive and much less effective than 17inch.