Who's rocking winter shoes?

[aZepolyn]

Ok, I give up. Pardon my french, but this if fucking ridiculous. I completely understand that Tulsa, OK doesn't typically experience winter weather, and I understand that we can't dump large amounts of budget into the whole winter road funds .... but GODAMN.

So here's my resolve ... I have two options. Get a ghetto cheap ass 4x4 drive vehicle, throw some good winter tires on it, and lock it up 10 out of 12 months of the year. Or ... just get a new set of tires and wheels for the tC and lock those up 10 out of 12 months of the year.

It would be cheaper for me to buy winter tires for 17s, but knowing our clearence, and keeping in mind I do plan to drop the ride, I'm leaning toward a whole new set of tires and wheels. I've only ever heard of the Blizzaks, so I don't really know what's good or what to look for.

What are good winter tires?
What kind of tread pattern am I looking for?
Studded, or studdless?
If studdless, should I look for a tire that can still take studs later on?
Should I be looking at 16s or 15s or smaller?
Do I want a wide tire, rule of thumb I've heard if thinner is better? Why is that?
Do I want a taller sidewall?
What about stiff or soft sidewalls?
Would partially deflating the tires help traction?
How much should a set of steelies cost in the recommended sized?
Would it be possible to run a lift kit on the tC and install caterpillar tracks from an M! Abrams tank? I'm pretty sure that damn thing doesn't slip and slide in this shit ...

:deadhorse:

[THansenite]

I just threw a set of stock rims and tires on my tC that I bought from a guy here in Iowa. I have my RS1 rims stacked up in my garage right now waiting for warmer weather (and new tires).

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c68/THansenite/Scion%20tC/DSCN0193.jpg


Regarding your questions:
What are good winter tires? Blizzaks are probably the best. Just go on TireRack.com and read the reviews for winter tires.

What kind of tread pattern am I looking for? Any "winter" tire's tread should be acceptable. You are probably looking at a harder rubber with a lot of "bite".

Studded, or studdless? Studded is probably overkill unless you live in Alaska

If studdless, should I look for a tire that can still take studs later on? Unnecessary

Should I be looking at 16s or 15s or smaller? The size doesn't really matter, though it is typically cheaper the smaller you go.

Do I want a wide tire, rule of thumb I've heard if thinner is better? Why is that? Narrow tires "cut" through the snow and ice better. Wide tires float on top and won't get traction.

Do I want a taller sidewall? Doesn't really matter unless you are running a very thin profile. Taller sidewalls will give you a little more cushion if you happen to slide into a curb.

What about stiff or soft sidewalls? Look above

Would partially deflating the tires help traction? No, you want to keep the tires properly inflated. Underinflating them will cause extra tire wear. Also, for the same reasons you want narrow tires, underinflated tires have a tendancy to "float" on top of the snow instead of grabbing traction.

How much should a set of steelies cost in the recommended sized? I picked up a set of stock 17's (alloys) with tires for $200. You should be able to find someone who is selling the rims off a Spec tC for around that price if you look. Spring is probably the best time to try to pick up a set of cheap winter rims because everyone is buying new rims and needs cash.

Would it be possible to run a lift kit on the tC and install caterpillar tracks from an M! Abrams tank? I'm pretty sure that damn thing doesn't slip and slide in this shit ... DO IT!!! Though I think a tracked xB would look better than a tC. It would still be an awesome mod. Good luck with that one :up:

[fsu1dolfan]

Move to Florida.....problem solved:rofl2: :hiding:

[Nebster]

or you guys could just learn to deal with it like all of us northern folk.

[THansenite]

or you guys could just learn to deal with it like all of us northern folk.

Very true. I am glad we finally glad we got some snow up here. Snowboarding on real snow beats the hell out of boarding on the manmade ice chunks. Plus, e-brake drifting in iced over parking lots is a lot of fun. haha

[aZepolyn]

I can deal with it. Personally, I'm cool with it. ..... however ..... generally speaking, people around here don't know how to deal with it, or drive in it. Just because you have an SUV doesn't mean you're any less prone to sliding. This isn't snow folks, it's just ice. It fell to the earth as ice, and froze together as ice. Honestly though, I'm an avid believer that conditions don't make roads dangerous, it's that guy driving next to you. However, this storm has shown me the exception.
And ... I don't have the luxury of living in a part of the country where we the city can adequately deal with winter storms. We're probably one of the few places with "southern" budget and available resources that actually recieves winter weather.

Basically, my final decision to set aside some bling for winter preperations came from this ...
1. Salt and sand doesn't cut it.
2. That dumbass in the F150 next to me and the kid in the Acura Integra behind me don't know what part of the road to drive on or how fast they should, or shouldn't, be going.
3. And the city can't do anything to help.


backup plan ... heh ... anyone want to sell me an old 4x4 4runner or hilux with some panzer style cat-tracks? :D

[Nebster]

no i totally understand and they're the same way here. thats why i leave a bunch of space and when i get to a light i slow down about 200 ft before hadn and really go slowly. or i put on my hazards. its about being a defensive driver and knowing whats around you. Winter isn't bad if you have experience with it. So just take your time. watch out for everyone and yourself. you do that and you'll be ok.

[ROFL Box]

Move to Florida.....problem solved:rofl2: :hiding:

i agree with the him..

my winter shoes

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e336/Superfa1/rims/20s008.jpg

[eujin]

my stocks are my winter shoes. maybe i'll pick up some diff. wheels to replace the stocks come tax return.