It was been an unusual pre-season this year with almost no updated tires being released. We are also seeing many more tires and sizes than usual being discontinued or simply not being produced this season. If we have another severe winter like last year this could lead to some early shortages in some sizes.

Popular tires for moderate to low snow climates, that see more plowed roads than highways, tend to be the Blizzak LM60 and Dunlop Winter Sport 3D. Both are considered very equal to each other in snow traction and in dry road handling/cornering and were the tires of choice in this category. The redesigned LM60 moves the balance closer to the snow traction side while the Dunlop does slightly better in dry. Both an ideal choice for someone having trouble deciding between the high performance snow tires that sacrifice a lot of snow traction and the Q/R rated snow tires that trade off too much in handling and dry grip.

Persons living in more rural areas or heavy snow climates lean toward the Blizzak WS-70 or Michelin X-Ice Xi2. I've noticed when driving both that the added tread depth of the Blizzak helps deep snow traction on those early unplowed mornings. The X-Ice is a bit happier on ice surfaces and tends to handle a bit tighter on clear roads due to the 2/32nd's difference in depth compared to the Blizzak.

I would not wait too long, it's better to be proactive than reactive. Ordering early when most products are still available lets you choose what you want to buy rather than being forced to settle for what is left over. Best to be ready with products in hand before it snows so that you can put them on when you are ready rather than waiting for a shipment to arrive after the first snow. We should have most inventory available now to mid Oct. Tires and wheels purchased together are mounted and balanced at no charge to make changeover easy and we do offer the oem pressure sensors.

You can view full winter tire and wheel packages here Tire Rack Winter Packages.

Remember to mention "Neal ext 624" in the comments section of your online order. This way I can review the order and process it faster. As always you may call me direct as well

 

Neal I sent you a PM a while back please give it a look

 

I'm ready to buy 4 Blizzaks. Are there ever any sales, promo codes, free shipping deals, forum member discounts, anything?

Thanks

 

Neil what's your thoughts on the older Blizzak LM-25? I found a used set with less than 2000 miles on them mounted on the 18 Sport Edition A7 for $700. I live in Northeast Ohio so we def. get our fair share of snow. But, for the most part it's plowed and usually wet and slushy. I've heard performance snow are better in wet than studless ice & snow? But obviously sacrifice some snow performance.

Appreciate your opinion. Thanks - Mike.



Prior to finding that deal, for the price, I was just going to get the Xi2 and swap them on the OEM wheels.

 

Good for the time but a bit dated by todays technology. I had those on my IS350 and had a real hard time getting out of my hilly subdivision. Once I got on clear cold two lane highways it was ok. However, thicker snow/slush didn't do so great.

 

@Neal Does tirerack offer tire replacement certificate similar to discount tire>??

 

Anyone know if Tirerack takes any coupon codes, forum discount anything? I need to buy a set of 4 blizzaks now, but trying to save a buck or two.

Thanks...

 

We do offer a road hazard program on our tires. You can read more about the program here Tire Rack Road Hazard.

Sorry, but I do not have any discount codes or the like for orders. Wish I could do better but the man makes me sell at same prices listed online.

 

Neal, recommendations for the chicago/midwest area?

I rarely travel outside the metropolitan area, but knowing the winters we've had recently, this next one is said to be similarly bad.

 

Personally I trade some handling and wear for the best ice/snow traction I can get in this area. That said, I run Blizzaks on my Audi and have been really glad I did the last couple seasons here. Ran them on my 04 G35 6MT with the same great results.

 

Thanks Neal.