Winter Tires
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Utah
Winter Tires
Just purchased a 2008 IS F and it will need new tires. With winter coming, in an area where it snows, I was curious on a good winter tire to get and seeing if anyone could steer me in the right direction, thanks.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 347
Likes: 86
From: ON
It really comes down to the type of winter weather you'll have to encounter.
Cool, dry without much snow? Get a performance winter tire. This will allow to retain handling capabilities, higher speed rating at the cost of deep snow and ice performance.
Example: Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4
Cold, lots of snow, slush and other crap? Get a studless ice and snow tire. This means sacrificing handling, road noise, stopping distance, etc., at the benefit of superb deep snow & ice traction.
Example: Bridgestone Blizzak WS80
I'm myself getting the WS80 because of the weather we typically see up where I live. On my previous car, also a RWD V8, I ran the Pilot Alpin PA3. Great tire but couldn't find the traction in any more than a few inches of snow. Switched to General Altimax Arctic, which was absolutely superb. Sadly, they aren't made in sizes greater than 17".
Cool, dry without much snow? Get a performance winter tire. This will allow to retain handling capabilities, higher speed rating at the cost of deep snow and ice performance.
Example: Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4
Cold, lots of snow, slush and other crap? Get a studless ice and snow tire. This means sacrificing handling, road noise, stopping distance, etc., at the benefit of superb deep snow & ice traction.
Example: Bridgestone Blizzak WS80
I'm myself getting the WS80 because of the weather we typically see up where I live. On my previous car, also a RWD V8, I ran the Pilot Alpin PA3. Great tire but couldn't find the traction in any more than a few inches of snow. Switched to General Altimax Arctic, which was absolutely superb. Sadly, they aren't made in sizes greater than 17".
Last edited by M4rk; Oct 4, 2015 at 07:11 AM.
This year, I decided to get winter tires that included a beater 4x4. They put way too much salt, sand, & chemicals on the roads around here. Last year, I cringed every time the IS-F got "sandblasted" on the freeway following any amount of snowfall 
-Mike
-Mike
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I agree, WS80 or Nokian Hakkapollitta 8 studded.
I've run lm25, lm32, dunlops m3, and LM60s and they were all garbage in a snowy climate.
I ran those over several seasons on a 2009 and 2012 ISF, and just ordered the hakkapollittas for my 15 RCF.
I've run lm25, lm32, dunlops m3, and LM60s and they were all garbage in a snowy climate.
I ran those over several seasons on a 2009 and 2012 ISF, and just ordered the hakkapollittas for my 15 RCF.
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Utah
Thanks, that really helps. Yea they do put a lot of salt on the road here, so unfortunate for the maintenance for the vehicle.
It rarely gets below zero here. It does snow a decent amount, but they do a good job at clearing the roads. So it's for the few days in the year I leave for work before they do.
It rarely gets below zero here. It does snow a decent amount, but they do a good job at clearing the roads. So it's for the few days in the year I leave for work before they do.
Pit Crew
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 225
Likes: 6
From: CANADA
I've had Blizzak WS70 on the isf. When that ran out I went for the Xi3 and it felt like I was on ice - I returned them and got the WS80 and could not be happier.
In the past I've had xice2 and pilot alpin 2 - the WS80 does not feel sloppy like many winter tires - i was very surprised.
In the past I've had xice2 and pilot alpin 2 - the WS80 does not feel sloppy like many winter tires - i was very surprised.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Utah
I run the Nokians as well, I have a hook up at the Kal tire up by the airport let me know next time you need tires.
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