451 in real snow - 451 smart fortwo

I just got Blizzaks in 145/65…

2008-10-01T01:11:04.842Z

I just got Blizzaks in 145/65/15 front and 175/55/15 rears. From Tire Rack. Bought steelies/TMPS with the car. (have a passion). Pondering baby moon hubcaps for the steelies for a beetle/ early Porsche 356 mojo.

BTW- Just about nothing will get through 12inches of unplowed snow..... I just moved to a likelier snowier and blowier area in VT, up by Canada. I'll report in every so often on the adventures in snow travel by smart.

Had Snow ...did travel

2008-09-30T22:40:50.533Z

Had Snow ...did travel

Pirelli sells (in the US...do…

2008-09-30T18:13:47.948Z

Pirelli sells (in the US...don't know about Canada) a winter tire that fits the front end. Their Winter 190 SnowControl is available in both 155/60/15 and 175/55/15 sizes.

For what it's worth Frisby Ti…

2008-09-30T01:00:36.390Z

For what it's worth Frisby Tire in Ottawa actually stocks the tires and steel rims for the 2008 Passion. Quite a bit cheaper than the dealer. The only tires which fit the front, apparently, are Continentals. That's the same brand the all-seasons were. Apparently the company is in Germany. It was around $1000 all in (labour, balancing, installation and taxes). I'm not endorsing but given the trouble I had finding the size for the front I figured I'd pass it along. Unfortunately Frisby is only in the Ottawa area but if you have trouble maybe you can get them ordered.

And for those who doubt...it's _winter_ tires, not snow tires. There's a difference. Winter tires stay pliable at cold temperatures. Here in Ottawa when it gets to -30 degrees Celsius it's the black ice I'm more worried about. Driving on frozen tires is bad for that. Been there. It's not all about the snow.

Hope it helps someone.

Thanks, Mitch

2008-04-17T17:36:16.609Z

Thanks,
Mitch

Thanks, Mitch

2008-04-17T17:35:49.230Z

Thanks,
Mitch

Hey peter, would 130 inches o…

2008-04-17T16:09:33.159Z

Hey peter,
would 130 inches of snow not cover the whole smart car!... :-)

I've been driving my smart si…

2008-04-17T16:06:33.458Z

I've been driving my smart since 1/31/2008 and have driven in several snow storms-- I live in Kankakee county just south of Chicago-- You won't need snow tires! With the traction control feature on this car it drives great. Just slow down and ease up on the gas and it will handle just fine. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has a warning lamp that lites up when it is being applied. It automaticly eases up on the gas and applies brakes to whatever wheel needs it. It is great!!! It also has antilock brakes so it great for stopping AND going.
I grew up in Syracuse NY where they get about 130 inches of snow a year on the average so my experience sure helps me out here.
You have made a great joice in this car --- hope you get it soon.

I agree with Dee, I am gettin…

2008-04-16T10:02:32.795Z

I agree with Dee, I am getting snow tires for our Smart car also. Bridgestone sells a tire for the Smart car.

http://www.tirerack.com/winter/bridgestone/blizzak.jsp

After the kind of winter we'v…

2008-04-16T09:42:14.811Z

After the kind of winter we've had in Toronto -- I'm spending the $1K on snow tires for the winter for sure.... luckily though, I won't have to think about that until closer to November/December. If you can believe, I still have some patches of snow in my yard! :)