Buying a used Smart Fortwo
I am looking to buy a used Smart Fortwo , 2008 or newer. Dose anyone know what problems or recalls…See More
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Last year I drove a couple of times on slushy/salty/snowy streets in the suburbs of Detroit. I thought I was going to die. I had white knuckles for 20 miles. I couldn't go any faster than 30 MPH, or the car would start to "float & twist" on the slush. Normal sized cars were flying by me throwing slush on my windshield.
I imagine due to the light weightness of the car, it maybe hard to drive on the snow, with any tires? You need the weight to "push" the snow out from under the tires. I looked at tirerack.com and they only came up with two tires:
Continental ContiProContact (Grand Touring All-Season)
Kumho Solus KH16 (Grand Touring All-Season)
Has anyone tried these tires in snow? Or do you have another tire (not listed above) that works for a good tire in snow? I don't want to use two sets of tires.
Thanks,
Dan
Rochester Hills, MI
Views: 83
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kathy Shepard on -
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Permalink Reply by Kathy Shepard on
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Dan, there is also a discussion of Blizzaks at www.smartcarofamerica.com. Search on Blizzaks. Discussion is called "Just got 4 Blizzaks." Talks about running them year 'round as well.
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Permalink Reply by John Mitton on
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Dan, no matter what anyone tells you, all-seasons will never replace snows. I have 2 sets mounted with the off-season set hanging in the garage. I changed my Rav4 snows 2 weeks ago but left the 450 for a downturn in the weather. Well, we got it before I could swap them out. I, like you, was all over the place - totally unsafe! The snows are now on and I stick like glue. I am in Waterloo, ON so our weather is very much the same. Try it - you'll like it.
cheers
john
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Sounds good John, how much do you pay to have the tires swapped, balanced, valve stems?, and do you deal with the tire sensors?
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Permalink Reply by John Mitton on
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Hi Dan. Nada - after the original purchase. I purchased a set of rims with mounted snow tires from a car dealer who sold a car without the extra set that had been brought in. I can't say whether that was a profit or an additional liability concern for him but $200 got me the set. The off-season set hangs in my garage. I swap them myself - three bolts per wheel :) in about an hour. The tires are Bridgestone Blizzaks and I am pleased with them. My Smart is a 2006 diesel so I have no sensors (that I am aware of).
I also would comment on a previous reference to using Blizzaks all year. Snow tires are too soft for hot summer pavement and will wear out way too soon. Definitely not recommennded.
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