Winter in the mountains seems to be a permanent condition. I do not have the room to store snow tires. I am not satisfied with the performance of all-season tires when I must drive to work before the road is plowed. I am wondering whether I should simply purchase a set of snow tires and run with winter tires throughout the year. Michelin X-Ice 3 seems like a possible truly all-season tire. I am interested in suggestions from anyone who has found a suitable solution in either an all-season or a winter snow tire. I drive a Toyota Prius, 15-inch rim, front-wheel-drive, which limits the tires available. My set of touring all-season tires has lasted 45,000 miles and 5 years, surviving a few slippage events, but I am willing to replace tires more frequently if that is the primary drawback of wearing-down a set of winter snow tires.
g2014-05-15T16:23:50Z
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I understand your situation. However, using winter tires year-round is not recommended. Yes, they tend to wear rather quickly in warmer temperatures. But worse, they simply do not offer proper wet weather traction. If you want a "perfect" all season tire that can be used all year long and can still easily deal with several inches of snow consider the Hankook Optimo H727. For a long lasting, comfortable and winter worthy tire you cannot find a better tire for the money.
Got your answer right here, live from Southern Ohio. I drive a 1995 Ford minivan. (Yea I know, not a monster truck) Several years ago I became aware that I was driving to and from work before the snow plows woke up. So I decided to get snow tires for the front wheel drive van. Had them for about 4 years now and they don't show much sign of wear. Only about $89 ea at Goodyear. Not only do they allow (since front-wheel-drive puts most of the weight of engine and tans on the steer/drive wheels) they do great in Spring at dealing with hydroplaning in deep water due to the heavy lug tread.
I figure they have maybe 4 more years of usefulness and with all that tread I don't fear nails or bones of roadkill. Drive over it! No harm. That's 7 years for tires which is pretty good in Ohio. Only $89 each for fronts and I'm running with 6 year old rain tires on the back of my front wheel drive 1995 minivan.
Wait, you have the audacity to call yourself mountainman and drive a Prius? Well, to each his own, I shall not judge. Tell you what I'll do. My best friend lives in North Dakota and has 2 Priuses. I'll ask him what sort of tires he and wife use. Stand by: .... Well, apparently in Bismarck they are not answering the phone. Maybe out painting the town on a Friday night. I'll find out by Sunday and email you, assuming you have yahoo email turned on.