• Hello, new here, I have a Mazda 3

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2010 9:14**

I was searching for info on tires and found this site. When it snows my car can't make it out of the driveway. I've missed work because of it! So, this year I'm going to HAVE to spend money on tires but I don't have a clue which ones would be best. Any advice?

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2010 9:14**

Welcome!! Blizzaks are amazing for winter driving.

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2010 9:14**

Welcome!

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2010 9:14**

I swear by the Yokohama IceGuard IG20... of course, those have been the only winter tires I've owned, so I really have nothing with which to compare.

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2010 9:14**

A dedicated set of snows will make a big difference. I use Blizzaks, but any of them will be much better than all seasons. Swapping to summer tires will make a major handling difference during good weather months as well.

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2010 9:14**

Pirelli sotozero's work well in the snow.
Welcome...

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2010 9:14**

I've liked both Bridgestone Blizzaks and General Altimax Arctics as daily driver winter tires, but that experience was on a older honda civic with 185/65-R14's...

I'm kind of in the same boat, facing the prospect of buying my first set of winter tires (and wheels?) for a mz3. It's good to know the OEM tires are no bueno in Broomfield, sound like they're be suicide around the hills of Aspen Park / Conifer during snowfall. I'm inclined to get Altimax Arctics, but still figuring out what I want to do for winter wheels (16"? 17"? Steel? Alloy?) and TPMS.

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2010 9:14**

Welcome to the club.

If you really want to get around in the snow, get snow tires. Blizzaks. Micheline X-Ice. Even Hankook Ice Bears. But then you'll need a separate set of summer tires.

But if you can't afford a different set of tires for the summer and need to go all-season, look at the Goodyear Eagle GTs or the Continental DWS tires. Either should be good -- not great, but good -- in the snow. I ran the Eagle GTs last winter and they were great. Granted, I have AWD, but still....just don't expect good treadwear out of them.

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2010 9:14**

Welcome!

Posted: **Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14**

Thank you!!

Posted: **Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14**

Welcome...and I think everyone else has just about covered it. The only other thing I will add, is talk to Dave at Coloradoland and Tire on Wads and Crestline (down south). He has always taken care of me, and a few other CMZC members.

Posted: **Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14**

Welcome

Posted: **Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14**

I am going to run Blizzak snow tires for the first time this winter. Got mine for half price on craigslist

. I always compare tires on www.tirerack.com before spending some big bucks.

And welcome to the club!

Posted: **Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14**

welcome!

we have some non-brand snows on my son's civic, yes civic and that thing hauls *** in the snow. Any type of dedicated snow tire is going to be better than the oem or all season tires. (capt'n obvious strikes again)

Posted: **Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14**

Yep...snow tires are snow tires as far as I'm concerned, unless you go for the "high performance" type which are better on dry roads. I had some Big O off-brand snow tires on my last car and they were amazing in the snow

P.S. - Welcome!