chrisdicko

iTrader: (21)

I'm thinking of taking my car over to Europe (Czech and Slovakia mainly) this Christmas, and they have proper snow there, so think I should change my eagle F1's.

What would people recommend for a 2003 STI on the standard 17" alloys?

Cheers

stiler83

Currently have the Nokian WR G2's fitted to both my 335i x-drive and the mrs's R32. Ran some Vredestein WinTrac VXL's (chose the XL rating for the stiffer side wall) on the Subaru before I got the R, very good tyre, loads of traction and very progressive break away when they did let go. It's difficult yo say as the Subaru and the 335i/R32 are very different cars in they way the drive in their balance and adjust-ability but I would say the Nokian's are a superior snow/ice tyre but the Vredestein were better on dry/wet tarmac.
Had Goodyear Eagle UltraGrip fitted on the Subaru before the Vredestein and found there was nothing to choose between them, so all the above I can highly recommend.

You could also look at the Nokian WR's and the New Goodyear Vector 4Seasons. My old man ran some WR's on his STi Forester and really liked them, though he now too has the G2's fitted.

Have a read up on the tyre review on canadiandriver.com & tirerack.com

aggs

I will be picking up my Toyo Winter tyres on Tuesday, will keep you posted on how they drive.
Vredesteins and Michelins rated very well but expensive.
Hence I chose the Toyos.

I live in a remote country area and after debating it every year, this year have splashed out on wheels and tyres.

My missus uses the car during the week, so its an additional insurance policy to keep her on the black stuff and avoid the mad driving farmers!!

We have already had -6 degrees here and get sevre frosts every winter on at times an untreated road.

Keep you posted on the tyres.

chrisdicko

iTrader: (21)

Cool, thanks for that guys! I will have a look at some reviews!

In Slovakia they have proper winters, so don't want to risk it.

chrisdicko

iTrader: (21)

Well, I went for some of these:

Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2

Should be ok

stiler83

If this is the first time you've used genuine/proper winter tyres then you are in for a revelation but just remember you can not defy the laws of physics so while the improvements over summer tyres in cold/winter conditions is remarkable so still need to take care.

The biggest hazard with winter tyres that I find especially in this country is other people.... they insist on ploughing around in all conditions on their summer tyres and cause no end of problems when things get tricky. I hate to say it but in Europe they re just that little bit more aware of the winter tyre issue.

chrisdicko

iTrader: (21)

Yeah I've never used winter tyres before to be honest, so will be good to see how they compare. As my current tyres are really crap in snow!!

Going to keep my whits about me though, as I will be far away from home so don't fancy and accidents.

Adam K

You don't mean 'Michelin Primacy Alpin' do you?
Just read a swedish test about them.
Take is easy out there if you do encounter snow and or ice, they're not hot in real winter conditions.
But *alot* better than your summer tyres!
And for your general english winter they should be a treat! You will possibly save money by having them thus saving your summer tyres for the conditions they are made for

chrisdicko

iTrader: (21)

Hi,
No they are definitely Pilot Alpin PA2

Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely be taking it easy!! I've not really drove in it before. Quite looking forward to it though.
I'm raising my suspension as well next week as it's quite low at the moment.

Adam K

Hi,
Ok, compared them on your link. What I wrote still applies.
Have fun in the alps, watch out for brake fade in those loooong downhills from the mountain passes

aggs

Ok
Toyo Winter tyres fitted on Wed night.

First impressions in torrential rain was how well they go through deep puddles at high speed with no fear of aquaplaning, treads must work well.

Thurs it snowed!
I took the country road route home on ungritted roads, very impressed with the grip of the tyres.Esp when braking.
On "white " roads could almost drive normally, brilliant!

With these tyres the Scooby is now a different animal in the snow and great fun.

Keep you posted as mileage increases.

chrisdicko

iTrader: (21)

I went out with mine today. Got to say they are Fantastic compared to my Eagle F1's!!! I didn't believe they'd be so much better....money well spent!

aggs

I agree ,worth it.
Fun for me!
And an Insurance policy for when the wife drives the car during the week!

eggy790

iTrader: (20)

what tyre size did you for on standard 17" wheels?

chrisdicko

iTrader: (21)

Just got standard 225/45

jura11

iTrader: (7)

I'm from Slovakia(but now living here)and i live for while in Czech Republic(about 6 years) and i run my car only with Goodyear Ultra Grip 7 and year before with Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D...
I highly recommend Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D,try these if you are going there...

MaDaSS

Last year pi55ed me off so I too have ordered winter tyres this year for the first time ever. I had one too many scares last year for my liking. Like sliding out the bottom of my hill, facing the cars parked opposite just as a Transit van passes on the main road at the bottom! lol. I got Nokian WR G2 on order to go on my oem rims.