winter traction

[drboeing]

I have a 2007 Matrix XR and the tractio with the winter tires is just horrible. Does anyone else have this problem or is it just crappy snow tires that I have.

[edbso]

I have been using 4 snow tires for over 30 years and the 15 inch Snow teck tires on the XRS and are the worst I have ever driven on. Fresh all seasons are better.

I don't know whether it is the tires or car.

[hospiceRN4u]

I live in MI and just recently put on 4 new "Nord Frost 5" from Discount Tire and went from undriveable with all season to feeling like I have All Wheel Drive. This is on my 04 Matrix XR

[mikered30]

What crappy snow tires do you have?

[mistamatrix]

I'm on my second set of snow tires. My first set were Nokian Hakka's. Expensive but worlds of difference between my current set that I settled for a cheaper brand.

If I lived in Ottawa where you are faced w/ snow covered roads guaranteed, I'd be rocking premium snow tires without hesitation.

[HankB99]

Originally Posted by mistamatrix

I'm on my second set of snow tires. My first set were Nokian Hakka's. Expensive but worlds of difference between my current set that I settled for a cheaper brand.

If I lived in Ottawa where you are faced w/ snow covered roads guaranteed, I'd be rocking premium snow tires without hesitation.

We're running (4) Hankook Icebear 300s (third winter now) and they seem to do the job. They don't seem to be as good as the Yoko Guardex 600s we had on another car, but that is not a direct comparison.

It seems like we're getting enough snow this year to justify better snow tires!

-hank

[p-free]

Ive got some 17" Toyo winter tires on my '06 XR. Brand new this year and I couldn't be happier. Never been stuck and can barely feel the snow.

[drboeing]

Originally Posted by mikered30

What crappy snow tires do you have?

We have Goodyear nordic track. The car slides everywhere and is a hazzard to drive. They are 3 years old with low miles, I just fear that they were in the store for over a year and the compound has gone hard.

[drboeing]

Originally Posted by mistamatrix

I'm on my second set of snow tires. My first set were Nokian Hakka's. Expensive but worlds of difference between my current set that I settled for a cheaper brand.

If I lived in Ottawa where you are faced w/ snow covered roads guaranteed, I'd be rocking premium snow tires without hesitation.

I think you may be right.The only problem is that Snows are hard to come by here now with the new Quebec law making snows mandatory. My better half uses the car more than I and with her being a sales rep, she is on the road everyday.
We have not had the huge dumping like last year, but there is still many weeks of snow left(come on April!!!)

I have Hakka's on my Mazda and they are nothing short of amazing.

[Kanata_Matrix]

I have a set of Michelin X-ice - this is 2nd year using them...no slip and slide anywhere and I do like to blow thru the traffice lol.

[drboeing]

Well, I did some research and also did not want to bust the bank. I bought a set of General Altimax Arctic and what a huge difference,the copound is very soft and the car holds the road in snow very very well, I actually feel very safe in the car now. I was terrified prior.
Thanks to everyone for your advice and thoughts

[whositwhatnow]

I just think the steering and suspension sucks on the Matrix. I have an 05 and it's been getting progressively worse, feel everything ride is not comfortable.

[roadrunner2]

I also use 4 Michelin X-Ice and find they work quite good on my '04 XR.

[Daox]

I'm also running General Altimax Artics and love them going on my second season now and they still look brand new. I also run higher tire pressure to improve handling response, extend tire life and get better mileage though. Its also a tire that won't break the bank.

[rowder]

Got rid of my '05 TAcoma & bought an '07 XR. I have Toyo all seasons on it; notg bad but could be much better. Next fall, I'll be buying 4 steel rims & going with full winter tires. Buddy of mine has a Corolla and was forced to put winters on his car (Gatineau). He says it makes a BIG difference in accelerating, braking and in the few good snow falls we've had.
Now, I just have to figure out which tires I want...