Tire Advice for 05 Echo - Winnipeg, MB

[echomiser]

I'm shopping for a quality all season tire. I need a tire that will perform well in winter and cold conditions as seen in Winnipeg.

I'm leaning towards the Michelin Harmony but I was told Costco has their own Michelin labelled tire with the same specs as the Harmony though the size starts at p185/65R14 rather than the P175/65R14 that come standard on the vehicle. I was told this would effect the speedo but im hoping nothing else should be effected.

Has anyone purchased these larger tires from Costco and installed them on an Echo? How are they?

Surprisingly, the current tires (michelin mx4) still have decent tread but at 102k I figure it's time to change the tires. right?

I'm open to any other tire suggestions.

Thanks!

[Stevo_Echohb05]

Nokian WR G2 - 4 season tire

[JNEG]

Got these from Tire Rack and am very happy with them, 50,000 miles later (not a whole lot of snow here though, in which to test them):

195/50R15 Yokohama AVID T4
15X6.5 Silver Painted Borbet Type Wheel

[echomiser]

anybody else? buying tires from Costco for an Echo?

[2005RS]

Originally Posted by echomiser

anybody else? buying tires from Costco for an Echo?

I've done alot of snowy miles with my 05 echo, and I wouldn't go without snow tires period. The difference in traction and handling is huge. I use champiro which seem to work well, and come in your size. Costco doesn't have a 185/60r14 by chance? In any event, the size is close, and your speedo over reads by about 5km anyway.

You can compare the effect of different size tires for yourself at http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp

[jambo101]

Originally Posted by 2005RS

I've done alot of snowy miles with my 05 echo, and I wouldn't go without snow tires period. The difference in traction and handling is huge. I use champiro which seem to work well, and come in your size. Costco doesn't have a 185/60r14 by chance? In any event, the size is close, and your speedo over reads by about 5km anyway.

You can compare the effect of different size tires for yourself at http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp

I agree,if you live in Canada you need a dedicated snow tire for the winter as the rubber compounds in all seasons is just not up to temps below -7C whereas rubber in a snow tire will remain soft and pliable to much lower temperatures.
A Google search under "Snow tires vs All seasons" will dispel all doubt as to which tire is best for winter conditions.
Bridgestone Blizzaks are on all my cars for the winter.

[2005RS]

I think when cars were heavier, all season tires rated m+s were just fine.
Don't know about your neck of the woods, but I'm seeing alot of lightly used snows on rims on kijiji at very reasonable prices

[echomiser]

Just came back from Costco and was suggested the Michlein's X Radial tire which starts at P185/65R14 size.

Is the X Radial a solid all season tire especially for wintery conditions?

I realise a set of winter tires would be the solution for winter but i can only afford a set of all season for now (maybe next winter).

Thanks for your replies.

[tstclr]

I put a set of Gislaveds (from Sweden) on my car. Tomorrow may be our first snow day so I can't report how well they work yet however a co worker had them on his Volvo and loved them. Much cheaper than Blizzaks and X Ice. The rubber is extremely gummy. They also ride smoother than my Michelin summer tires!

[jambo101]

Originally Posted by echomiser

I realise a set of winter tires would be the solution for winter but i can only afford a set of all season for now (maybe next winter).

Thanks for your replies.

Thats poor logic if your choice of tires results in an accident. Southern Ontario or west of the rockies you may get away with all seasons but Winnepeg has some hardcore winter that all seasons are just not suited for.
I usually get snow tires for between $60-$90..