Obviously having lived in SoCal for the past 20 years, I've never driven regularly in the snow (except when driving to go skiing). I think I will need winter tires for my WRX, and possibly for my wife's Accord. what tires do you guys usually get/recommend for the winter?

 

I would normally recommend Blizzak LM22s for your WRX and WS50s for the Accord.

Just don't keep summer tires on it

 

I would recommend against Blizzak LM22's through my own experience (but then again, that's for an S2000).

As for experienced recommendations, try asking over at some of the Subie forums. I know the WRX is a popular car in the midwest. Here in Chicago area, you can't go 10 miles without seeing WRX. If you wait it out 15 miles or so, you'll see the STi variant.

 

I've never seen or heard anything against the LM22s - why didn't you like them?

 

They were crap on non-ice, non-snow surfaces. The only time I thought they were incredible were on those colder nights when there was slush on the ground slowly freezing.

On salt, on clear cold roads, on freshly shoveled roads, etc. they didn't grip anything...they felt so mushy. In about two solid weeks of driving on the Blizzaks on the S2000 (out of VTEC, obviously), I ended up switching to an all season cheapy tire (Firestone LeMans HR's).

They worked so well for Chicago winters, that I used them for two full winters, and will be used on the Integra for this winter. Did I mention the wear on those tires is almost non-existent?

 

the Saab crowd is highly into Nokian tires (especially the hakka's). they are, from what i've read, more effective than blizzak/mich alpin's according to the swedes & finns. i'd think they know a thing or 2 about snow...

http://www.nokiantires.com/newsite/t...fm?cid=1&sid=1

 

Tony, do you know where you can get Nokians? I recall them being hard to find.

 

Ah, yes.

My experience with snow tires was in the UP, where it snowed nearly every day. I honestly don't think snows are needed in Chicago or Indy, though Rich might have a bit of a learning curve due to his time in Cali.

 

WSB:
popular online Nokian shop: http://www.meadowcreektire.com
FYI: http://www.saabnet.com/tsn/bb/NG900/...l?query=nokian

Nokian WRs for an all-season tire w/ excellent snow capability
Nokian Hakka2's for studdable all-snow capability (think.. unplowed Vermont country roads, in January)

otherwise, in your area? i believe both Indy Tire Centers + Levin tires carry Nokians:
Indy Tire Centers, Inc. #12
7309 E. U.S. Hwy. 36
Avon, Indiana 46123
phone: 317-272-4841

Indy Tire Centers, Inc. #4
1111 AAA Way
Carmel, Indiana 46032
phone: 317-848-1442

Levin Tire Center Hammond
6901 Indianapolis
Hammond, Indiana 46324
phone: (219) 845-9220

Levin Tire Center Highland
9500 Indianapolis Blvd.
Highland, Indiana 46322
phone: (219) 924-1710

Levin Tire Center Hobart
Route 6 & 51 (Save More Plaza)
Hobart, Indiana 46342
phone: (219) 947-2574

I personally will be running near new Alpins this season, and after March, they'll be 4sale.. for CHEAP...

 

I don't bother with snows here. We get 2 or 3 snow storms a year where they're worthwhile, and I have plenty of driving time in underpowered FWD cars to get through just fine. If I had snows I'd get in trouble drifting every turn.