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Tires, suggestions?


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Toyofast:

 

I'm not a tire expert either, but from experience, more expensive tires are generally better. Retreads suck. For radial tires (the kind you want) price generally depends on milage of the tires besides the size. 50K mi tires will be less expensive (generally) than 100K mi tires. Buying from a place like Les Scwhab gives you added freebies like tire rotations, flat fixes and the like esp. since LS has tons of branches at least in the PNW, but their tires are also a bit more expensive for the same tire. I used to have a second set of snow tires, but now have just good all season tires. All-season is designated by M+S on the side wall of the tire and pass for "approved traction tires" for passing some mountain passes (at least in WA state). The last two sets of tires I've gotten I've optioned for the "siping procedure", where they have a special machine that cuts small slits into the tire, giving the tire a supposed increase in traction, esp on wet corners. Not sure if it really works (costs around $7-10/tire), but I like the extra peace of mind.

 

Note: I've bought my last two sets of tires from "Discount Tire Co." in the Seattle area because I thought they had a better deal on price and comparable service to Les Schawb. But after the last set, I've realized it costs about the same price. Discount Tire adds fees to everthing, from tire disposal and other "hidden" charges that bring the per tire price up significantly. Next set will be from LS.

 

...my two cents

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I'd run the most agressive mud and snow you can find!

I prefer ones with a block tread pattern.

Space between tread is good!

 

Remember the more agressive the tread the more noise on the street and the sooner they'll wear out:mad:

It's a tradeoff .

 

I ran the original factory tires up to my current set, they seemed to do real good anywhere I wanted to go. Too bad They can't be found anymore...:burnout:

 

For what it's worth,

Glenn,

82 Hatch,...transforming:temper:

01 Forester.....jealous....:madder:

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Muds are good, but if you do a LOT of pavement driving, you're get your vehicle aligned more often (they tend to wear unevenly), replace the tires frequently, etc.

 

Plus you're going to have to get a bigger stereo to drown out the tire noise, and after a couple of months of that, you'll need a hearing aid - What the tire noise doesn't destroy, the Disturbed CD cranked up to 11 will. :headbang:

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I have searched and searched for a really aggressive 13" tire. I have gone so far as to search for tires in Australia & Europe to no avail. NOBODY in the world, near as I can tell, makes a 13" mud tire, so soobme is correct: search out an aggressive snow. The most aggressive tire for the best price I have found so far is actually the Sears Wintermaster. 185-80-13's are about $30 a tire. Fairly decent lug depth & spacing (void) I also reccomend siping, seems kindof gimmicky, but the sipes do give you added "biting" edges, and I noticed a definate improvement in wet/icy contitions with it done. My rockcrawling buddy sipes his Swampers, and swears by it.

My .02

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this is where ol' uncle pug taps on your shoulder and smiles...and endearingly says: "Little nephew of mine, it's about time you stopped by your local junkyard and scored some of my ever so helpful 15" alloys. Then, we're gonna mosey on down to the local tire shop, and pick up some aggressive 195/r70/15's for ya, you wont regret it."

 

what the hell did i just say? :drunk: :drunk: :drunk:

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Wish I could. there is no real way to fit 15's on a '78 wagon. (or even 14's for that matter) Even if I cut out the front wheelwells, the rears are a problem. (the rear doors are right there.) Now, if I were to lift it....Ah Ha! no lift kits for a gen 1 wagon! And no fab skills at my house. Sigh, Guess it's 13" snows for me.

:boohoo:

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Thanks for the suggestions and comments so far... keep 'em coming!

 

When we had our Honda I swapped on my sisters old snow tires. After popping out the bazillion studs I had an agressive tire, seemed to work well but after 5K miles I noticed some tread loss already. <-- This was my main concern for finding some agressive snow tires.... are there some brands with a harder compound than others?

 

I probably won't get them through Schwabs.... I'll go through my work instead, only if it's cheaper.

 

Road noise isn't a big deal to me..... remember I'm making the transition from the wheelin'/crawling world of Toyota and Heeps to the Subaru life.

 

Keep the info coming.

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