General artic altimax review
 

I bought these tires for the winter along with some 16" steelies. We've already had some colder mornings in the 30's so i decided to put them on. The price was right, I bought them from tirerack, shipped for 550 mounted and balanced. My initial driving impression is handling is way down. Straight line: From a spirited launch traction is not there. Any mildly aggressive acceleration causes the tires to slip. On the highway the car feels much less stable above 80. Cornering: way worse than stock. the car has a tendency to push trough turns. Understeer can be very easily induced. I'll update when the snow hits the ground, but the tire seems like it will have the complete opposite characteristics in the snow.

Same for my Hankooks, they're not fair weather tires. When the snow hits you'll be happy you got them.

Yeah, snow tires have soft sidewalls. I've got the same tire in 205/60/16 and noticed the same things you mention, part of which is because it's a snow tire, part of it from going to a TALL sidewall of a 16" rim. It's all worth it to be a rally car instead of a hockey puck once the snow flies though!!!

I had a '92 2wd Ranger that was a hockey puck, but boy was that fun. 300k on that 6 cyl and I beat the living shit out of it. Ripping insane donuts going through gears was fun. Not doing that with this car, real snow tires are the way to go.

Just wanted to follow up with this since we've had a couple of snow storms already. These tires are GREAT in snow and ice. Not quite as good at taking off from a stop on glare ice as the Blizzack WS60's, but simply AWESOME turning ans stopping, especially for the price difference. Can't even imagine how well they would do with the stud options for $15 per tire. It almost makes it NOT fun to drive because it sticks so well... just have to go faster so I can slide a little I guess. :)

I thought about looking into getting studs for mine, anyone know i they can be put on and taken off when needed. that'd be awesome.

I think studs are permenent. And you need to check your state laws if studs are allowed in your state.

Most northeastern states permit studs either year round or from December 1 to April 1. Studs are permanent additions to the tire and cannot be easily removed. With that said, however, I have thrown studs out of studded tires in the past. it's not pretty - I had one punch right through the wheel well liner, and at least one other make one hell of a racket when it came loose. Basically, don't spin your wheels at ridiculous rates, and make sure the studs are the proper length for your tire and you will be OK.

I just bought the same setup, but I should have ordered them a little sooner and I could have gotten them before tonights snowfall here in jersey. Took me 2 hours to drive 13 miles home because of traffic.

I was on the fence and kind of got talked into buying the snow tires/wheels by my father. After attempting the drive home today, I'm glad I spent the money and can't wait to get them and stick em on for the next snowfall.

You will love the extra grip from a dedicated snow tire. The only problem will be the exaggeration between you and other traffic will actually be worse. You'll be wondering "why are these idiots going to slow, it's not even slick out". :arms: Just be sure to flip off the dumbass in the other lane trying to get by on worn summer tires when you pass by.