Behike

NYC123 and I are trying to figure out which is the best winter tire for the G55.

NYC123 lives in NYC area: light snow

I live in Montreal downtown: heavy and LOTS of snow


- Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow (running at size 265-55-19)


- Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 (running at size 255-60-19)


- Toyo Open Country G-02 plus (running factory size at 275-55-19)



Any recommendation and why?

Thanks

nextcom1

I'm going to drive mine with the stock tires on it and see how it drives. My RRSC had continentals that were a liitle marginal but for the 3 days a winter there is a lot of snow on the road before they plow it its not worth the hassle to me

Behike

Makes sense. Same here. Montreal's amazing for cleaning the roads and streets and sidewalks!

15 minutes after the storm, you see an army of trucks cleaning everywhere. I love that about Montreal. Cannot say the same about Boston unfortunately.

Plus I live in a condo in downtown so it's even less hassle.

Just never drove my old G55 in winter.

Grid Skipper

What nextcom1 and many on this board may not know is that in Montreal (Quebec), snow tires are mandatory by law.

I think that you (hovyamg) and NYC should each get a different set and let us know of your experiences

Behike

Yes, winter tires are mandatory in Quebec. I believe by December 15th.

I am going with the Blizzak.

Guido1986

I live in boston and roads here are really bad.....i have after market 22 inch wheels on my G for the summer.....but for the winter I put the stock wheels and tires back on.......

princemarko

Blizzaks hands down.

I used them in Chicago and Detroit during blizzards.

nyc123

I am going with the pirelli as I would rather go slightly shorter than slightly taller tire. Dry handling should be better. Will let you know how they do

malahhaor

Nokian WR all the way. Used it on last 3 cars, all RWD in Chicago. Will do wonders on AWD.

Behike

No size available for the G55. The closest one they have has a diameter difference of 2.5%, which is quite high.

Behike

How was the ride with the Blizzaks? Quiet?

Behike

Decided to return my Blizzak and got the OBSERVE OPEN COUNTRY G-02 PLUS ... They're in stock size and are the equivalent of the Blizzak ...

nyc123

I looked at the open country but really more of a "truck" tire belong on a chevy pickup. I still think pirelli snow and ice are the best match for the g55. I pick up my truck tomorrow they are on .

Behike

Did you see the Toyos in real life? Are they that "truck like"? I think they're really good.

Well, in your case, the Pirellis are the best, NYC area has light snow.

It's another story here. The Blizzak were in 255 the Toyo keep 100% stock size at 275-55-19.

Going for the Toyos

Behike

Never mind the Toyos. Apparently it's a tire know for getting a flat and gives this "floating" feeling ...

twinz

Does that include all open country tires? I just purchased some toyo open country A/T tires that I put on my 20" iforged wheels. I like the look of the tires but noticed a slight vibration at around 50 MPH. My tire place told me its because of the all terrain tread that causes this vibration. What exactly did you hear about the open country tires with them getting flat and that "floating feeling"?

Behike

I would have to take that back. It actually depends on the car. It's not in general.

twinz

I have a g500 and put the open country a/t on there. Why do the tires go flat and what is the "floating" feeling?

Behike

I just read some reviews that said the rubber is easily punctured by sharp rocks and that the car feels like its floating.

The floating feel depends on the type of car and its traction.

Dont know if the puncture by rocks is true. Apparently rocks get stuck in the tires; which I think is normal since it a sticky rubber.

twinz

oh..ok. thanks for the clarification. so what tires are you going to purchase?

Behike

To be honest, I want to go with the Toyo since they're factory size at 275-55-19 but so many people say that narrower tires are better for the winter that's why I am also considering the Blizzak at 255-60-19.

twinz

You are not going to have a problem in the winter with this truck man. It is a tank!! Go with the wider tire because it is going to look better. You will not regret it. I put on a 285/50/20 I believe and I dont doubt the performance I am going to get in the winter with this setup. Here is the link to see what my truck looks like with the open country tires:

http://s494.photobucket.com/albums/r...rged%20wheels/

Behike

I agree: it is a tank. I actually had a brand new 09 G55 that was stolen 2-3 months after I got it here in Montreal downtown. The people at the parking had something to do with it because 2 guys working there were arrested for car theft. I never got to drive it in winter.

I have a 2010 coming end of December so this time I'll know what it's like.

I also don't like tiny and small wheels/tires. I prefer the stock size vs the 255 Blizzak plus my cars are garaged in the underground parking of the condo where I live in downtown.

Anyway the Toyo are in fact as good as the Blizzak, I was just concerned with the "floating" and rocks puncturing the tires; which is all relative to the car and traction.

And great looking G man! The G is just the best SUV I've owned. I will not get any other SUV, that's for sure.

twinz

Thanks for the compliment on my truck. I appreciate that. Yes I agree, I truly believe that there is no other SUV like the G and get as much attention as this truck. Let me know what tires you get and how you like them. Post pictures up when you get them installed too.

Behike

Will do. I can't wait to get it. 2-3 more weeks.

ps: I decided to go with the Toyo. Want to keep stock size. 255 looks too skinny. I really like the 285s that were on the 2008 and prior.