Tires: New car tires, nissan x trail, dunlop grandtrek


Question
Tim
Thanks for your insights on quality/longevity of Dunlop Grandtrek ST20 P215/65R16 M&S and I am impressed with such a speedy response. My follow-up question is regarding performance of these tires in winter conditions. The Whistler highway is winding and subject to snow/sleet all winter. (Don't worry, we are improving it for the 2010 Olympics!) The Highways Dep't requires that you have "good winter tread tires or carry chains" How would these tires do in snow/sleet? The tread pattern does not look like my old snow tires (deep, lots of space between treads). I realize that is because they are "all-season" but would they be safe for my winter trips?
Jim

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Followup To
Question -
I am considering purchase of a new 2005 Nissan X-trail AWD. Comes with Dunlop Grandtrek ST20 P215/65R16, rated for mud and snow. I will drive to Whistler Mountain BC on a regular basis in snow. Will these tires be adequate or should I try to negotiate an upgrade?
Thanks Tim
Jim
Answer -
Hi Jim,

No you're just fine if buying a new SUV but they will wear quick once hitting near 30,000 miles because car makers don't put on decent tires like you think they would since they are getting your money.But other then that i wouldn't worry about upgrading until it gets near that mark i was telling you,Have a nice trip and drive safe

Answer
No problem my friend anytime i'm at home after 10 hour shifts  doing my on the side business on the internet and glad to help out anytime . "These snow tires you are wondering about"Alot of them have little metal spikes sticking out of the tread near the sides for excellent traction for weather conditions for places you are heading for.I once had a person come to me thinking a all season tire is also good enough for the winter weather which is false they are made mainly for the wet/dry weather only mostly the cheaper tires.

Using snow chains are pretty good and help break up ice on the roads,But if you aren't careful on installing them correctly i've seen them wrap around a rear axle and have to get cutoff by a blow torch. Hope i didn't leave anything out about your concerns