I hope this topic has not been covered before, but I wonder what tire ratings mean in real life.

I have a 2005 Chili Red MCSa with 18000 miles on 17 inch concrete tires (at least my back tells me they are concrete every time I go over a one inch bump on I5). I am thinking of getting 195/60HR15 Michelin Pilot PA2s ($95) on 15X6 Sport Edition E3 machines/anthracite rims ($84) this winter from Tirerack. (What do you think of the color?) I live in Seattle, will drive mostly city/local hwy, but occasionally do some mountain driving as well (skiing!).

I like the higher ratings of the Alpin over Blizzak in most areas, including noise and drivability. It even has better hydroplane resistance (8.6 vs 8.1) and wet traction (8.6 vs 8.0) for the 250 days of rain here. My concern is the relatively low ice rating of the Aplin (7.8), more than 10 points less than the Blizzak (8.9)! What does that mean in real life? Is it still better than concrete stock Pirellis? I understand the rating of Blizzak over Aplin in light or heavy snow, and that would not be important to me, since we don't do white stuff here. Ice, however, we do get. Will I be putting my life in danger?

Thanks.

Jack

 

That survery data on tirerack is based on end user opinion, not an exact science. PA2 is competent in snow and ice, be compaired to a studless winter like Blizzak Revo 1 - is concierably less grip.

PA2 is designed for clear road hanldeing - with more snow and ice capability than an AS tire.

The studless Blizzaks handle much less precisley on dry roads, but are better in severe conditions.

Alex

 

Thanks for the quick reply. Two newbie questions.

1) What is AS? The Pirellis?

2) What do you think about Alpins vs Blizzaks for our predominant Seattle winter weather: rain and occasional standing water puddles?

Thanks again.

Jack