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AquaMutt's been on the road since March of 2011; almost three years now. Her first winter, I had bought General Altimax Arctic snow tires in 175/70-13 and put them on my VW alloys to replace the used all seasons (in the same size) I had been running through fall. Well, it didn't snow much Aqua's first winter.
However, last winter and this winter have shown me how much real snow tires can make a difference, especially if you park in a back yard with no paved driveway, and have to travel through an unplowed alley before hitting the neighborhood streets--which might also be unplowed! In fact, last winter I had been lazy in switching from my 175/60-13 Falkens (all seasons) to snows, and one night I couldn't get out of my back yard. So there I was, changing only my two front tires to snows just to get to work! (The next day I put on the rear snows.)
At work, a guy with a 2012 Civic with all seasons couldn't get out of his parking spot without my help pushing. His all seasons just spun and looked like they were slick treads. No bite at all! Either their design sucked or the edges had worn too much to work.
One reason I like my cheap car is that I can often afford the best parts to put on it. Besides my extra set of snow tires, I also bought an Optima red top with 720 CCA to replace my three year old (bought it new when I put Aqua on the road) regular battery with only 540 CCA. It was doing okay, but I didn't want to take any chances. Meanwhile, those with newer cars who are barely keeping up with payments can't readily afford to have an extra set of wheels and snows.
I'm not poor, but I'm certainly not rich either. However, my "economic philosophy" of keeping home and car costs down by going used and fixing things myself, is paying off and confirming my "money method." Now if I could just maximize my "money method" by not wasting in other areas! Things like food going bad because I leave it out instead of remembering to put it in the fridge, or forgetting to send in rebate slips, etc.
If I had to be making $350 per month car payments, I don't see how I could get by without going on too much credit, and we know where that leads!
In most winters during my "driving life" (16 years old and up), all season tires were usually good enough, but there have been some that require either good, unworn all seasons to "get by," or snows to "drive without worry." I like the latter situation! Having less than $2K in my DD, including two sets of wheels and tires, makes this possible.
After thinking about it, I have to add:
FordFestiva.Com has also made this possible. Without all your help and inspiration, there's no way I'd be planning on "Festiva preservation" and driving them into the dirt for as many years as I can. So thanks everyone, those who help, those who ask questions, and those who come to the meets and contribute in every way.
Karl
However, last winter and this winter have shown me how much real snow tires can make a difference, especially if you park in a back yard with no paved driveway, and have to travel through an unplowed alley before hitting the neighborhood streets--which might also be unplowed! In fact, last winter I had been lazy in switching from my 175/60-13 Falkens (all seasons) to snows, and one night I couldn't get out of my back yard. So there I was, changing only my two front tires to snows just to get to work! (The next day I put on the rear snows.)
At work, a guy with a 2012 Civic with all seasons couldn't get out of his parking spot without my help pushing. His all seasons just spun and looked like they were slick treads. No bite at all! Either their design sucked or the edges had worn too much to work.
One reason I like my cheap car is that I can often afford the best parts to put on it. Besides my extra set of snow tires, I also bought an Optima red top with 720 CCA to replace my three year old (bought it new when I put Aqua on the road) regular battery with only 540 CCA. It was doing okay, but I didn't want to take any chances. Meanwhile, those with newer cars who are barely keeping up with payments can't readily afford to have an extra set of wheels and snows.
I'm not poor, but I'm certainly not rich either. However, my "economic philosophy" of keeping home and car costs down by going used and fixing things myself, is paying off and confirming my "money method." Now if I could just maximize my "money method" by not wasting in other areas! Things like food going bad because I leave it out instead of remembering to put it in the fridge, or forgetting to send in rebate slips, etc.
If I had to be making $350 per month car payments, I don't see how I could get by without going on too much credit, and we know where that leads!
In most winters during my "driving life" (16 years old and up), all season tires were usually good enough, but there have been some that require either good, unworn all seasons to "get by," or snows to "drive without worry." I like the latter situation! Having less than $2K in my DD, including two sets of wheels and tires, makes this possible.
After thinking about it, I have to add:
FordFestiva.Com has also made this possible. Without all your help and inspiration, there's no way I'd be planning on "Festiva preservation" and driving them into the dirt for as many years as I can. So thanks everyone, those who help, those who ask questions, and those who come to the meets and contribute in every way.
Karl
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