why are we talking M + S? get tires with the damn snowflake symbol on them ... no amount of tread on those all season M + S tires are gonna save you when they harden up like hockey pucks. HOLY SHIT... go spend some $$$ and get the damn tires. I don't care if your ALL SEASONS are pretty much new.. .they not gonna save you....

the reviews aren't favourable for this single-use product
also want to exert minimal elbow grease when it's below freezing

What is your intended use? Big dump of snow while you were on vacation and need to get out of your parking spot? That's about all those are good for.

just as a backup that might work better than floormats

or if I struggle to back the vehicle into my garage that has an incline with only a few inches of play on both sides...i guess I could just shovel the ramp before it turns into ice like everybody else :ilied:

Keep some fine gravel on hand?

Have some kitty litter, or sand on hand for traction aid.

Or sand/salt mix like this:
Antiskid Gravel & Salt, 22-lb | Canadian Tire

Those seem pricey for a one time use thing since actual chains aren't much more. Or if you keep an eye on the used market, you can probably find chains that have been used once or never at all for much cheaper than new. The never used chains I found for my Jeep totaled $75 for all 4, new they would have been $350+.

a set of Class S cables for passenger cars run $100ish...still need tensioners

this looks great on icy surface but probably won't bail me out of deeper powder

Not much besides a shovel will bail you out - if it's deep powder, your ground clearance becomes more of an issue rather than tires or traction!

Truth, right there!

I can confirm from experience! Many, many, many times.

Ahhhhh good times in the ol'Audi Rally car.

-Dave

How's the service at Canadian Tire? With the WinterContact Si on sale, I'm considering going there instead of Costco for Blizzaks.

Anyone using WinterContact Si?

^ watch out for the extra stuff they try to tack on when buying tires (ie nitrogen inflation), the last time I got tires there they tried to charge for it even though they weren't doing the install.

I contacted a shop to see how much they charge for mount and balancing. Depending on the price of CT's installation fee, I might just buy the tires and take it elsewhere to get them installed. Would save me a lot of time if CT is busy like Costco.

just a heads up for those thinking about going canadian tire... the tire sale ends Oct 26:

Biggest Tire Sale | Canadian Tire

For anyone wondering about how different winter tires compare to each other, here's a super resourceful link:

Automobile Protection Association | 2016-2017 Winter Tire Reviews: Passenger Car, Minivan, & Compacy SUV Tires

They not only have reviews for the common tires, but also the cheap AF Chinese tires, older models, and niche brands (e.g. Vredestein).

re: Canadian Tire - sign at Market Crossing saying no appointment required, can book online and open every night until 7. No line up this afternoon

Both Burnaby Costco locations had line ups last week. Willingdon locations was nuts.

Also heard that not all sizes are in stock and have to be ordered from other provinces.

Nokian R2 vs. Continental WinterContact SI - any opinions?

Re: Canadian Tire

Ironwood CT was empty this morning around 10/11. Maybe give them a shot

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If you've got cash to burn then the Hakka. If not the SI is a great tire too.

Who's looking for steelies again? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6f4dc2afe7.jpg

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The Haka and WS80 are the better tire than the XIce.

The XIce's unique selling point is that they're the only winter tire with a 60k km warranty. This is perfect for Vancouver because of the accelerated wear that softer winter tire compounds get from the warmer temperatures that we have compared to other places.

when you guys thinking of putting on winter tires this year?

How do you book online? I found the tires I want but they say not in-stock and can only be purchased in-store.

Tire rack's test puts the XI3 ahead in dry and wet and cornering in snow, the Blizzaks are better for snow/ice.