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Cold Weather Z51 Tire Recommendations

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Old 11-08-2013, 10:21 PM
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BPhillyc8
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Default Cold Weather Z51 Tire Recommendations

I have been extremely impressed with the stock Michelins for warm temperature driving. Great sticky tire for 3/4 of the year! However... after driving the Z51 in colder weather conditions lately, its more than apparent (IMO) an all-season tire would be better (and safer) for a few winter months. My traction has decreased dramatically in the cold weather and the tire chatter increased exponentially.

I know this topic has been brought up here before...but I would appreciate insight from actual C7 owners that have already switched their tires and your resulting first hand recommendations. Thanks in advance
Old 11-08-2013, 11:04 PM
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whatever advice you get here, I'd also ask Luke at tirerack. he's the major contact there.
Old 11-09-2013, 02:28 AM
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ErnieD
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I don't have a C7 but I know a number of C6 owners that really like the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 (replaces the A/S Plus) for year round use. They won't have the ultimate summer traction of the PSS's, but seem to work very well in the cold and wet. Price is a few hundred dollars less than the PSS's in C7 Z51 sizes as well. I don't see that they're available yet in runflats in those sizes though.

Ernie

Last edited by ErnieD; 11-09-2013 at 02:30 AM.
Old 11-09-2013, 02:40 AM
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There are many threads on this topic.
Old 11-09-2013, 08:09 AM
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Jontall
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Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 has the Z51 sizes and there is a rebate on them now at TR.
Old 11-09-2013, 08:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Smkn 07
I don't have a C7 but I know a number of C6 owners that really like the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 (replaces the A/S Plus) for year round use. They won't have the ultimate summer traction of the PSS's, but seem to work very well in the cold and wet. Price is a few hundred dollars less than the PSS's in C7 Z51 sizes as well. I don't see that they're available yet in runflats in those sizes though.

Ernie
These really should be a factory option for those who are planning to use their C7 as a daily driver. When I checked Tire Rack recently they had them in sizes for the base C7, at least, and they indeed are a little less expensive.
Old 11-09-2013, 11:54 AM
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michaelinmech
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Originally Posted by DCTandAWD?
Agreed.
GM has their head up their a$$ when it comes to all season driving.
You can't even get AWD as an option for the 2014 CTS V-sport even though the XTS has the same drivetrain with AWD.

It makes me so angry that after 20 years of buying new Corvettes, I still cannot simply buy ONE Corvette to drive year round through the winter and I am forced to own a 2nd car that I would not have to own if I was willing to buy a GTR or 911. (I am NOT)
The fact that I am forced to drive an import if I want a quick AWD daily driver is insult added to injury for this loyal American Corvette buyer.

Just as a heads up, there are people who have actual problems - unemployment, cancer, sons & daughters lost in Afghanistan, poverty, addiction, depression and on and on.

Realistically you, I, have Princely Problems. Are they really worth getting so angry about?

Old 11-09-2013, 12:08 PM
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Originally Posted by DCTandAWD?
Yes.
Especially when they could easily be resolved by one decision maker at GM pulling their head out of their a$$.

Although I empathize with the other issues people must face, they have absolutely no place in this conversation.


OK - I tried my best to provide prospective. Hang on to your anger . . . . .

Old 11-09-2013, 12:10 PM
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Originally Posted by DCTandAWD?
Agreed.
GM has their head up their a$$ when it comes to all season driving.
You can't even get AWD as an option for the 2014 CTS V-sport even though the XTS has the same drivetrain with AWD.

It makes me so angry that after 20 years of buying new Corvettes, I still cannot simply buy ONE Corvette to drive year round through the winter and I am forced to own a 2nd car that I would not have to own if I was willing to buy a GTR or 911. (I am NOT)
The fact that I am forced to drive an import if I want a quick AWD daily driver is insult added to injury for this loyal American Corvette buyer.
Have you even driven the C7 in weather conditions? With the weather mode, it's actually quite impressive. See this thread for a real-world experience.
Old 11-09-2013, 12:25 PM
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For the difference in price between a Vette and a AWD 911 or GTR, you can AFFORD a second car.
Old 11-09-2013, 12:58 PM
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I have driven my C6 Z51 for years in Michigan including deep snow... Key question: do you need snow traction?
Old 11-09-2013, 01:05 PM
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Originally Posted by -CM-
Have you even driven the C7 in weather conditions? With the weather mode, it's actually quite impressive. See this thread for a real-world experience.
I read that when he first posted it and recalled my own experiences with so-called "summer only" tires. My C6 was a DD and was driven year round, in temps as low as 20 degrees with nary a problem. Driving in pounding rain and temps in the high 30's was never a problem - a little common sense about reduced traction under these conditions goes a long way. Hell, I was even caught in snow once or twice

I find it rather amusing how some folks let their imaginations get the better of them

Last edited by KenHorse; 11-09-2013 at 01:08 PM.
Old 11-10-2013, 03:08 PM
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Thanks for the feedback all. For those that think these specific Z51 stock tires are well equipped to drive in cold weather in the North East, god bless you. With all due respect I disagree. Traction is not good and the tire chatter is much more (and yes I am an experienced driver). My Benz has P Nero Zero tires and they are awesome. I will check out the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 for those that are interested and give you some feedback. I am sure I will switch back next Spring.

Last edited by BPhillyc8; 11-10-2013 at 03:11 PM.
Old 11-10-2013, 08:05 PM
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Originally Posted by BPhillyc7
Thanks for the feedback all. For those that think these specific Z51 stock tires are well equipped to drive in cold weather in the North East, god bless you. With all due respect I disagree. Traction is not good and the tire chatter is much more (and yes I am an experienced driver). My Benz has P Nero Zero tires and they are awesome. I will check out the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 for those that are interested and give you some feedback. I am sure I will switch back next Spring.
Brian, you've seen this? Michelin PA4s

http://sandyblogs.com/techlink/?p=2330
Old 11-10-2013, 08:09 PM
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4 Wheel drive Silverado or F 250 in snow might work well
Old 11-10-2013, 08:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Litumup411
Brian, you've seen this? Michelin PA4s

http://sandyblogs.com/techlink/?p=2330
Thanks Mike!
Old 11-10-2013, 09:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Kent's 05 Coupe
4 Wheel drive Silverado or F 250 in snow might work well
Yep, the Silverado will work good to pull the F250 out of the ditch :-)

Still need good tires on those trucks...

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Old 11-10-2013, 09:27 PM
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Originally Posted by michaelinmech
Just as a heads up, there are people who have actual problems - unemployment, cancer, sons & daughters lost in Afghanistan, poverty, addiction, depression and on and on.

Realistically you, I, have Princely Problems. Are they really worth getting so angry about?

Be very, very careful. Common sense and perspective are not easily accepted by some.
Old 11-10-2013, 09:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Litumup411
Brian, you've seen this? Michelin PA4s

http://sandyblogs.com/techlink/?p=2330
Note the comment:

If frequent driving on ice or snow covered roads is expected, customers may want to consider installing winter tires.
I still say much ado about nothing except for those who drive in ice and snow or never learned how to reign themselves in
Old 11-10-2013, 10:22 PM
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be advised: michelin does not list that tire for Z51. it is listed for the stingray. enter Z51 and they list no winter tires for it.

it still may be able to be used on z51-equipped cars tho. but you may need different size wheels. thus, my first suggestion stands.

http://www.michelinman.com/tire-sele...tingray/tires#


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