Guys, I live in Toronto, Canada, and as some of you know, we get pretty harsh winters here most of the time... I was wondering if any of you know how well the stock tires perform in the snow and slippery weather... I'm about to buy a Protege 5 and would just like to get an idea of the costs, etc =)
Should I get winter tires?

Thanks!

 

Well, I would definately recommend winter tires. Even though I live in Maine, and more then 6 hours driving from Canada, I can tell that winter surve their purpose. Stock tires can't even, sometimes, handle bad rainy weather, let alone snow and ice. It is a great investment! I would get all four though, and not mix them up, because you want to have the same wear and tear. I am not sure about Canadian Laws, but in the US, on front wheel drive cars, if you were to put studded tires, you would have to get all four tires. As for just winter tires, I think you should be fine. IMO

 

Thanks for the quick reply! =)

Anyone else would like to input on this?

Thanks

 

I think stock tires would handle better on dry ground and also wet weather. Stock tires put more contact patch to the ground and also have tread patterns that shed away water better.

Snow tires are well just for snow, and maybe ice. So, with that in mind, it all depends on how much you think it will snow.

Wait, you're in Toronto too! Well in that case, I think snow tires are a good investment for those occasional snowstorms. But since, it doesn't snow that much these years, I wouldn't choose one with too aggressive a tread pattern, and also the stock tires with too small a sidewall, will do no good in deep snow not to mention the stock rims may be scratched.

A friend of mine didn't get snow tires last year but he was fine. But this year he got a set (make sure you get 4 preferably on steelies) most likely because his stock tires were wearing down.
I got a set last year, my mom did actually. Pirelli Snowsport 210 195/55H R15, they don't have an aggresive tread, but it's still fine for snowstorms and is fairly quite and capable of high speeds.

The Pro5 also counter steers nicely in snow, when the car starts the understeer. As with all cars, don't get drive fast in snow though.

Hope this helps.