Winter Tires vs All-seasons in Chicago

[Chedman13]

So, winter is coming soon. Thoughts on buying dedicated winter tires in Chicago? There are only a few occasions where the tire is on snow, where the most is on cleared pavement/slush.

My thoughts:

1. Below 45 degrees F, the winter compound drastically starts to improve traction due to the compound being able to stay softer.
2. Winter tire + cleared pavement = tires wear out very fast
3. Below 5 degrees F, on snow and ice is where snow tires really make a difference as seem by some online research.

All that being said, I'm on the fence on whether to try out winter tires. I decided to put my 22's in for storage and break out my 20's OEM. I just don't know whether to buy my tried and tested Ventus RH06 or buy either the Blizzak DM-Z3 or Hankook I Pike RW11 snow tires. I don't know much about the I Pike, but I like Hankook and the T rated vs the Q rated of the Blizzak makes me assume they may fare better for my purposes (total assumption).

Just trying to see opinions on what people in my situation would do. The main reason for snows tires is safety, but I also don't want to spend $600+ on tires just to use them for 2 winter seasons. I would most likely put them on in late November and take them off in late April when all the salt is off the roads, which is a longer time period than most snow tires (maybe?)?

 

[asherchy]

i have the dunlop m3s and as i live in LA they see a lot of dry highway time... my snow traction was amazing and i easily put several thousand miles on them last season and the tread still looks new.... dont know if that helps but its my 4 pesos

 

[Chedman13]

i have the dunlop m3s and as i live in LA they see a lot of dry highway time... my snow traction was amazing and i easily put several thousand miles on them last season and the tread still looks new.... dont know if that helps but its my 4 pesos

Your 4 pesos helps. I wish Dunlop M3's cames in 265/50/20, but only in the 18 size. Those are even more sporty, as they come up to V rated and would fair better on the highway like you mention.

I think you convinced me to just try it out. I'll try out the Hankook I Pike due to the higher speed rating.

 

[Pupp]

I have always used Blizzaks as my dedicated winter rubber when necessary, and have always been very happy with their performance. I'm just going to run my OEM A/S tires for this upcoming winter and see how they go. Apparently we are going to get a cold one this winter in Chicago.