Topic: '21 VENZA winter tire decision

[dirtyjeffer]

got the Cross Climate 2 tires installed...just drove home so not much to report, but i can tell they do feel lighter when turning corners...the factory tires seemed to have a heavy steering feel (like the tires didn't really want to go around a corner that much)...these feel more "normal" (in terms of weight)...weather app says we are supposed to get some snow tonight, but i doubt it will stay on the roads.

[rrocket]

got the Cross Climate 2 tires installed...just drove home so not much to report, but i can tell they do feel lighter when turning corners...the factory tires seemed to have a heavy steering feel (like the tires didn't really want to go around a corner that much)...these feel more "normal" (in terms of weight)...weather app says we are supposed to get some snow tonight, but i doubt it will stay on the roads.

Keep us posted.

[EV Dan]

I think it may be due to inflation pressure difference.

[quadzilla]

I think it may be due to inflation pressure difference.

Not sure what this means. Wouldn't the tires be inflated to the correct pressure set on the door jam which would be the same pressure the OE tires were set at?

[EV Dan]

I think it may be due to inflation pressure difference.

Not sure what this means. Wouldn't the tires be inflated to the correct pressure set on the door jam which would be the same pressure the OE tires were set at?

If the original tires were not topped up since the summer, now they would be sitting at around 30-31 PSI, from initial 33. So when they got swapped and pressure was set to 33 or over (some shops like doing it to compensate for winter temps), there would be noticeable difference in cornering feel. Maybe none of the above happened, all I'm saying is from my personal experience, underinflated tires feel very differently. They ride nice in a straight line but are "jelly" in turns.

[quadzilla]

I think it may be due to inflation pressure difference.

Not sure what this means. Wouldn't the tires be inflated to the correct pressure set on the door jam which would be the same pressure the OE tires were set at?

If the original tires were not topped up since the summer, now they would be sitting at around 30-31 PSI, from initial 33. So when they got swapped and pressure was set to 33 or over (some shops like doing it to compensate for winter temps), there would be noticeable difference in cornering feel. Maybe none of the above happened, all I'm saying is from my personal experience, underinflated tires feel very differently. They ride nice in a straight line but are "jelly" in turns.

Ok, now it makes sense. Thanks.

[rrocket]

I think it may be due to inflation pressure difference.

Not sure what this means. Wouldn't the tires be inflated to the correct pressure set on the door jam which would be the same pressure the OE tires were set at?

If the original tires were not topped up since the summer, now they would be sitting at around 30-31 PSI, from initial 33. So when they got swapped and pressure was set to 33 or over (some shops like doing it to compensate for winter temps), there would be noticeable difference in cornering feel. Maybe none of the above happened, all I'm saying is from my personal experience, underinflated tires feel very differently. They ride nice in a straight line but are "jelly" in turns.

Yea..you won't notice 2 psi difference in handling on an SUV IMO.  Unless you already started way underinflated.

I don't even think I'd notice 2psi on the street in my Boxster.  And I can feel EVERYTHING through the wheel in that car.

[dirtyjeffer]

I think it may be due to inflation pressure difference.

Not sure what this means. Wouldn't the tires be inflated to the correct pressure set on the door jam which would be the same pressure the OE tires were set at?

If the original tires were not topped up since the summer, now they would be sitting at around 30-31 PSI, from initial 33. So when they got swapped and pressure was set to 33 or over (some shops like doing it to compensate for winter temps), there would be noticeable difference in cornering feel. Maybe none of the above happened, all I'm saying is from my personal experience, underinflated tires feel very differently. They ride nice in a straight line but are "jelly" in turns.

Yea..you won't notice 2 psi difference in handling on an SUV IMO.  Unless you already started way underinflated.

I don't even think I'd notice 2psi on the street in my Boxster.  And I can feel EVERYTHING through the wheel in that car.

tire pressure is fine...one difference with these tires is the tread profile...it isn't "flat" like most tires are...it has a slight curve to it so the center of the tire is slightly raised...if you were to exaggerate it, it's like a motorcycle tire...one of the things mentioned in many reviews were the "lighter steering feel" of the tire...in the case of my Venza, it's actually good because the stock tires felt heavy...these seem much more natural to turn...now, if you had a vehicle that was normal feeling to begin with, perhaps it may feel a little too light (although, i suppose you get used to it)...it's hard to describe so maybe i'm not explaining myself well.

[dirtyjeffer]

Here's a quick photo of the new rubber.

[marcus_go]

I recommended a set of Michelin Cross Climate 2s for my dad's Ridgeline rather than running 2x sets of summers/winters.  Lots of good reviews out there on the CC2 and they will work well on the Ridgeline with its full time torque vectoring AWD system.

So far so good in the dry and wet. Will be interesting to see how they perform with some snow, but here is Vancouver area, that is always an unknown with our mostly wet winters with the occasional snow event. Winters don't have the greatest traction in the wet, but the Michelin CCs really excel in that area.

I think all weathers are a good option for people who live in area where winters are milder and not as severe. Storing/mounting two sets of 18-20" tires that most cars and trucks seem to come with nowadays can be a real pain. I do think there is still a benefit in running dedicated winters, but the all weathers seem to be closing the gap with each new generation.

[dirtyjeffer]

listed the factory tires on facebook marketplace...let the fun begin. 

[tortoise]

How much are you asking for them?

[dirtyjeffer]

How much are you asking for them?

$400 or best offer for all four...i've had a few inquiries but no takers as of yet.

[EV Dan]

How much are you asking for them?

$400 or best offer for all four...i've had a few inquiries but no takers as of yet.

Don't go less than 400. This very tire costs over 200+tax and the cheapest of reasonable quality is on sale at Crappy for 170+tax.

[dirtyjeffer]

i just want them gone...i'll take what i can get...my wife can't part in the garage until they are sold as they're in the way.

[Ex-airbalancer]

i just want them gone...i'll take what i can get...my wife can't part in the garage until they are sold as they're in the way.

Put them outside

[dirtyjeffer]

i just want them gone...i'll take what i can get...my wife can't part in the garage until they are sold as they're in the way.

Put them outside

it would be nice to get some money for them though...have a guy who said he'd pick them up at 4pm for $200...told him the first person here with cash buys them...we'll see if he shows up.

[dirtyjeffer]

guy showed up and took them...$200 cash...i'm just thankful i found a buyer for them (was worried it would be quite difficult to sell them).

[EV Dan]

 

[EV Dan]

Update. Rolled on the new General Arctic 12 winters for a couple of weeks. Was expecting to find some shortcomings but so far there are none. Compared to the previous ver. of Arctics these are super quiet and my tire guy has balanced them perfectly - no vibration at any speed. Going from 19 to 18" the ride has become a little softer, I think. Also, the rubber compound is not as soft as on my previous X-ice3, which could be a pro and a con at the same time. Very happy with them so far. Will update on the snow traction in a few weeks.