Snow tires on a Loyale

[Decimal Cat]

Hey folks,

Since in another 10,000 miles it'll be time to replace the all-season
tires on my 91 Loyale 4WD, I'm considering getting a nice set of snow tires
for winter use. However, I've heard that putting snow tires on my car will
destroy the 4WD system slowly, because it will remove much of the slippage
between the front and rear wheels in slippery conditions. (Yeah, I know
better than to use my 4WD on dry pavement. )

Any truth to this? I'll also be calling up the local Subaru dealer's
service office tomorrow and asking their opinion - just wanted to get some
input from people who've done it. I realize these older Subarus are often
used as off-road beaters, but mine is a hardworking daily driver that I plan
on making last for quite a long time, so the possibility of damage is a
definate concern.

I suspect this information isn't correct, but rather lore of some sort.
Again, though, I want to be sure before I stake my 4WD components on it. . .

Thanks in advance,

 

[No Way]

Hey folks,

Since in another 10,000 miles it'll be time to replace the all-season
tires on my 91 Loyale 4WD, I'm considering getting a nice set of snow tires
for winter use. However, I've heard that putting snow tires on my car will
destroy the 4WD system slowly, because it will remove much of the slippage
between the front and rear wheels in slippery conditions. (Yeah, I know
better than to use my 4WD on dry pavement. )

Where did you get that strange theory?
Buy whatever you can afford
Make them all the same brand and size
End of story
Enjoy your driving

 

[Charlez]

Im my experience, snow tire will not wear the 4WD at all. I have ALWAYS
installed snow tires on all my Subies and they are gread. I had older 4WD
models and newer AWD models and they are no problems at all.

I have a friend that put some 186/80R13 on his 1992 Loyale
They are much bigger than stock but they are great in snow. Also they look
great, much nicer looking than the stock size. It almost adds an "OUTBACK"
look to the car. However, they change the speedometer reading by almost 10%

I used to ride my 1988 RX with 185/80R13 in winter and 205/60R13 in summer

As for the brand, most snow tire are OK. Personnaly I am not satisfied with
my Gislaved North Frost2. They almost feel like four seasons tires but a
had a good experience with the Cooper wintermark. They are great in snow
but noisy and average on ice. Same thing for Canadian tire Nordic
Wintertrak (OEM Bfgoodrich).

Charles Leblanc
2000 Impreza wagon

 

[Fx199]

They almost feel like four seasons tires but a

had a good experience with the Cooper wintermark. They are great in snow
but noisy and average on ice. Same thing for Canadian tire Nordic
Wintertrak (OEM Bfgoodrich).

Charles Leblanc
2000 Impreza wagon

I have Cooper weathermaster snow tires, and the difference is like night and
day! Cooper has a higher grade of snow tire, but not in the size that fits my
84 4wd tercel wagon.......13 inch

 

[J999w]

I have Cooper weathermaster snow tires, and the difference is like night and

day! Cooper has a higher grade of snow tire, but not in the size that fits my
84 4wd tercel wagon.......13 inch

Cooper used to make the Wintermaster ... an awesome tread design for deep snow.
Other companies make a Wintermaster with the same tread. Highly recommended in
a narrow profile size!

I'm running a generic "Widetrack SR" which is essentially a small truck tire in
a 14" size. The size that I have is a little wide for deeper snow and tends to
swim a bit but grips like mad in windblown snow, packed snow, or slush. A
really nice tire and looks good with the white raised lettering.

jw
milwaukee

 

[Fx199]

Subject: Re: Snow tires on a Loyale

From: (e-mail address removed) (J999w)
Date: 2/12/2004 3:41 PM US Eastern Standard Time


Cooper used to make the Wintermaster ... an awesome tread design for deep
snow.
Other companies make a Wintermaster with the same tread. Highly recommended
in
a narrow profile size!

I'm running a generic "Widetrack SR" which is essentially a small truck tire
in
a 14" size. The size that I have is a little wide for deeper snow and tends
to
swim a bit but grips like mad in windblown snow, packed snow, or slush. A
really nice tire and looks good with the white raised lettering.

jw
milwaukee

Weather-master is Cooper's snow tire series now.
Weather-master xgr is their top of the line.
As far as utilizing a small truck truck tire, I like Goodyear wranglers.

Cooper and Goodyear are the only american tire companies that I know of.
Cooper owns Mickey Thompson and Hercules also.