Winter Handling Q from newbie

[TSS1]

I am very seriously considering a new SHO when my current 2007 Escalade lease expires soon. I had a 2006 AWD SRX V8 before the Escalade and was never happy with the winter abilities on stock all season tires. I am in Michigan, so winter traction is really important to me. Also, as much as it hurts, that also means I will likely not get the performance package. I drove a SHO in good weather, and fell in love with the size, NVH, interior, and acceleration. I just don't want to be disappointed when the white stuff comes. And, I really don't want two sets of rims/tires.

Anybody had a chance to try out any slippery driving conditions yet on stock 19s or 20s?

Thanks in advance.

Todd

 

[shobote]

You can look up the OEM tire used on the SHO on tirerack.com for winter snow traction ratings compared to the other brands out there. The tires you had on your Escalade were probably low-mid range for snow traction, as SUV tires OEM are typically well down the list from the best performers. I had a set of Pirelli's that were great for on road, A/S rated, but just horrible and no traction in the snow; then Good Year triple treads that were good only in a light snow, and now running Firestones that are great in light or heavy snow.

 

[wchain]

The 20" Rims on SHO with Perf Pkg is the Eagle F1 Supercrap.

The non PP 20" Rims SHO will have MXV4 Primacy. Not sure what the 19" is, but you may want to invest in some 17" or 18" wheels with snow tires to make it through the winter months.

 

[PonySHO]

The 20" Rims on SHO with Perf Pkg is the Eagle F1 Supercrap.

The non PP 20" Rims SHO will have MXV4 Primacy. Not sure what the 19" is, but you may want to invest in some 17" or 18" wheels with snow tires to make it through the winter months.

The 19"ers come with Goodyear RSAs. I bought a set of 18" wheels and got a set of Blizzak 225R60 18s. They are the exact same circumference as the Primacy 20"ers. We got hit with a that storm yesterday in Buffalo, but I haven't gone out in it yet. This is actually our first substantial snow, so I can't comment on them personally. If you're not familiar with Blizzaks, they're in between an all season and say, a BFG Traction TA. People rant and rave about them in the snow. The stock wheels have a 39mm offset and a 4.5" bolt pattern. You'll have to get a set of TPMS sensors for the wheels if you don't want the light to come on also. I got mine at American Muscle for $150 and they are actually genuine Ford parts except for the mounting band.

 

[wchain]

Good info. Fortunately in Texas, I dont have to worry about it. I do have an 18" rim from a 2008 Taurus that I will put a tire on and be using as my spare when I go on a trip. The sealant and compressor doesnt really inspire much confidence.

 

[thepawn]

On the Primacy 20" tires, they handled alright in a light snow I drove in last week...they're only designed for up to a light snow though folks still seem to rate them 6.9 of 10 (green) on tirerack for heavy snow.

 

[wchain]

Have you really pushed the Primacy MXV4 to see the handling at the limit?

 

[thepawn]

no, not yet, still trying to get used to the feel of the car, it's body roll and cornering are way different then my race-prep'd truck.

 

[PonySHO]

I went out last night, the main roads were all dry, but in my neighborhood roads were still packed and loose snow. The Blizzaks in combination with AWD seem like it's going to two thumbs up for extreme winter driving. The storm we had on Thursday was real blizzard conditions. I was dying to go out in it to see how the car would be, but why tempt fate.

 

[1970Bronco]

I just drove from Lincoln, NE to Council Bluffs, Iowa (65 miles) in freezing rain on ice covered roads. I have the 19's with the goodyears on them. I did fine at 50 MPH and passed many who were having a rough time of it.

 

[NebraskaSHO]

Yes I couldn't get up my driveway because of that rain, had to put ice melt out. Good to hear the AWD worked good in those conditions.

 

[TSS1]

I just drove from Lincoln, NE to Council Bluffs, Iowa (65 miles) in freezing rain on ice covered roads. I have the 19's with the goodyears on them. I did fine at 50 MPH and passed many who were having a rough time of it.

Thank you (and to all who responded too)! Any more real world experience with the 19s on factory Goodyears is greatly appreciated.

Todd