Anybody try those Goodyear TripleTreds in the winter?

[Sheldon]

I just got an Outback ('97) with Michelin studdless winter tires on it (just
picked up the car - second Subaru). I live at a ski resort and I've had
great luck with Blizzaks. The Michelins are good, but I'm not sure if I
don't think they're as good at the Blizzaks because the Outback is so much
heavier than my Loyale. (The Loyale is much more fun to drive.)

Anyway, I'd love to put "one" set of tires on for everything, and I live at
a ski resort with plenty of ice and snow. Has anybody tried those Goodyear
TripleTreds on their Subi in ice and snow. They get good write-ups, and the
specs on ice seem about as good at studdless tires.

Any and all thoughts welcome.

Thanks.

Sheldon

 

[Grolch]

I have had the triple treads on my 04 forester for over 20,000 km
(14months). I have had the car up at Mt Washington (Vancouver Island) where
they often have a "All vehicles must mount chains" flasher during severe
weather. While these are not snow and ice tires, they perform very very
well. During a coastal snowfall last winter when I first got them I went out
to look for the most challenging hills in my hometown (Nanaimo, British
Columbia). There are steep hill here! The plows had not been out and I was
able to calmly drive the vehicle anywhere I tried. The biggest difference is
in side ways grip. I think genuine studless type modern snow tires have an
advantage there. I haven't driven them on snow packed highways at higher
speeds yet. In my opinion these are the best all around tire I have ever
used. Wet pavement grip is like no tire I have ever driven. We also have a
90 Legacy with studless snowies on it (Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice). and in my
opinion they are no better than then Triple treads except for side traction
and probably pure glazed ice.

 

[BobN]

I put Comfortreads on my OBW at the end of December. While not generally
considered as good in snow as the triples, I can say firsthand that even
these are extremely reliable in ice/snow.

 

[Sheldon]

I have had the triple treads on my 04 forester for over 20,000 km
(14months). I have had the car up at Mt Washington (Vancouver Island) where
they often have a "All vehicles must mount chains" flasher during severe
weather. While these are not snow and ice tires, they perform very very
well. During a coastal snowfall last winter when I first got them I went
out to look for the most challenging hills in my hometown (Nanaimo, British
Columbia). There are steep hill here! The plows had not been out and I was
able to calmly drive the vehicle anywhere I tried. The biggest difference
is in side ways grip. I think genuine studless type modern snow tires have
an advantage there. I haven't driven them on snow packed highways at higher
speeds yet. In my opinion these are the best all around tire I have ever
used. Wet pavement grip is like no tire I have ever driven. We also have a
90 Legacy with studless snowies on it (Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice). and in my
opinion they are no better than then Triple treads except for side traction
and probably pure glazed ice.

Well, Subies will "go" with just about any kind of tire. What about
stopping in ice and snow?

 

[phillystyle]

I just put Tripletreds on my '03 Baja. I got them just in time for the
recent 12"+ snow here in the Philly area. I live in a hilly town and work
in a hilly town 30 miles away. I have to say these Tripletreds are pretty
awesome. True, Subies do go with just about any kind of tires but when I
first got out for a drive that snowy morning I really put the tires
through their paces - I was impressed with the ability to accelerate from
a dead stop and the ability to stop on snowy roads.

I'd say while they do cost a little bit more, these Tripletreds will still
be a great deal if they hold up in terms of performance and lst anywhere
near the 80,000 advertised. Plus, Goodyear also throws in roadside
assistance and some other perks.

I'm diggin' my Tripletreds and hoping for more heavy snow. )

 

[ruzicka]

I recently purchased Tripletreds for my 2000 Forester, and really like
them, so far. While I live in the Denver area, we haven't had any good
snow since I got them, so I can't attest to their capability in
snow/ice. The only drawback I've found so far is that I seem to be
getting about 1 - 2 mpg less fuel economy on average. It could be
though that I haven't found the "optimum" tire pressures to use for
these tires yet (anybody have a suggestion?).

Paul

 

[Grolch]

The 1-2 mpg less mileage is more likely due to different circumference
reather than actual mpg. I've had the TT's for over a year now on my 04
Forester. IMO, the best all around tire I have driven yet.

 

[ruzicka4613]

Hmmm....I could've sworn that the TripleTreds were the exact same size
as the Firestones they replaced; the Firestones were pretty new as well
(they were on the car when I purchased it used), I just didn't like
their handling in snow.

 

[Grolch]

They may be nominaly the same size but actual circumference may be different
by anywhere from 1 - 4%.

 

[ruzicka4613]

Well, I lowered the pressure from what Discount Tire put in (they
always seem to go to the max allowed pressure), and got back at least
1 mpg. I'll play with the pressure a bit more and see if I can do any
better.

 

[AS]

There are good reviews at www.tirerack.com.

The fuel consumption issue seems to be there.

Good luck