Tell me about winter tires?
Where do you purchase? How much? Better traction? It is getting cold here and find that my heater does not put out much heat... Anybody else having this problem?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by kannonvaggon on -
We were just noting the last few days that the Smart heater and also the heated seats were working quite nicely. Good heater and defrost output and temperature.
Maybe ya gots to move the knobs er sumthin? Got a critter takin up residence in the heater blower? Lost any small kids lately?
:-)
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Permalink Reply by SCOA on -
No winter tires for me here in Seattle but I will be getting my tires rotated here very soon.
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Permalink Reply by jackb on -
Since South Dakota just got a major snow dump, I can see why you would be inquiring. And yes, I personally think that winter treads (on all four wheels, not just the back end) are a good idea. There is lots of discussion about performance modifications to cars, but it is my experience that good (and appropriate) tires are one of the best investments you can make in bettering your car's performance and safety. If you are looking to stay with the original tire size that came on your smart (it's usually not a good idea to go with a wider tire for use in snow), I have found two options available in North America. One is the Pirelli Winter 190 SnowControl (I know this is available online from the Tire Rack, which will deliver them to you via UPS, but I suspect other dealers will be able to supply them as well). The other is the ContiWinterContact TS 800 from Continental Tire. This one will probably be harder to find, but local dealers of Continental products may be able to order it for you, or your smart dealer may stock it.
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Permalink Reply by Sharon Baseman on -
It just started getting cold here in the Detroit area and I find that my heater and heated seats both work great -- especially the seats! Nice and toasty.
I've been debating about whether or not to get snow tires. I guess I'll wait until the first snow and then decide. I'm pretty sure they're available at our local dealership.
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Permalink Reply by jwight on -
FWIW, just got a set of the Pirelli 190s on Rial wheels from Tire Rack; will have them on before the snow flies. Have seen several posts on smartcarofamerica.com about the lack of grip with stock all season tires in the snow. In addition, your owners manual (pg 208) mentions the use of snow (winter) tires for optimum handling in snow:
"Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry road
conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated tires
provide special winter performance. Make
sure the tires you use show the mountain/
snowflake marking.on the tire sidewall.
These tires meet specific snow traction
performance requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and have
been designed specifically for use in snow
conditions. Use of winter tires is the only way
to achieve the maximum effectiveness of the
ABS and ESP® in winter operation.
For safe handling, make sure that all mounted
winter tires are of the same make and have the
same tread design.
Always observe the speed rating of the winter
tires installed on your vehicle. If the maximum
speed for which your tires are rated is below
the speed rating of your vehicle, you must
place a notice to this effect where it will be
seen by the driver. Such notices are available
at your tire dealer or any authorized smart
center."
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Permalink Reply by RocketJohn on -
to SCOA:
unless you've got new wheels and tires (not stock) you won't be rotating your wheels and tires... front and rears are different sizes... just an fyi...
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