Stock Continentals in Snow?

[Willjones]

As he said, they don't have enough daily snow to warrant a dedicated winter tire. As for replacing the stock conti's, I don't think that they are stellar performers in the snow, but if you don't see snow everyday like we do here in CNY then, I would drive them, wear them out and replace them with a good A/S when the time comes. I find that people with Subarus (myself included) expect the best in snow, and without a dedicated snow tire, you just won't get the performance you are expecting. However compared to a FWD car with the same tires, you are going to be just fine.

[the evil twin]

Originally Posted by wilk53

Just got a new 2011 Outback that came with Continental ProContact tires.
How are these in snow? I'm worried because the vehicle I traded in (a 2009 Forester) was horrible in snow with the stock Bridgestone Dueler H/T D687 tires that came with it. We had numerous low speed spinouts in it. My wife was afraid to drive it in snow. We go up to the mountains frequently in winter but don't currently live in an area that gets snow so getting winter tires doesn't make sense. I was thinking if they were no good then maybe I'd get the Hankook Optima 727 tires and sell the Continentals. Be a shame since they are nice quiet riding tires (my Altima has them too).

Not sure where you live, but the stockers do fine for me. While I live near DC, when it snows I head north or west to find more (avid snowboarder family ). No problems on the highway, back roads or interstates. Occaisionaly, I'll do a little drifting through the round-a-bouts and the car tracks fairly true upon exit. If there is really slick stuff, I'll air down to 27psi all around.
If you're afraid to drive a 'Roo in the snow, Forrester or Outback or whatever and with whatever tires, you may as well not drive anything.

[mcbrew]

Originally Posted by jason beallie

As a current Forester owner that came with the B.S. Duellers, I can concur about the poor winter traction. I bought a set of General Altimax Arctics and they rock in wintery conditions. Unless you buy the Nokkian all weather tires, an 'all-season' tire is really just a compromise in all-season conditions.

Just bought a set of General Altimax Arctics mounted on 16" steeliness for the OB. Arrived today from Tire Rack. We don't get much snow, so I expect them to last many seasons. I have a lift at my disposal, so there's no problem swapping back and forth.