there are mixed reviews at tirerack.com re: SP5000. some say tire has great snow traction while others say it su##s in snow.

i drive 10-15 miles a day in annarbor and do you guys think SP5000 is capable enough for annarbor winters, or do i need some blizzaks?

 

Since nobody else is jumping in let me offer this ...

I just bought a set of Sp5000s for my "S" to get me through this winter in Wisconsin. The intention was to replace the SO2s with something more friendly to cold weather and adverse conditions. Jim @ Tirerack said these were the best all season radial for this car. Now, keep in mind that I am retired and can pick and choose when I venture out and under what conditions. However, I do want something to get me home if I get caught on the road when snow or freezing rain hits and I believe these will do the trick.

I lived in Ann Arbor for 5 years while going to school and had an Austin Healey Sprite as a daily driver with a 10 mile drive from the south end of town. Never had snow tires. Got a little loose in the backend without extra weight but the roads were plowed in a timely manner and driveable.

If you must get through in any conditions go for the LM-22 Blizzaks as they will get you through and provide decent handling in cold dry conditions. If you can wait for the snow plows, I would expect the SP5000s to give you good service in all conditions and allow you to save the SO2s for when it gets above 40 degrees on a regular basis.

Like I said, I just got mine and havn't actually tested my theory. If they don't do the trick this winter I will be swapping to the LM-22s.

Hope this helps ...