TFL snow tire test
- Thread starter UG_Passat
- Start date
- Status
Testing methodology obviously questionable, but interesting nonetheless.
gathermewool
Site Donor 2023
Why would you preface the video with a disclaimer that we should go ahead and hate on their method. What and the why for!?
gathermewool
Site Donor 2023
OK, I just watched the video, and WHAT FLAWED TEST METHOD!!!
I like TFL Car - they're very entertaining. It would just be nice if they came up with some better, more common-sense approaches to testing than they do. In this instance, one VERY obvious, easy get would be to perform each test several times. Especially for the up-hill test, one slick spot that activates traction control early will KILL the run, which is what seemed to happen with the Dunlops.
Downhill: There's no way to know if you're braking on the exact same "straight"-line patch, so an average over several runs will wipe out a bit of error.
Finally, why not do the same runs with TC off and with X-Mode engaged? Seriously, it would have taken them less than an hour, cumulative, to perform the additional testing, and many of us would appreciate the data point.
Again, I like TFL Car - I think they're very entertaining, but they do NOT have a good grasp of the scientific method. I for sure would NOT send them my company's tire for them to test, since the comparison between each snow tire is inconclusive.
I like TFL Car - they're very entertaining. It would just be nice if they came up with some better, more common-sense approaches to testing than they do. In this instance, one VERY obvious, easy get would be to perform each test several times. Especially for the up-hill test, one slick spot that activates traction control early will KILL the run, which is what seemed to happen with the Dunlops.
Downhill: There's no way to know if you're braking on the exact same "straight"-line patch, so an average over several runs will wipe out a bit of error.
Finally, why not do the same runs with TC off and with X-Mode engaged? Seriously, it would have taken them less than an hour, cumulative, to perform the additional testing, and many of us would appreciate the data point.
Again, I like TFL Car - I think they're very entertaining, but they do NOT have a good grasp of the scientific method. I for sure would NOT send them my company's tire for them to test, since the comparison between each snow tire is inconclusive.
Winter tires are excellent for the COLD weather. Its not just about snow and ice. Freezing or below weather means your all seasons suck. I like to get a 2nd set of wheels with dedicated winter tires for my daily cars. It doesn't even snow that badly where i live. But i know i can have peak performance in the cold weather. i spent $300 for snow tires on mustang wheels for our Accord 5 years ago and they pay dividends every year. Probably need new ones next winter as they are getting old in DOTs. $350 for some new X ice tires on my stock VW wheels, plus $$ for upgraded summer 5x112s for the Golf. AWD? Not needed. Don't need to drive the truck just because there's 6" of snow out.
Consumer Reports gave the Cooper's a first place finish in their winter tire test, as well. Two-for-two wins for the Cooper True North is a good indication of their potential.
Tirerack says the True Norths are made in the Far East. I won't be buying them - a shame as I'm a Cooper fan...
Originally Posted by gathermewool
Why would you preface the video with a disclaimer that we should go ahead and hate on their method. What and the why for!?
Because naturally, someone here will find fault with their test methodology, and try to discredit them.
Why would you preface the video with a disclaimer that we should go ahead and hate on their method. What and the why for!?
Because naturally, someone here will find fault with their test methodology, and try to discredit them.
Originally Posted by Brigadier
Wow. I am surprised Subaru handicapped their 'superior AWD' car with crappy tires. My Santa Fe and TrueContact Tours have being going up and down roads like that with no issues.
While I'm pretty sure that other roads "like that" are uncommon, The test road was so steep its hard to walk on.
Subaru is well known for spec'ing really terrible in winter condition tires on their cars which they advertise as being esp. good in the winter.
The other day going in to work.. I didnt slip a tire with my blizzaks, then fell getting out of the car.. was like hockey rink ice under the light snow covering.
Luckily big fluffy winter coat kept me from damage.
Wow. I am surprised Subaru handicapped their 'superior AWD' car with crappy tires. My Santa Fe and TrueContact Tours have being going up and down roads like that with no issues.
While I'm pretty sure that other roads "like that" are uncommon, The test road was so steep its hard to walk on.
Subaru is well known for spec'ing really terrible in winter condition tires on their cars which they advertise as being esp. good in the winter.
The other day going in to work.. I didnt slip a tire with my blizzaks, then fell getting out of the car.. was like hockey rink ice under the light snow covering.
Luckily big fluffy winter coat kept me from damage.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
Originally Posted by UG_Passat
Originally Posted by gathermewool
Why would you preface the video with a disclaimer that we should go ahead and hate on their method. What and the why for!?
Because naturally, someone here will find fault with their test methodology, and try to discredit them.
Anything these guys do has questionable methodology.
Only thing this video proves is that generally snow tires are always right and only choice in snow.
However, here is where major problems are:
1. Those three tires do not fall in the same category of winter tires.
2. They did test using brand new tires without braking them in, meaning they did not make sure that all protective grease that comes with them is gone.
3. Although those two vehicles are same, there is age difference which means one vehicle could have different braking performance. They should take more time and test everything on silver Subaru.
Originally Posted by gathermewool
Why would you preface the video with a disclaimer that we should go ahead and hate on their method. What and the why for!?
Because naturally, someone here will find fault with their test methodology, and try to discredit them.
Anything these guys do has questionable methodology.
Only thing this video proves is that generally snow tires are always right and only choice in snow.
However, here is where major problems are:
1. Those three tires do not fall in the same category of winter tires.
2. They did test using brand new tires without braking them in, meaning they did not make sure that all protective grease that comes with them is gone.
3. Although those two vehicles are same, there is age difference which means one vehicle could have different braking performance. They should take more time and test everything on silver Subaru.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
Originally Posted by Brigadier
Wow. I am surprised Subaru handicapped their 'superior AWD' car with crappy tires. My Santa Fe and TrueContact Tours have being going up and down roads like that with no issues.
I am not. This is what 99% drivers of Subaru drive on because they have "symmetrical AWD." You should see [censored] show here in CO with SUbaru's when it gets really dicy.
Wow. I am surprised Subaru handicapped their 'superior AWD' car with crappy tires. My Santa Fe and TrueContact Tours have being going up and down roads like that with no issues.
I am not. This is what 99% drivers of Subaru drive on because they have "symmetrical AWD." You should see [censored] show here in CO with SUbaru's when it gets really dicy.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
Originally Posted by Rand
Originally Posted by Brigadier
Wow. I am surprised Subaru handicapped their 'superior AWD' car with crappy tires. My Santa Fe and TrueContact Tours have being going up and down roads like that with no issues.
While I'm pretty sure that other roads "like that" are uncommon, The test road was so steep its hard to walk on.
Subaru is well known for spec'ing really terrible in winter condition tires on their cars which they advertise as being esp. good in the winter.
The other day going in to work.. I didnt slip a tire with my blizzaks, then fell getting out of the car.. was like hockey rink ice under the light snow covering.
Luckily big fluffy winter coat kept me from damage.
Actually they are not. Anything that is not interstate in the Rockies is very steep and snowy.
I drive local roads all the time if it snows, when I go to ski (and that is twice a week) since interstate will be closed due to rental cars or truck blocking road.
If you have snows things are going to be fine. I drove those roads with FWD and snow tires, and as long as you have momentum you are fine.
Real problem are Subaru's, JEEP'S and pick-ups in these roads as drivers think their AWD is all thing they need. It is hard to explain to Subaru fans driving on the East Coast that they bought advertising not really capable car.
Originally Posted by Brigadier
Wow. I am surprised Subaru handicapped their 'superior AWD' car with crappy tires. My Santa Fe and TrueContact Tours have being going up and down roads like that with no issues.
While I'm pretty sure that other roads "like that" are uncommon, The test road was so steep its hard to walk on.
Subaru is well known for spec'ing really terrible in winter condition tires on their cars which they advertise as being esp. good in the winter.
The other day going in to work.. I didnt slip a tire with my blizzaks, then fell getting out of the car.. was like hockey rink ice under the light snow covering.
Luckily big fluffy winter coat kept me from damage.
Actually they are not. Anything that is not interstate in the Rockies is very steep and snowy.
I drive local roads all the time if it snows, when I go to ski (and that is twice a week) since interstate will be closed due to rental cars or truck blocking road.
If you have snows things are going to be fine. I drove those roads with FWD and snow tires, and as long as you have momentum you are fine.
Real problem are Subaru's, JEEP'S and pick-ups in these roads as drivers think their AWD is all thing they need. It is hard to explain to Subaru fans driving on the East Coast that they bought advertising not really capable car.
Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by Brigadier
Wow. I am surprised Subaru handicapped their 'superior AWD' car with crappy tires. My Santa Fe and TrueContact Tours have being going up and down roads like that with no issues.
I am not. This is what 99% drivers of Subaru drive on because they have "symmetrical AWD." You should see [censored] show here in CO with SUbaru's when it gets really dicy.
Seen it. So very many times...there and in Vermont...
After the crash, "But, but, I have AWD!!"
Originally Posted by Brigadier
Wow. I am surprised Subaru handicapped their 'superior AWD' car with crappy tires. My Santa Fe and TrueContact Tours have being going up and down roads like that with no issues.
I am not. This is what 99% drivers of Subaru drive on because they have "symmetrical AWD." You should see [censored] show here in CO with SUbaru's when it gets really dicy.
Seen it. So very many times...there and in Vermont...
After the crash, "But, but, I have AWD!!"
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
Originally Posted by Astro14
Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by Brigadier
Wow. I am surprised Subaru handicapped their 'superior AWD' car with crappy tires. My Santa Fe and TrueContact Tours have being going up and down roads like that with no issues.
I am not. This is what 99% drivers of Subaru drive on because they have "symmetrical AWD." You should see [censored] show here in CO with SUbaru's when it gets really dicy.
Seen it. So very many times...there and in Vermont...
After the crash, "But, but, I have AWD!!"
Not AWD, a Symmetrical AWD!
Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by Brigadier
Wow. I am surprised Subaru handicapped their 'superior AWD' car with crappy tires. My Santa Fe and TrueContact Tours have being going up and down roads like that with no issues.
I am not. This is what 99% drivers of Subaru drive on because they have "symmetrical AWD." You should see [censored] show here in CO with SUbaru's when it gets really dicy.
Seen it. So very many times...there and in Vermont...
After the crash, "But, but, I have AWD!!"
Not AWD, a Symmetrical AWD!
Originally Posted by edyvw
1. Those three tires do not fall in the same category of winter tires.
What category do they fall under? all 3 appear to be the regular studless max traction type?
Originally Posted by edyvw
Not AWD, a Symmetrical AWD!
There is a word for that... whole subaru first in the ditch or on their roof phenomenon "Subris"
I did notice they didnt "break-in" the tires. they should have driven all 3 sets for 500miles.
I have had tires that dramatically improved in traction, and somewhat improved handling after 500-1000miles..
1. Those three tires do not fall in the same category of winter tires.
What category do they fall under? all 3 appear to be the regular studless max traction type?
Originally Posted by edyvw
Not AWD, a Symmetrical AWD!
There is a word for that... whole subaru first in the ditch or on their roof phenomenon "Subris"
I did notice they didnt "break-in" the tires. they should have driven all 3 sets for 500miles.
I have had tires that dramatically improved in traction, and somewhat improved handling after 500-1000miles..
double post
I wish the delete post button worked.. but its been broke for 10 years.
While we can edit for awhile.. the post is immediately unable to be deleted.
which since that is the only purpose of a delete button. I feel that fits the description of BUG or BROKEN.
Feel free to delete this post. I was unable to after noticing the double post 2min after it posted.
I wish the delete post button worked.. but its been broke for 10 years.
While we can edit for awhile.. the post is immediately unable to be deleted.
which since that is the only purpose of a delete button. I feel that fits the description of BUG or BROKEN.
Feel free to delete this post. I was unable to after noticing the double post 2min after it posted.
Originally Posted by Rand
the post is immediately unable to be deleted.
which since that is the only purpose of a delete button. I feel that fits the description of BUG or BROKEN.
Heh... valid point. Might want to bring it up to Wayne's attention.
the post is immediately unable to be deleted.
which since that is the only purpose of a delete button. I feel that fits the description of BUG or BROKEN.
Heh... valid point. Might want to bring it up to Wayne's attention.
- Status
Similar threads
