New tire purchasing questions

I've got a 99 Accord EX 4 cyl sedan 89,280 miles. I'm starting to look for
new tires. Currently I have Toyo Spectrums and I really like them. I
figure technology has changed so I should at least look at other
manufactures. Living in Colorado means there's a need for the tires to deal
with snow. Not the deep stuff but light fluff which unfortunately turns to
ice when driven on so there's really not much I can do about that. While
handling is very important to me having a quite tire is important too. I
drive to California 2-3 times a year. The Bridgestone Turanza LS and Toyo
Proxes FZ4 are at the top of my list. Anyone running either of these tires
or have other recommendation? The OEM Michelins were terrible in all
aspects (MXV4 + energy). Also, do I have to stay with 195/65/15? Is there
any reason to change the tire size, if so, what can I go to without messing
anything up?

TIA,

Rick

 

I've heard good things about the Turanza LS as well. Apparently very quiet,
too. As far as FZ4 - their winter traction is not so good - they're more
dry performance oriented, albeit still all-season.

The best all-season tire in terms of winter performance is currently Nokian
WR, in my opinion. I just got a set of those for my g/f's Jetta in
Wisconsin (she refuses to use dedicated winter tires, so the WR is the next
best thing), 195/65/15, H-rated.

Heh... I had the same feelings. The worst all-season tires I've ever had.

You could plus-zero size to 205/60/15. It'll give you slightly more dry
grip and stability at higher speeds. It may increase fuel consumption
slightly due to higher rolling resistance.

Cheers,

Pete

 

I put Turanza LSTs on my 01 Odyssey two weeks ago. No snow out east
yet, but I've put 1000+ miles on now and like them. Quiet, well rated.

 

The November or December issue of Consumer Reports has a comparison of
tires - ice and snow traction are included. The test car was a 6th
generation Accord, so the results are especially relevant.

 

Don't know why your OEM Michelin's were so bad, but I just put a set of
Michelin HydroEdge tires on my 2000 Civic (185/65/14). HydroEdge tires are
relatively new to the market, and I only have about 1000 miles on 'em, but
so far they seem awesome. Really great handling in rain/wet snow, & living
in Canada, I was comforted to know that the HydroEdge has one of the lowest
freeze-points of any tires out there. It's cold up here!
-chris