Tire fit no rubbing at full lock so I ordered three more. The increased diameter is noticeable under acceleration, but I can live with it.
Another vote for the Firestone Winterforce tires... Michigan's Upper Peninsula, with LOTS of snow, and I travel the entire area. Most of what we get is snow, minimal ice, and after experimenting with several different brands we go back to the Winterforce every time.
That being said if you're looking for cheap NEW winter tires, Firestone Winterforce tires are fantastic. They're kind of loud, but they work great.
Other than the heavy feeling at low speed (and a little bit of throttle fixes that), I think that most of the difference that I've experienced so far can be pinned on tires rather than the rack itself - feedback of the 14" Cooper H rated tires are slow and sloppy when compared to the BFG summer tires on our other car. I do like the faster ratio of the manual rack though, and I can feel the tug of the tires in rutted suburban streets, so feedback is good, if a little muted through the tires.
ive got those same coopers on my geo and they seem to do well. but they are clearly an AT tire.
Recommend a switch to "Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring" tires. I have a 2011 Tiguan SE. Replaced my stock 17-inch Continentals after 7,500 miles because they were too noisy and I had 2 flats within a month. Did considerable research on all-weather tires before I settled on the Cooper CS5 . . a new unique tread design and rubber compounds. There was a 100% improvement in my SUV's handling, as well as a soft, quiet ride. Now have 54k on this SUV, and my W-rated tires remain almost like new.
I just saw a sedan with this package and it looked like quite an upgrade compared to a regular Focus. Playing around with the configurator it doesn't seem like it is available on the hatch for some reason, but it really changed the character of the sedan. The tires are wide and it looks hunkered down with a restrained body kit.
I've been exceptionally happy with the Cooper RS3 tires on my Focus - I'd take a serious look for your car. They are sticky, quiet and good in the rain.
I am in St. John's, Newfoundland and have Cooper Weather-Master WSC in a 235/55r17. I didn't stud them and they are excellent.
Those firestones are horrible. The dealer wants to give you them because they are the cheapest option....if you want winter tires without studs, get something better that was designed to not have studs in the first place.
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