jjbayr Posted November 12, 2010 Report Share Posted November 12, 2010 I recently took delivery of my new 2011 Edge Sport and have loved most everything about it (except perhaps the erratic behavior of the Microsoft Sync interface), but I'll use another post for that topic. I've got just under 4,000 miles on it so far with the 22" wheel setup. (Have gotten lots of looks with this new "Hottie", I might add, more than I get lately with my Cayenne Turbo!) Since I travel 45-50 miles morning and evening to my office, on secondary roads in Minnesota, I just installed a set of winter wheels and tires, Bridgestone Blizzaks (245/60R18 s) on OZ wheels. My first trip out of the shop, it was raining and I seemed to notice a little understeer, like it may have been a little slippery. But now the roads are dry again and it still feels a little "swervy" when I rock the steering wheel back and forth. Does anyone else out there have any experience with this tire? I checked the air pressure and topped them off to 40 lbs, as it recommended. This made no difference (they were initially at 35 lbs). I realize the rubber is much softer and suspect that maybe the new deep treads of this soft rubber is causing this handling feel, but would like to hear from someone that might confirm this or offer another explanation perhaps? Thanks for your reply... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrHappy Posted November 15, 2010 Report Share Posted November 15, 2010 Winter tires always feel "mushy" to me, probably due to that monster tread and soft rubber. Hoping we don't need em in Ohio but we'll see I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AXCL Posted November 15, 2010 Report Share Posted November 15, 2010 It would be my guess as well that its just the change to winter tires and the large difference in sidewall size. The 22's are pretty firm, but going from that to 18's will make your Edge quite bouncy in comparison. I haven't put my winters on yet, but that's what I'm worried about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjbayr Posted November 24, 2010 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2010 After driving them for a few hundred miles, they now feel "normal". UNfortunately, we've had some ICY and snowy weather to put them to use. Fortunately, the Blizzaks hug the road in spite! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choff1138 Posted November 24, 2010 Report Share Posted November 24, 2010 just for a note.... I have the stock Michelan (I don't know how to spell this....) 18's that came with the car on my limited AWD and with the Freezing rain and ice storm we have had for the last three days here in Alaska, the car has handled great. Nothing seemed to work perfectly besides not going out or going extremely slow if you did, but I would say the tires held their own and I am sticking with my decision to not worry about switching to studs. (we either stay with all weather up here or get studded tires) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSUFetch Posted November 30, 2010 Report Share Posted November 30, 2010 I had Blizzaks on my car (not the Edge) and they are exactly as you describe. The Blizzaks are made of a dual compund. The first 60% is a very soft and spongy rubber that has many sipes to give the water a place to go. That's what makes them such a good ice tire. I went from 17" wheels with Toyo T1-s tires in the usmmer to 16" wheels with the Blizzaks and they turned my Mazda6 into a Buick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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