Snow tires!

[Chevyguy]

Tire Rack recommends 16" Not sure about the 215/65/16 but the overall diameter is good so the tires won't look too short 27" / 28.4" nominal sizes


2004 Mercury Marauder
Front: 215/65R16
Sidewall Style: Blackwall
Serv. Desc: 98Q
UTQG: None Price: $87.00 (each)
Estimated Availability: In Stock
Qty:
Optional Road Hazard Program: Add $10.44 per tire

Rear: 225/70R16
Sidewall Style: Blackwall
Serv. Desc: 102Q
UTQG: None Price: $88.00 (each)
Estimated Availability: In Stock
Qty:
Optional Road Hazard Program: Add $10.56 per tire
Add Studding: $15 each
Add Road Hazard: $42.00
Set of 4: $350.00


These General Altimax review real good, http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=Altimax+Arctic&partnum=165QR6AMAXA&partnum=27QR6AMAXA&vehicleSearch=true&index=1&fromCompare1=yes&wTireSet=1&frontTire=165QR6AMAXA&rearTire=27QR6AMAXA&autoMake=Mercury&autoYear=2004&autoModel=Marauder&autoModClar=&tab=Survey

next best appear to be the Pirielli Scorpion

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Pirelli&tireModel=Scorpion+Ice+%26+Sno w&partnum=165R6SCORIS&partnum=27R6SCORIS&vehicleSearch=true&index=3&fromCompare1=yes&wTireSet=3&frontTire=165R6SCORIS&rearTire=27R6SCORIS&autoMake=Mercury&autoYear=2004&autoModel=Marauder&autoModClar=&tab=Survey

There are a few options for 16" wheels, I would really NOT want steel crown Vic ones, some of the 16" Merc/Vic wheels look nice. What do you guys who drive in the winter do? From My Vic experience winter = winter tires no exceptions!

[liquid]

I bought $99 aluminum 17's from discounttiredirect for winter use. Need some better rubber than the Dunlops I have on there though...
http://www.moldyrabbit.com/liquid/mm/m_081031_wheels1.jpg

[babbage]

With your 2004 you have traction control etc, won't the 16" wheels mess it up?

I went with 235-55-17 which is very close to the factory 18" size.

I got a heck of a deal on craigslist for the wheels. Blizzack-LM22's were on closeout at the rack too.

Heres the link ChevyGuy:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=57137

[rayjay]

Those are the sizes that the rack came up with for a tire package when these cars were new. Thats what I ran here in the snow belt (studded rears) with a 04 with no problems. My package is also for sale, locally if anyone is interested. PM for details.

[Chevyguy]

With your 2004 you have traction control etc, won't the 16" wheels mess it up?

I went with 235-55-17 which is very close to the factory 18" size.

I got a heck of a deal on craigslist for the wheels. Blizzack-LM22's were on closeout at the rack too.

Heres the link ChevyGuy:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=57137

As long as you have the proper rear/front stagger it will be fine.

Stock Sizes are 27.3/28.6 R/F = 1.048
New Size 27/28.4 R/F = 1.052 0.3% higher well within tolerance

Can be done with 17" but some of the sizes have no snow tires avail.

[ctrlraven]

I run Winterforce 235/70-16 (front) and 255/70-16 (rear) on 16" cvpi steelies.

[mossiehorn]

I went with 17's,
Michelin X-Ice
Rear 235/65/17 - 29
Front 215/60/17 – 27.2
been fine thru 2 winters so far

[JOEMERC]

Its not the rim height that messes it up ,its the tire size ,i run 225-70-16 same height as 245-55-18 .and yes i have traction control .no proplems.and i run 225-60-16 in front.for my winter wheels.

[jeffrt]

I have the General Altimax tires, and am very happy with them.
First time I've ever had snow tires, and I'm amazed at the grip in the snow.
I went with the 16" CVPI rims, and staggered the tires to match the OEM setup. Not sure what sizes they are though - still put away.

[Mr. Man]

Used the Pirelli Scorpions two years ago and they worked great. Didn't drive the MM last winter but still put the 16" Pirellis on just in case. In fact we had the snows on at Kentucky two years ago and had no problems keeping up with the hoyti-toyti crowd:) If you have an "04 keep the staggered sizes.

[illwood]

I run Winterforce 235/70-16 (front) and 255/70-16 (rear) on 16" cvpi steelies.

I run the 215/65-16 on the front and 225/70-16 of the Winterforce and I've been quite pleased with their performance in the three winters that I've run them and two of those winters have been pretty severe. They're especially good for the money.

Depending on local laws and the severity of the weather, the Winterforce can be studded.

[guspech750]

I have 16" aluminum Grand Marquis rims with Hankook Icebear tires. My fronts are 235/60 R16's and my rear tires are 235/70 R16's. I have an 04 with no T/C problems what so ever.

http://www.originalwheels.com/mercury-wheels/images/mercury-grandmarquis-rims-3496-b.jpg

[-Matt-]

I dont dare drive mine in the winter

[Motorhead350]

I have the tire rack package and use it. They work fine. This winter will be my third with these tires and wheels.

[Plutonic]

I just picked up a set of 16" Taurus wheels on Craigs for $40, and I was worried the other day as to whether or not they would work, seeing as the Marauder sits very low. But I guess that's not a problem, since a few of you guys are running 16's. I'm assuming I should get a fatter sidewall, to give it a little more clearance. Any thoughts? I've never bothered getting winter tires for my beast, and its terrified me a few times, so I figured I wouldn't push my luck again this year and wreck it...

[tremblay]

Like alot of you, I am also in the market for winter tires. Since I got an extra set of the stock MM rims I will be running 18" tires. I think I have made my choice. I will be going with Pirelli/Scorpion Ice and Snow. The price is fair for 18" tires. I'm thinking of running 235/55/18 and 245/60/18. Shouldn't affect my traction control? What do you guys think?

[guspech750]

I am fine with my 16's for the snow but my ego would love another set of MM rims for the winter though.

[tremblay]

Don't want to start an other threat about this...

235/55/18 and 245/60/18. Shouldn't affect my traction control? What do you guys think?

Simply looking for someone to confirm this with me before i make a 600-700$ purchase....

Thanks

[ctrlraven]

Don't want to start an other threat about this...

235/55/18 and 245/60/18. Shouldn't affect my traction control? What do you guys think?

Simply looking for someone to confirm this with me before i make a 600-700$ purchase....

Thanks
As far as a winter tire package? Front tire is 28.2" diameter and rear is 29.6" diameter. It should be fine with the traction control. Though I highly recommend not using the stock wheels for winter use, salt/sand mixtures will do a number on them.

[tremblay]

As far as a winter tire package? Front tire is 28.2" diameter and rear is 29.6" diameter. It should be fine with the traction control. Though I highly recommend not using the stock wheels for winter use, salt/sand mixtures will do a number on them.


I have 2 sets of stock wheels! One that I purchased specifically for winter use :D

[ctrlraven]

Should of gone with some 16" or 17" wheels, tires are cheaper. What brand were you going to go with?

[tremblay]

I agree with you 100% that tires on 16" or 17" are cheaper and it would of been the smarter solution as narrower tires are also better in the snow but I find our cars are not the same without the stock wheels. I find they make the car + i picked up the wheels for only 250$.

I will be going with Pirelli/Scorpion Ice and Snow.

[illwood]

Don't want to start an other threat about this...

235/55/18 and 245/60/18. Shouldn't affect my traction control? What do you guys think?

Simply looking for someone to confirm this with me before i make a 600-700$ purchase....

Thanks

You should PM courtmarshall, he uses a set of black powdercoated MM wheels and what I think are Pirelli Scorpions for winter tires.

[jdando]

I run Hankook Icebears 235/50/18 in the front and 255/55/18 in the rear. Traction control works just fine.

[tremblay]

Thanks for the replies. tirerack has shipped my order. I'll give you my review once i get them installed and when we get some snow. Now i'm off to get the car undercoated.

[tremblay]

I received the tires yesterday. They look nice but HUGE! They are the exact dimensions I ordered so I'm sure they are fine but for some reason they look enormous. I will get them installed as soon as I get my rim back from the shop. In 2 weeks or so. I will also be posting pictures. If it can help out anyone great...

Sorry for hijacking thread....

[tremblay]

Hey guys!!! I have another question!!!! I want to go with CARFIXERs alignment spes but can I still do that since i'm going with a slightly different tire size?

[Burgundy_cruise]

In New England. Driving an '04 with traction control and ABS for six years. All season BFG tires, original size and factory specs. Avoid driving the Merc on days and weeks when there's snow, ice, or sleet on the road or in the weather report. A small pickup with 4wd gets good usage.

Question: Is there one tire company that makes snow tires for the different size front and rear wheels, per original specs? The tire shoppe found one company that matches the rear tire size, and a few that match the front tire size. But, no match for both the front and rear. The said the tread, tracking, and temperature factors should be the same all around. The user manual agrees. Anyone know of a new or used set?

[tremblay]

In New England. Driving an '04 with traction control and ABS for six years. All season BFG tires, original size and factory specs. Avoid driving the Merc on days and weeks when there's snow, ice, or sleet on the road or in the weather report. A small pickup with 4wd gets good usage.

Question: Is there one tire company that makes snow tires for the different size front and rear wheels, per original specs? The tire shoppe found one company that matches the rear tire size, and a few that match the front tire size. But, no match for both the front and rear. The said the tread, tracking, and temperature factors should be the same all around.
The user manual agrees. Anyone know of a new or used set?

If there's one, I don't know it. After all my research on this site and many tire sites there are no tire company that makes winter tires for our cars. You have to go with the ones that meet the specs as close as possible....

[rayjay]

Use WinterForce (Firestone) IIRC 215/70/16 front, 225/70/16 (studded)rear worked grest for me in severe conditions on police steel wheels. A little noisy due to the studs, but I got used to it. Small price to pay for being able to go and stop, Car was good in the winter and once you learned how to use the TC you were good to go. :up:

[tremblay]

Alright got the tires on yesterday and as promised here are the pics!!! Please excuse the VERY dirty car! I like the tires so far and I'm sure they will be great in the snow. No issues at all with TC or ABS!!!!

http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad96/tremblaysi/winter4.jpg
http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad96/tremblaysi/winter3.jpg
http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad96/tremblaysi/winter2.jpg
http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad96/tremblaysi/winter1.jpg

[tremblay]

Wanted to give you guys an update....I am extremely disapointed with these tires. I would not recommand them at all. They are slightly better then an all-season tire but thats about it. However, they perform well on packed snow and also seemed to perform better in the colder temperature but completly useless in the fresh snow. I should of went with Blizzaks or Nokians....

[CRUZTAKER]

Well....opions are like....
Well, you know the rest of the story.

I am not an expert, but I come from a family of former tire engineers and and tire builders. 80 years leagacy living in Akron, once the tire capital of the world. I learned some things over the years.

Sure, Blizzack are great. And they too come in diffrent compounds for different situations. One variety is super soft. Great in deep snow and ice, but at highway speeds allow the bigger cars to 'wander' about the road when there is not enough snow on the ground. The stiffer compound gives up some of the traction, but provides a better ride at speed.

Most snow tires tend to 'suck' on dry pavement due to sidewall build and tread compounds.

Now then, to directly address your issues with the General Altimax, I have 'an opinion' as well.
I have these tires mounted on downsized wheels on both of my Subarus in leiu of the 17" high performance summer wheels and tires.
Specifically in regards to my WRX, even though it is quite a bit smaller than my Marauder, it weighs only about 700 pounds less. Slightly modded it makes nearly 300 awhp. These tires for me have been very acceptable this winter. And we have had every variety of snow possible this year. I just drove home at 3:45 am in 4-5" of new wet snow and averaged 65 mph all the way home. I change lanes easily, and I stop on a dime.
I love these tires!

The AWD has little to do with the tire performance. I drove the Outback on summer tires in heavy snow and actually feared for my life!

In regards to the Marauder, I used Blizzacks in the the front, and studded Kelly Wintermarks in the rear. Both of which on 16" steelies, and both in 215-65-16* giving the proper runout as to not cause issues with the ABS, nor TC (for those with TC).
*I think that is the right size. It has been 8 years since she has seen snow.

Perhaps check your tire pressures? As I have never heard of a tire that performed well in deep snow, but failed in light snow.

Good luck though!

[tremblay]

Well....opions are like....
Well, you know the rest of the story.

I am not an expert, but I come from a family of former tire engineers and and tire builders. 80 years leagacy living in Akron, once the tire capital of the world. I learned some things over the years.

Sure, Blizzack are great. And they too come in diffrent compounds for different situations. One variety is super soft. Great in deep snow and ice, but at highway speeds allow the bigger cars to 'wander' about the road when there is not enough snow on the ground. The stiffer compound gives up some of the traction, but provides a better ride at speed.

Most snow tires tend to 'suck' on dry pavement due to sidewall build and tread compounds.

Now then, to directly address your issues with the General Altimax, I have 'an opinion' as well.
I have these tires mounted on downsized wheels on both of my Subarus in leiu of the 17" high performance summer wheels and tires.
Specifically in regards to my WRX, even though it is quite a bit smaller than my Marauder, it weighs only about 700 pounds less. Slightly modded it makes nearly 300 awhp. These tires for me have been very acceptable this winter. And we have had every variety of snow possible this year. I just drove home at 3:45 am in 4-5" of new wet snow and averaged 65 mph all the way home. I change lanes easily, and I stop on a dime.
I love these tires!

The AWD has little to do with the tire performance. I drove the Outback on summer tires in heavy snow and actually feared for my life!

In regards to the Marauder, I used Blizzacks in the the front, and studded Kelly Wintermarks in the rear. Both of which on 16" steelies, and both in 215-65-16* giving the proper runout as to not cause issues with the ABS, nor TC (for those with TC).
*I think that is the right size. It has been 8 years since she has seen snow.

Perhaps check your tire pressures? As I have never heard of a tire that performed well in deep snow, but failed in light snow.

Good luck though!


If you were replying to my post, i'm running pirelli scorpion ice and snow tires and not the above. I did check the tire pressure and it is fine. I too find it odd that they perform well on packed snow and cold weather but suck at pretty much everything else...

[CRUZTAKER]

If you were replying to my post, i'm running pirelli scorpion ice and snow tires and not the above. I did check the tire pressure and it is fine. I too find it odd that they perform well on packed snow and cold weather but suck at pretty much everything else...


Yeah...it was late and I did not realize two different members were merging their snow tire feedback on two entirely different in the same thread.

:hijack: causes these scenarios and requires tired folks like me to read through every post to verify what county I am in.

So the Generals are good and the Pirellis suck right???? :sleepy:

[babbage]

For the record I'm very happy with my blizzaks - v rated 235-55-17 on all 4 corners. Can't wait to put my 18" mm wheels back on. Spring is near!

[seabreeze]

Pirelli Scorpions, 215/65 HR 16 on front, 225/70 HR 16 rear. These don't affect the traction control system because they maintain the right ratio front to rear for the 2004's. Still have some grip, but I am not driving daily this year like I did the last 3 years. Sport Edition painted aluminum wheels holding up OK after 4 winters, some "white rust" corrosion here in the great salted snow belt.

[Chevyguy]

I ended up Running my 96 Lincoln for a staggering 2500 miles this winter in simply awful conditions. We had so much snow on the ground from Jan 1 - March 1 I ended up hitting many snow banks. Bashed into parking spots, drove through Monster blizzards. Just had the Kelly Wintermarks on the back, 225/60/16 and nearly new all seasons on the front. My other pair of Wintermarks are worn to the winter bars and the existing tires had deeper tread. If I had ran the Marauder through that beating I would need a paint job for sure. The poor Lincoln, I even dented some trim, and nearly ripped the bumper cover off at one point.

Did move the Marauder a few times and can confirm the OEM BFG tires are simply useless in any snow. I did put ballast sand in both cars which helps quite a bit.

[rayjay]

We received 3-4" of the white stuff this morning. Plows have been by twice. Come on already :rolleyes: