I am wondering if anyone else that has Hankook Optima tires has had issue with them in snow. The tires seem OK in dry weather and fair for OME in the rain. The Hankook tires in the snow, however; leave very much to be desired. Bar none the worst tire for me in the snow. Complaints to my Dealer and Hyundai have fallen on Deaf ears. The best I was able to get was a Dealer cost on 2 Snow tires. The Dealer claims that the Hankook tires ARE all season and are functioning normally. They also state that with a 17" Rim; this is a major cause for poor traction. Funny how my Wife's Camry SE has the same EXACT size tire but in Michelin and that car is flawless in the snow.

 

The 17" rim has little to do with winter performance of the tires. The rubber compound and tread design do. A real winter tire will perform far superior in winter conditions to any 'all-season' tire. Although an all-season tire can be used year-round, to be used this wayit's design is a compromise in all conditions.

I'm not surprised you got little response from the car dealer and manufacturer. If you want the best winter performance you would be wise to invest in a set of winter tires. Please don't put only two winter tires on your car. That is an accident waiting to happen.

 

Thanks for the response! I knew that Rim size had nothing to do with the total lack of traction. My wife's car has the exact same size 215/55R17 tires and for All-Season tires; it does a very nice job in the snow. The best I got from the dealer was cost on some Blizzaks. It's a principle thing but if I wanted to invest in a complete set of alternate weather tires; I should have bought the TSX or RL. The Blizzaks are now on the car; We'll have to see just how it handles. On the slight chance the tires do not improve performance; It's trade in time.

So far overall; I am not very pleased with Hyundai vehichles. The Factory is VERY slow to repsond, The Dealer seems to not know a hell of a lot about the cars or tires, and the elctronics have been very problematic since I bought the car in June. I can't say with certainty I would purchase another Hyundai after this experience.