The Winter's Coming Winter Tires Thread

[DoubleK]

Urban X is my go to. Honest guys that don't jerk their customers around.

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Given the excess weight of a Tesla, studded tires might not be the worst idea for stopping.

Yes, I'd rather have peace of mind. I'm still partially disabled due to the hit & run while I was riding my bike last month so I just want to be confident and safe for a few months.

[Fuzz]

I'm sure there are loads of Tesla forums you could find info on other peoples' experiences with them.

[you&me]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

My old car broke down and I picked up a 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD (AWD/Dual motor is way out of my budget).

I used to have an AWD SUV with all seasons and that was fine but being RWD, I'm concerned about winter tires. I'm really confused by a lot of the options out there. I think for maximum safety and to deal with black ice conditions, I should get studded tires?

I'm between two extremes right now:

NOKIAN TYRES
HAKKAPELIITTA 10 STUDDED - $336.78/tire

or go the budget route

ZETA ANTARCTICA SPORT + STUDS - 198.69/tire

I also need a set of wheels for this so that I don't need to do a tire swap every season. I've also heard concerns about tire installers that don't lift the vehicle with the battery correctly which could cause damage.

We run Hakkas for winters and have no complaints. I considered studded for my wife's kid-mobile / ski-mobile, but decided the use case was a little too narrow vs. the majority of our driving... still no complaints.

I don't know anything about the Zetas, but the phrasing "new Tesla" and "budget route" does not compute to me... You just bought a, what, $80k car... spending an extra $500 on excellent winters seems like no-brainer insurance to me. Keep in mind that you'll get 4-5 seasons out of the winters too, so your annualized incremental cost is like $100/year, or >$20 per month... So worth it.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

My old car broke down and I picked up a 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD (AWD/Dual motor is way out of my budget).

I used to have an AWD SUV with all seasons and that was fine but being RWD, I'm concerned about winter tires. I'm really confused by a lot of the options out there. I think for maximum safety and to deal with black ice conditions, I should get studded tires?

I'm between two extremes right now:

NOKIAN TYRES
HAKKAPELIITTA 10 STUDDED - $336.78/tire

or go the budget route

ZETA ANTARCTICA SPORT + STUDS - 198.69/tire

I also need a set of wheels for this so that I don't need to do a tire swap every season. I've also heard concerns about tire installers that don't lift the vehicle with the battery correctly which could cause damage.

If I am not mistaken, there are many people (albeit a significant minority) in Calgary who have successfully driven RWD vehicles in the winter. Most of those people basically say they just need to ensure their winters are in good condition for inclement weather. The vast majority of times it's dry, so it's fine.

But basically you just have to be aware of the differences of FF vs FR for evasive maneuvers in case you run into a "situation" etc. If I'm not mistaken, the vehicle is slightly more likely to fish tail and in this and other instances, I think the reactions you have are supposed to be reversed? (ie: instead of letting off the gas, you give it a tiny bit of gas). Don't take my word for it though. Ask someone who has actually driven a FR vehicle in the winter.

Studs aren't the worst thing on a RWD in this case. A shorter stopping distance could help a lot in case you accidentally reacted incorrectly in a certain situation.

[Jimmy Stang]

I have studded tires on one of my vehicles. The downside is that there is some added road noise. There is a slight advantage on black ice like on a highway when you can start to feel your car get a little bit "loose". The studs seem to bite in a little bit more.

That being said, I'm not sure that I'd be in a rush to go studded on my next set. You'll get the biggest advantage by getting some good, winter rubber. The studs are just a little bit of icing on the cake, but side by side with my non-studded vehicle, it isn't a massive difference.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Oh, I know. But I've done it for years, and when I worked in a shop they did it for decades. Never had one come loose, or a customer come back with issues, so I'm sticking with it.

Hmm... I usually get a towel or use my hand or glove to dry rub as much dirt and gunk as possible before putting the tires on.

But if there's a bit of rust and/or I had started having some issues removing the tires previously, I spray some WD40 on the towel to clean the rust off, then I'll quickly use a flame to quickly get rid of any remaining stuff left (usually none) before putting on the nuts.

Do people not do this? I first started this basic "cleaning" when I saw how religiously certain cyclists hated dirt on their bicycles. Yes, I know it's quite different for bike vs car tires, but that's just how my brain ended up doing things.

[WhiteTiger]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

If I am not mistaken, there are many people (albeit a significant minority) in Calgary who have successfully driven RWD vehicles in the winter. Most of those people basically say they just need to ensure their winters are in good condition for inclement weather. The vast majority of times it's dry, so it's fine.

I'm one of them. I drive my Mustang year round, and run Hakka R2's on it in the winter.

I don't have any RWD specific issues, just don't be a stupid driver and drive to conditions.

[bossy22]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

My old car broke down and I picked up a 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD (AWD/Dual motor is way out of my budget).

I used to have an AWD SUV with all seasons and that was fine but being RWD, I'm concerned about winter tires. I'm really confused by a lot of the options out there. I think for maximum safety and to deal with black ice conditions, I should get studded tires?

I'm between two extremes right now:

NOKIAN TYRES
HAKKAPELIITTA 10 STUDDED - $336.78/tire

or go the budget route

ZETA ANTARCTICA SPORT + STUDS - 198.69/tire

I also need a set of wheels for this so that I don't need to do a tire swap every season. I've also heard concerns about tire installers that don't lift the vehicle with the battery correctly which could cause damage.

We've got the Nokian's on our Model S. Non-Studded. Awesome tire. We had the pirelli's that Tesla sells and they were garbage compared to the Nokian's. Also, for Tesla owners, the lug nuts they use are absolute ####. It's a casing around the actual nut and it swells. Then you can't get your socket on it. We've gone through a bunch and I finally got fed up and bought the Gorilla nuts. They're pricey but worth it. If you every get a flat, you could be screwed because your tire iron won't fit on a nut.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by bossy22

We've got the Nokian's on our Model S. Non-Studded. Awesome tire. We had the pirelli's that Tesla sells and they were garbage compared to the Nokian's. Also, for Tesla owners, the lug nuts they use are absolute ####. It's a casing around the actual nut and it swells. Then you can't get your socket on it. We've gone through a bunch and I finally got fed up and bought the Gorilla nuts. They're pricey but worth it. If you every get a flat, you could be screwed because your tire iron won't fit on a nut.

Is Tesla seriously putting tin caps on nuts? Man, I thought that dumb idea died 20 years ago. I hate those things. I guess when your car is designed in California...

[JagrBombs68]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

My old car broke down and I picked up a 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD (AWD/Dual motor is way out of my budget).

I used to have an AWD SUV with all seasons and that was fine but being RWD, I'm concerned about winter tires. I'm really confused by a lot of the options out there. I think for maximum safety and to deal with black ice conditions, I should get studded tires?

I'm between two extremes right now:

NOKIAN TYRES
HAKKAPELIITTA 10 STUDDED - $336.78/tire

or go the budget route

ZETA ANTARCTICA SPORT + STUDS - 198.69/tire

I also need a set of wheels for this so that I don't need to do a tire swap every season. I've also heard concerns about tire installers that don't lift the vehicle with the battery correctly which could cause damage.

I'm in the same boat as you - model 3 RWD - but went with the Hakka R5 EV tires instead of the studs - main reason was road noise

I Had the AERO hub caps on but pulled them off for the winter so it would be better in heavy snow - those wheels look pretty slick

Word of caution - i had to supply my own lifting pucks, even though they said they would have them, for the tire shop to swap them - they are about $25 on amazon i keep them in the Frunk now

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by JagrBombs68

I'm in the same boat as you - model 3 RWD - but went with the Hakka R5 EV tires instead of the studs - main reason was road noise

I Had the AERO hub caps on but pulled them off for the winter so it would be better in heavy snow - those wheels look pretty slick

Word of caution - i had to supply my own lifting pucks, even though they said they would have them, for the tire shop to swap them - they are about $25 on amazon i keep them in the Frunk now

Is the idea of removing aero so that the spokes can get some traction in deep snow? I don’t have the aero wheels but I was actually thinking aero to gain some minor cold range.

I heard about stud noise I’ll check out some videos to see if it will be totally annoying.

What shop was it that required you to have your own lifting pucks? Kal Tire since they are the only Hakka dealer?

[JagrBombs68]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

Is the idea of removing aero so that the spokes can get some traction in deep snow? I don’t have the aero wheels but I was actually thinking aero to gain some minor cold range.

I heard about stud noise I’ll check out some videos to see if it will be totally annoying.

What shop was it that required you to have your own lifting pucks? Kal Tire since they are the only Hakka dealer?

Not more traction just so snow doesn't bunch up right behind the hub cap - that can be annoying in heavy snow

yeah Kal tire in the south didnt have them

[stazzy33]

Originally Posted by DoubleK

Urban X is my go to. Honest guys that don't jerk their customers around.

+1 for UrbanX especially Bob @ Urban X north. He's helped me on numerous occasions, even putting me in touch with a guy he knew in Edmonton when I lived there.

[zamler]

Been thinking of mounting my winters.

[SportsJunky]

Had the dealerships put winter tyres on both our vehicles yesterday. Just in time.

[indes]

Decided to get winters this year - Going with the Michelin X-Ice. Can't get in until the 15th though lol

[The Yen Man]

People who say they don't need winter tires really need to try them in this weather. Got new winters again after wearing out my old set, it cut through all the snow and ice like a champ. Made me feel good just breezing by all the strugglers on the hills spinning their tires.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

People who say they don't need winter tires really need to try them in this weather. Got new winters again after wearing out my old set, it cut through all the snow and ice like a champ. Made me feel good just breezing by all the strugglers on the hills spinning their tires.

Winters were spinning a little this afternoon (older and low tread). Realized they were soft. After adding 3-4 PSI, I was weaving around vehicles as others were truly starting to spin out and struggle.


But John Laurie east by the new lights... Holy cow I was scared I'd clip an idiot spinning out or misjudge the next vehicles going 40 kmph. Not the greatest place for a light in winter IMO. It also didn't seem like that area was draining too well.

[bdubbs]

Originally Posted by stazzy33

+1 for UrbanX especially Bob @ Urban X north. He's helped me on numerous occasions, even putting me in touch with a guy he knew in Edmonton when I lived there.

Extra ups for Urban X. I'm not sure if their hours have changed, but when I used them in the past, the north location wasn't open on weekends so I used Urban X South and they were great. One time I needed tires mounted and it would have been closed before I got there, but they kept the shop open for me and did the job perfectly with no complaints.

Amazing service. In the past, they didn't stock Hakkas though, not sure if that's changed also.