The Winter's Coming Winter Tires Thread

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by TylerSVT

If you dont have a torque wrench, get a good one. They are expensive but worth it.

That's what I'm thinking. Instead of spending money on an impact wrench that I don't really need, I may as well invest in a good torque wrench. Then I can just man up and get 'er done with a little bit of elbow grease and save a little money.

[Pinner]

^ Thanks for the chuckles, you guys are funny. LoL

[Ace]

If I go to a major tire shop will they still do same day install on winter tires, or will this winter rush force me to wait for an appointment?

[burn_this_city]

I'd even skip the torque wrench. I installed few hundred tires while working during high school, and we never torqued them to spec. I'd just hand torque with a breaker bar and recheck after 100km, if they're still tight, you're good to go.

[hixxes]

I've always driven 4x4's and have never felt the need for winter tires. However, with the arrival of my son a few months ago I'm thinking I might finally take the plunge and buy a set. Since I'm new to the winter tire game I thought I'd throw a few questions out there.

1. I have stock 20" wheels and tires on my Tahoe. I assume 20's aren't ideal for snow tires and they are obviously more expensive. Is there an appreciable difference between 20's and 17's?

2. I assume that since 17" wheels are the base option for my Tahoe that there will be no issues going with 17's for winter. Of course I'll make sure the tire height is equal, is there anything else I need to be aware of?

3. Has anyone ordered from Tire Rack? I priced out a set of 17" Blizzak DM-V1 with mid-level alloys on their site vs a few dealers in town and despite shipping and duty Tire Rack comes out about $300 cheaper. Seems like a decent deal.

4. My truck has tire pressure sensors. They can be purchased on the Tire Rack website and it states that using my owners manual I can reset the sensors myself. Has anyone done this? Is it as simple as it sounds?

Thanks

[chalms04]

Just put mine on tonight.

I use the same Canadian Tire impact wrench, and it works like a beaut. My method is running it till the lug nut cinches up, then letting it click three times. Never had a problem keeping them on or taking them off.

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by hixxes

3. Has anyone ordered from Tire Rack? I priced out a set of 17" Blizzak DM-V1 with mid-level alloys on their site vs a few dealers in town and despite shipping and duty Tire Rack comes out about $300 cheaper. Seems like a decent deal.

I've bought from Tire Rack before. Easy to deal with, excellent prices. Even the brokerage was included in the price of my tires, they just showed up at my door 8 days later. I saved about $200 all in vs anything a Canadian dealer could come up with.

[Ryan Coke]

I have heard good things about tire rack from others so I used them this year. Price seems excellent even with the shipping, and delivered mounted and balanced on the rims I got. Unfortunately they didn't carry Nokians, and I ended up going with Continental Extremewintercontact--they have some great reviews and comparisons on their website.

I'll just need to get them on when I get back to Calgary.

My question: the info that came with the wheels suggests spraying a compound on the hub to keep the rim from seizing onto it, and I have had that issue in the past on my BMW. Went to Canadian Tire and didn't see a specific product for this...is there something out there for this or will WD40 do the trick?

[burning_acid1]

I'm glad I put on my Blizzaks over the weekend. The snow is starting to stick around now that we are almost below freezing point.

Driving tomorrow is not going to be fun... There is going to be a lot of traffic.

[burning_acid1]

Originally Posted by Ace

If I go to a major tire shop will they still do same day install on winter tires, or will this winter rush force me to wait for an appointment?

It's usually first-come, first-served. I remember people purchasing tires and waiting in line to get them mounted onto wheels, balanced, and installed, last year in October when that random snow storm arrived.

Costco started handing out tickets at 6 am and their service shop started at 8 am.

[Diemenz]

Originally Posted by hixxes

I've always driven 4x4's and have never felt the need for winter tires. However, with the arrival of my son a few months ago I'm thinking I might finally take the plunge and buy a set. Since I'm new to the winter tire game I thought I'd throw a few questions out there.

1. I have stock 20" wheels and tires on my Tahoe. I assume 20's aren't ideal for snow tires and they are obviously more expensive. Is there an appreciable difference between 20's and 17's?

2. I assume that since 17" wheels are the base option for my Tahoe that there will be no issues going with 17's for winter. Of course I'll make sure the tire height is equal, is there anything else I need to be aware of?

3. Has anyone ordered from Tire Rack? I priced out a set of 17" Blizzak DM-V1 with mid-level alloys on their site vs a few dealers in town and despite shipping and duty Tire Rack comes out about $300 cheaper. Seems like a decent deal.

4. My truck has tire pressure sensors. They can be purchased on the Tire Rack website and it states that using my owners manual I can reset the sensors myself. Has anyone done this? Is it as simple as it sounds?

Thanks

Go with 17's from tire rack.

You picked a great set of winters in DM-V's.

Tire pressure sensors are no biggy, to be honest I just put black tape over the light for the winter but to each their own as some vehicles don't like the sensor being lit.

[BlackArcher101]

God speed to all those tomorrow that haven't read this thread yet.

God speed to all of us who have to deal with them.

[TylerSVT]

For those that cannot find the tires they want at TireRack.

Discounttiredirect.com is the same thing, different brands, me and my friends have ordered over 10 sets of tires and 4 sets of tire/rim combos... they are just as good if not better than Tirerack.

Local tire shops can kiss my ass.

[burning_acid1]

Anyone have a link to winter tire ratings?

[Hi-Psi]

I highly recommend everyone check out Urban Expressions Wheel and Tire in the North or South(Either location is great!).

Urban Expressions Wheel & Tire
Bay #6, 1303 44th ave NE
Calgary Alberta, T2E6L5
888.769.1772 Toll Free
403.769.1771 tel

Bob owns the one in the North and he's probably the most knowledgeable wheel and tire guy you'll ever meet! Plus his prices are close to, if not the best prices in Calgary. Plus you know that your wheels and tires are going to get done right, I would never ever let someone from Kal-Tire or Canadian Tire ever touch my vehicles.

Seriously, check either location out, you won't be dissapointed. They will be very busy right now as they have been the last few weeks, once the snow starts falling then every shop gets slammed.

Jason

[Knalus]

lol, I put my winter tires on in late September. I have two vehicles, but we really only use one. I got a screw in the one tire, so instead of getting it repaired right away, I just put the winter tires on, and drove the other car for the rest of the really warm days. I was a little overly prepared.

[ricosuave]

here is a neat trick (hockey pucks) to save your pinch welds when jacking up your cars...

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...k-Stand-Points

[BlackArcher101]

Originally Posted by burning_acid1

Anyone have a link to winter tire ratings?

I usually check out the customer reviews on www.1010tires.com and www.tirerack.com. Of course this thread also.

[CM ONE]

Here is another online site that uses local suppliers and installers.
www.tiremonkey.com

I'm not sure how their prices stack up to the other online guys but there is no shipping/duty involved, and it's quicker.

[anyonebutedmonton]

Is it worth the extra cash to go with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5 ?

I am on the discount tire direct site and its and extra 250 to go from a Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 to the Nokian. Is the upgrade worth it?