Winter Tire Questions...looking for advice

[chummer]

This guy is awesome,I just bought some tires from him-

Bob Blakeborough
Urban Expressions Wheel & Tire
3823 12th ST NE
Calgary AB, T2E6M5
888.769.1772 Toll Free
403.769.1771 tel

[megatron]

Originally Posted by megatron

I'm also looking to get my first set of winter tires from Kal Tire for my Honda Civic. From reading everything in this thread and the 2007 Winter Tire thread from last year, I'm going with Nokians.

I've been running on all seasons, and I would switch to the "All Weather" Nokian WRs, but I still have about 50000kms left from my current all seasons. My initial thought (to save money) was to keep the current rims that I am using now and just store the all seasons in my storage locker in my condo underground parkade.

1) Should I just spring for some steel rims so that when spring comes I don't have to keep switching the tires (ie. Saves the cost of switching tires on 1 set of rims)? How much extra would steel rims cost?

2) The tire I was thinking of was the Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi as well but only because the size listed on the website matches my current all season tire (P185/70R14). What's the difference between the Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5, Nokian Hakkapeliitta Q, and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R (ie. prices)? I haven't had time to read the website, so I was just looking for a quick synopsis. I guess the size wouldn't matter if I got a steel rim.

3) What was the price for 4 Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSis?

I've decided to buy some steel rims with tires as I think (and some have suggested) that paying 50-100 each time to switch tires back and forth on 1 set of rims is just stupid. I got a quote from KalTire for 4 steel rims and 4 Nokian RSIs for my Civic. Total price is $941.39.

Steel rims = 80/rim x 4
Nokians = 120/tire x 4

= $800 + balancing + labour + GST.

Quite expensive, but if it saves me or my gf getting into one car accident (over the life of the tires) and gives some piece of mind while driving, it's worth it. Wallet's going to feel lighter after this paycheck.

[worth]

My new Nokian Hakka R's are running $290 each tire for 235/55 R17's. So i'm spending basically $1,200 just for tires. I have stock rims that i'm putting them on because I have summer rims/tires, so I don't have to buy steelies.

[megatron]

I inquired about the Hakka R's and they said they didn't comes in the size for my Civic (185/70R14), so he suggested the RSIs. I guess you get what you pay for and Nokians are one of the most expensive winter tires.

[ken0042]

So, I lucked out and happened to grab a set of 4 aluminum rims for my car from Pick-a-Part. Now I'm looking at tires as well.

I was wondering if anybody has used the Goodyear Nordic tires that are on sale right now at Canadian Tire.

For my car the price is right, but then again there's no point spending money if they aren't going to perform any better.

[metallicat]

I've got a set of 4 Goodyear Nordic 15" tires and rims for sale right now...I guess that doesn't help you anymore. Nor does the fact that I live in Edmonton. This is my first time checking this thread, sorry if I could have helped you earlier.

I have a question for those in the know, and I apologize for hijacking this thread. I am having a helluva time finding tires/rims for my car. I need a 16" tire and rim, but nobody seems to carry the rim I need (a 4 bolt pattern). Costco is able to put 15" tires and rims on for me, but is that a good idea?

Plus, for a set of 4 tires (Michelin Primacy Alpine) and four rims, the total cost is just over 850 dollars. Is this a good deal?

[SteveToms]

I have a leased car, if I wanted to put Winter tires on would I have to talk to the dealer first?

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by worth

My new Nokian Hakka R's are running $290 each tire for 235/55 R17's. So i'm spending basically $1,200 just for tires. I have stock rims that i'm putting them on because I have summer rims/tires, so I don't have to buy steelies.

For comparisons sake, my 225/45/17's X-Ice Xi2 cost $900 installed at Costco. This was with their $60 coupon that I think is still going on.

[Dodsdomd]

Is it too early to put the winter tires on? Can they be damaged if you drive on dry roads for too long?

[STeeLy]

It's not so much about dry roads but rather the cold weather... Winter tires are designed to work in cold weather.

I'm should be getting my Nokian Hakka R's were quoted for $175/tire and $47.50/rim, installation included

[worth]

I'm picking up my Hakka R's this afternoon...now i'm debating whether to change them out this weekend or keep my summer tires on...Forecast still looks unreal. But i think we all know one day we're gonna wake up with 2 ft of snow and -20 temps.

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

For comparisons sake, my 225/45/17's X-Ice Xi2 cost $900 installed at Costco. This was with their $60 coupon that I think is still going on.

Good price. I'll see how these Hakka's hold out. i'm interested in tread wear. if they only last a season, i'll go to something else like Michelin. Hopefully for $1200 I can get 3 or 4 seasons out of em.

[megatron]

Originally Posted by worth

I'm picking up my Hakka R's this afternoon...now i'm debating whether to change them out this weekend or keep my summer tires on...Forecast still looks unreal. But i think we all know one day we're gonna wake up with 2 ft of snow and -20 temps.


Good price. I'll see how these Hakka's hold out. i'm interested in tread wear. if they only last a season, i'll go to something else like Michelin. Hopefully for $1200 I can get 3 or 4 seasons out of em.

The person I spoke to at KalTire said the Nokians don't come with a tread life guarantee, but said they would last 4 or 5 seasons. I'll be happy with 3 or 4.

[FurnaceFace]

I've been waffling on what tires to buy for what seems like weeks now so this thread is helpful. I've always liked the idea of Nokians but never pulled the pin.

I've just got a quote on a set of WR G2s.Tires (205/70/15) by themselves are $150 plus balance, yadda yadda, and making the assumption the car will need a realignment they are $862 installed.

Price seems ok as it would be less that dedicated summer and winter tires let alone another set of rims. I had also gotten a quote on tripletreads for about $100 less but I've read a lot of comments about road noise with them.

Considering I've driven 80k on the OE tires anything will be an improvement!

[BlackArcher101]

That's a good price FurnaceFace. I think you're looking at the best way to go.. winter piece of mind with the ability to keep the tires on year round.

[Machiavelli]

Do winter tires on rims really need to be balanced?

[Draug]

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

Do winter tires on rims really need to be balanced?

Of course they need to be balanced. Winter tires should be treated just like any other tire.

For anyone that has done tons of research... I'm debating which winter tires to buy also.

I have Blizzaks (I think they are LM-25's, H speed rated for 130mph) for my Grand Am GT and totally have loved them. I was going to simply buy Blizzaks for my Subaru GT, but there has been so much positive talk in this thread about the performance Nokians that I am wondering if I should choose them instead. Another option is the Dunlop SP Wintersport 3; they are an even better V speed rated. A performance winter tire is a must (the Blizzaks are barely performance enough).

Why should I choose Nokians over the Blizzaks?

[worth]

I don't think I would call the Nokian Hakka R's a performance tire.

Mind you, my summer tire is a Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 which is an unreal tire. I love it. So sticky in the summer.

I can feel a big difference between my Goodyears and the Nokians I just put on this weekend. The Nokians give up a lot more body roll and have much less cornering stabliity than my goodyears.

Although my winter tires are my stock tire size (235/55R17) and my summer tires are 255/45R18, which have a smaller side wall.

I've heard a lot of good things about the Dunlop winter tires, so I think if you need a performance winter tire, go with those or something else.

[SportsJunky]

Originally Posted by SteveToms

I have a leased car, if I wanted to put Winter tires on would I have to talk to the dealer first?

No you don't need permission from the dealer.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by FurnaceFace

.....making the assumption the car will need a realignment......

Considering I've driven 80k on the OE tires anything will be an improvement!

OK, I understand the balancing of the tires, but why would a vehicle with only 80k on it need an alignment?

[worth]

I think he meant 80,000km.