Woodwidow's 07 Corolla needs new winter tires. We get very little snow but gets lots of black ice and sometimes even water on top of that ice. For the last 10 to 12 years we've ridden on Blizzaks. But the company that we usually deal with no longer handles that tire and have recommended Nokian Hakkapeliitta r 2. But I'm considering a 3 hour drive to Costco to get the Blizzaks. Another local tire company handles Toyo GS 15. What would be your choice for ice performance between the three tires? Studded tires are not legal in this neck of the woods. Nobody has to win an argument, so just good sported opinions.
I'd seriously consider the Nokian's. We have a local tire shop that does winter testing for Nokian, they're good tires.
Camp, you seem to want to lean towards the tire that has worked for you. I know it's 3 hrs away but it's what's worked for you and what WW is comfortable with. IMO I would make the trip for the same tire, or have the tires shipped to you and have a local garage change them out for you.
Only ever used Blizzaks here, so can't help with the other brands. My feeling would be to go with what you are comfortable with. That way there's no second guessing if someone spins out in the middle of the winter.
I have Nokians on my truck and on the wifes Civic. Not a big fan. On the truck, before the Nokians, I had Yokohama Geolanders, not a fan of those either. On the Jeep, Ive got General Grabbers, and so far, they're my favorite tire. My own thought process is that the 'cheaper' tire sell more and the local stock is newer (read: fresher). The Nokians date code said they were at least a year old when I got them (IIRC) and I believe the rubber looses some grip as it ages. The next set I buy for my vehicles, I will pay close attention to the date they were made.
The General Altimax arctic same as Gislaved, Nordfrost at a lower price point, they have worked form as well as Blizzaks in everything, and any difference was minor. I tend to trust the tirerack testing reports Second vid states that the new studless tires are actually better now than studded tires.
I was expanding on what Thoreau's cabin stated in his post. I have no proof that this matters, but I agree cheaper tires move faster...
We live in a one horse town so to say, so only have one tire store. We've decided to go with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2's. The company that we are purchasing the tires from is Kal Tire, which has outlets just about anywhere you can drive in Western Canada. Included with the purchase is a Road hazard Warranty, life time wheel balancing, flat tire repair, tire rotations, and winter/summer change overs. Whats tipping the balance is the customer service that I will receive from the local tire store and affiliated outlets .
Sounds like you are set, we argue about which brand is best and the merits of where they are made, mold dates, siping, but in all reality ANY winter tire is 1000% better than the best all season. So all that matters is that the tires you use in the winter have the little snowflake on the side
I got the wife studded Cooper tires. BIL works at a local ties shop. I bought wheels on CL, now change over is just a little chore. Not on yet, probably go on soon though. PS: Glad you're back Haven't heard from you, was getting nervous.
I agree that snows are WAY better than all seasons. I have run Michelin Alpin, Metzler, Blizzak. And now 4 sets of Nokians. F.Y.I. The latest Nokians are made in a new factory just across the Finnish border in Russia.
I didn't know Metzeler made car tires. I watched the same video Uncle Augie did at tirereck. Interesting that studless ice and snow did better than studded, and their point that many miles in winter are on dry pavement carries some weight. I don't do any highway driving so I went with the Conti's, studless ice and snow with a T speed rating. The Michelin or Blizzak are H rated so I'm guessing wouldn't wear as well. The blizzacks I took off were R speed rated and gave five solid winters, probably could have gotten six, but a six year old tire makes me nervous. My local mechanic came within $10/tire of any internet price and I don't have to pay shipping so it ends up being cheaper and my local guy gets the business.
Each winter tire is tweaked for better performance in one or another way. Blizzaks are tops in deep snow as from both what I have read and what I have experienced, for this they are a little squishier on dry pavement. I have 7/32 tread on the current set, that is as far as Ill go before I replace them. I have gotten 4 years and 60k miles out of this set, winter only use, so Im happy with it. I have started looking for another set as these will work will in cold/icy conditions but are giving up a little in the deep stuff because of their wear. In SE Michigan that usually isn't an issue, and when winter traveling in northern Michigan it will be, but snow isnt an issue usually until mid/late December. I am thinking my car needs a Christmas present. I am looking at the Generals or a set of Blizzaks. Will prob look for a black friday sale.
