snow tires

[nature boy]

i know there's another thread about snow! and one about icbc's stance on winter tires, but this is a little different.

who's running snow tires? what brand? i'm considering getting a set of nordic something or other for the mazda but it'll run close to a grand for wheels and tires (i need at least 16's which add to the cost). just wondering if it's worth it.

i know we never have too big of an issue with snow here, but the "experts" are saying that this is going to be a tough winter. of course, we can just say if it's too cold/snowy we just won't go out, but it just might be a good thing to have even for sub-4 degree weather (which apparently are what regular all seasons are rated for).

oh, and if any of you decide to get snowies, get a SET and not a PAIR. it doesn't make any sense to only get a pair, not unless you're in a dying mood.

[Duncan]

not sure which ones we got.. never bothered paying attention to the brand/model because alicia got them a few years before we got married. But they have the steel studs which are fricking awesome. I tried to do donuts a couple years ago with the tires on, and heck i couldn't get enough slippage... anyways, they're pretty sweet... and i haven't answered any of your inquiries besides the fact that i have snowies yes...

[Wetundies]

i can't remember what brand i got, paid $140 each. Mine are 17".

[jeSteR]

For a Van / SUV, if you're not going to get a summer / winter combo...

http://www.nokiantires.com/tyre?id=1189 ... okian+WRG2

There is other choice if your main priority is the safety of your family and you don't want the hassle of changing over your wheels every season.

Then again, if the safety of your family was your main concern, the you'd be getting two sets of wheels. Summers and Studded.

$$$ on the other hand may affect your decision.

[nature boy]

[Wetundies]

How much do those tyres go for? My pilot tires have 70k on them.

[jeSteR]

Yup... All Weather with a true Snowflake rating. More than enough for Vancouver snow. The dry grip is sacrificed, but only noticeable if you're trying to pull .85G's... Don't know if you're going to do that in the 5. It'd be a toss up for me to put it on a WR-X or Audi as I personally would probably like to take some banks at 120kph on a nice summer day, but on a family car, they are excellent. Wet grip is Great. The real sacrifice is the 50K wear guarantee as opposed to an 80K for an All Season tire. The trade off is fine for me as I feel the added winter grip is worth it.

[nature boy]

they don't look cheap, but i have a feeling you'll have to do some footwork and call different places.
in my experience, volco was the cheapest overall. but then, i haven't had to buy too many tires in my lifetime.

[jeSteR]

[nature boy]

yeah, everything is cheaper in the states. does tire rack carry them?

[jeSteR]

[jeSteR]

[nature boy]

[jeSteR]

I find that the US stores near the border aren't that cheap. You'd need to go further down. Plus, if you plan on not declaring them, then you better make sure that you're going on a bad weather day to deter them from examining your shoes too closely. I'm getting a Nexus pass so I have to declare everything now.

[nature boy]

i've never seen them ever look at my tires or wheels. in fact, all i have to do is say that i'm an ordained lutheran pastor and i have a free pass right through!

my job is awesome.