To get winter tires. Take this list with a few grains of salt (few= some credibility) Please discuss.
Lets talk winter tires! I've checked the Viking snowtech, and it doesn't come in my size. Just remember, they don't do very well in the snow and ice. I'm very surprised how poorly Consumer Reports rated the Nokians. :shock:
I live and swear by Nokian if you have the money. If not... something alternative is just as good or better. I just haven't found it yet...
Whatever you had on your car last year when we went out to that lake,,,those tires were amazing on the ice/snow. I seriously couldnt belive how well they gripped, just awesome!
I had the Nokian WR (All Season+Winter Rated) on, you should get a set. If you want a dedicated winter tires... get the Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSI.
Frankly i trust consumer reports just as much as i trust tire rack's customer ratings when it comes to tires. NOT AT ALL. Why? because their written by consumers. and your average consumer has tried one of these types of tires compared to their crappy, stock all seasons and then go ape ****. Why do you think the kuhmo ecsta supra 711/712s score so high on tire rack's site? because their cheap, and marginally better than an all season tire. Hell, half the people who reported to Consumer Reports probably haven't even HEARD of nokian. I've got my RSIs on order right now. snow doesn't stand a chance. =)
I totally agree with Shane. Consumer Reports is a useless rag to me. I'd sooner go looking for automotive advice in Cosmopolitan.
I thought Consumer Reports did independant studies. If this is a survey report and not an independant side by side test result than it's worthless. The only thing that will tell you is what people are buying and thier personal opinions on what they bought not how the tire realy handles. they also have to tell you what size tire and on what vehicle it was tested. A blizzak on a 4wd WRX is gonna handle better in ice and snow than a Nokian on a 2wd honda. That would also explain why the top rated tires are also either the ones with the highest name recognition or the very cheapest you can buy at tires+. Also note that the Nokians and the Michelins have nearly the exact same rating in each catagory except for snow traction where the Michelins score higher. I'm stickin with my Nokians cuz my Nokians are stickin to the road. Whoot!
agreed. read the fine print at the bottom...of those ratins that fong posted. NOT INDEPENDENT. Consumer reports is good in my book.
I run Nokian Q tires and love them Had Blizzdaks 2yrs ago when I rolled my car. Sidewall on them seam softer but they are good tires too.
you checky little monkey... the truth surfaces.... i knew th cosmo i found under your passenger seat didn't belong to one of your girlfriends.....
DoH, I guess Joel caught someone red handed LOL Here's my thought on winter tires and from personal experience which isn't much... but what I can offer: If you're gonna go all season... go Nokian WR (V rated if possible and available in your tire size). This tire does great on snow and ice, yet you don't have to sacrifice dry grip either. This is good for those who drives more on dry roads in the winter (metro area). It is rated for severe winter service, but many run them all year round, it's an "all weather" tire. If you're looking for more ICE and SNOW grip, look at either the Nokian Hakka 2 or the RSi. These will give you top notch snow and ice traction, at the sacrifice of dry traction. The hakka 2 is T rated (118mph), and the RSi is R rated (106 mph). I've used Nokians for a full season and loved it. For 1) They work very well and 2) They last longer compared to other snow tires. Yes, Nokian do cost a bit more, but if you break it out miles per dollors, they're a steal. Contact Anderson Motorsport for Nokian Tire. They have better prices than anywhere else I've looked. http://www.andersonmotorsport.com/ I am not paid by Nokians to advertise... just stating my personal experience and opinion (which I know doesn't count). LOL
vic...maybe you should see if you can contact someone from anderson and see if they are willing to join our club and offer a discount.
Justin, Anderson Motorsport specialize in Audi's and there isn't anything else there for us Subie guys and girls except to get tires and wheels unless we own an Audi/VW. I only use Anderson when it comes to buying Nokian tires. Locally or coast to coast in my experience... Anderson Motorsports gave me the best prices as far as Nokian tires goes. I have talked with Keith Anderson (owner) and the only thing he can offer our club is Tires and Wheels. Discount? Even the MNAudi club I'm associated with doesn't get discount. Here's my honest opinion... Use Anderson Motorsports if you're interested in Nokian tires... other than the Nokian tires, Anderson Motorsports doesn't have other use for me unless I have an Audi and needed work done or what not. Justin, you can add Keith Anderson's Motorsports web site to our link page. Remember to state that if anyone is interested for a lower cost Nokian tires to give them a call for a price quote. Disclaimer: I've only bought Nokian Winter Tires through Anderson so I can't confirm if they have better deals on other type of tires and rims... but Nokian tires is the only thing I can comment on as far as giving Anderson Motorsport my business.
Contact Brian at BP Subaru. i ordered mine through him and they were the cheapest in town. and i called EVERYONE on the nokian dealer list off their website. RSI, Here i come. =)
Then you need snow tires. Seriously, most winter tires begin to lose their ice/snow holding capabilities after they wear past the 50% mark. Don't get me wrong, they're still driveable just not reliable.
