Winter Tires in Canada

[chrisky]

Hello. We will be purchasing winter tires for our car this year. Can someone advise me as to what type would be the best, and where I could purchase them here in Ontario. I believe our dealer recommended Michelins. Would they be alright or are there better ones?

[Tideland Prius]

hello and welcome!

I'm running on Nokian WRs which are all-weather tyres that can be run in the summer as well as the winter. (Worked well on the snow storm last Dec along I-5).


Other recommendations are the Michelin X-Ice.

[Zhe Wiz]

Originally Posted by Tideland Prius

I'm running on Nokian WRs which are all-weather tyres that can be run in the summer as well as the winter. (Worked well on the snow storm last Dec along I-5).


Other recommendations are the Michelin X-Ice.

There's a new "X-Ice" on the block too, the "X-Ice Xi2". Found them on TireRack.com. They are advertised as low rolling resistance and long lasting. I have been unable to find a good review of these.

Zhe Wiz

[chrisky]

Tks for the replies.

[Rebeldoc]

I'm going into my second winter in Toronto with my 2008. I'm definitely changing my tires. Several times last year I was left with no traction.
What's the difference between the Michelin X and Xi2? Also, it sounds as if many people here like the Nokian tires. So, it seems like a choice between these three for me. Any other comments to help the decision? How hard is it to find Nokian tires?

[JayGoldstein]

The main challenge in winter driving here is hard packed snow and ice on side streets. I use Nokian RSI winter tires (185/65-15) on steel rims (see photo), and am very satisfied with them.

I believe that any winter tire will be a big improvement over the OE Integrity all-seasons.

[firepilot17]

Tirerack.com has a recommended tire, any comments about the tires? Sorry, I'm a noobie and cannot put the webite in.

[SyCo]

Last winter I had *used* Bridgestone Blizzak ws50 on steel wheels and they were pretty good.

This winter I've ordered Continental ContiVikingContact 3 studless snow tires from Tiretrends.ca that I've just received today . I'll be running them on my 15" OEM wheels.

I saw many reviews where they were top rated.

Here's a summary of the results:

Studless Snow Tires (points)
1. Continental ContiVikingContact 3 (8.0)
2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi (8.0)
3. Gislaved Soft Frost 2 (7.8)
4. Bridgestone Blizzak Nordic WN-01 (7.6)
5. Michelin X-Ice (7.6)
6. Vredestein Nord-Trac (7.2)
7. Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D (7.1)
8. GoodYear Ultra Grip 7 (6.8)

www.autoreview.ru
www.internet-koleso.ru

I'll let you know more about the tires when gets here.

[Tideland Prius]

I mounted the RSi's on my friend's car. They're very quiet and smooth compared to the WR but then again they're a softer compound than the WR.

[djg12]

I just went to order a set of Nokian Hakkapeliitta R for my Prius. Apparently it is a new tire model for this year, low rolling resistance, great in snow, ice, wet roads.
I have used Nokian tires for a number or years now on two new beetles and a RAV4, the tires on the RAV ran for 50,000 miles and still had appreciable tread on them. The Hakka snows on the beetle turned it into a little snow machine.
I stand with my Nokians as being the best thing. I used to buy Michelins but they seemed to be getting too pricey.
The Nokians are great traction in any kind of wet road situations.

That's my two cents on my experience with this tire brand.

Thanks