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Winter tires

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by sjr14221, Nov 11, 2017.

  1. sjr14221

    sjr14221 Member

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    So, I ordered (as I had always done for my previous Prius) Nokian WR G3 tires for my 2016. I had them installed this morning. Only, unbeknownst to me, they put on Nokian Nordman 7 tires. I don't know who messed up, but now I have to decide whether to keep them or get the proper tires. Meanwhile, I have to drive the car until Monday (putting on an average of 80 miles a day). Not my problem, but I don't want to screw them because the tires won't be brand new any longer.

    Opinions about what to do and about the nordman tire? Thanks.
     
    #1 sjr14221, Nov 11, 2017
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    You asked for the "all-weather" WRG3, and they installed a different tire, it's a dedicated winter tire if I'm not mistaken, and it's studded? No question, they need to fix it.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Nov 11, 2017
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  3. sjr14221

    sjr14221 Member

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    Thanks. I have been trying to Google info on the Nordman 7 as I wait for responses. It is studded, and their latest model with no reviews, yet. Apparently uses hakkapelitta 7 technology. Most of my driving is on cold dry or wet pavement (our locality salts and plows), and if the snow is really bad, I'll stay home. So, I concur - I would be better off with the WRG3 tires.
     
    #3 sjr14221, Nov 11, 2017
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Just to clarify: these new tires are mounted on the original rims, you intend to use them year 'round? Or they're on separate rims, winter use only?

    The WRG3 are typically a year 'round solution, for someone who wants decent winter traction without the hassle of tire swaps and storage. They're a compromise tire.

    The Nokian Nordman 7 are ill-suited for year 'round use, a dedicated snow tire.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Nov 11, 2017
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  5. sjr14221

    sjr14221 Member

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    I use the same rims year round. By getting the wrg3 tires, I can avoid the spring changeover, but then I've got a whole summer's worth of wear on the tires, so I usually get new tires for winter anyway.

    Last season, I ended up driving on blizzaks year round. Meant to change back to oem tires but never got around to it.

    I could keep the nordmans and change so that I actually use my oem tires, which only have a month of travel (2500 miles)on them. they are less expensive than the wrg3 tires.

    But in two days of traveling on them, they seem to be less efficient as far as my fuel economy (although winterish temperatures may make it appear worse than it is). And I'm not likely to save the difference in cost between the tires.

    My main issue with the nordmans is that they are a bit soft on dry pavement, noticeable at highway speeds. Most days, the roads are dry due to the liberal use of salt. And the wrg3 tires have handled the snowy days in the past, while being decent on dry pavement.

    I'd love to experiment with different tires in various weather conditions, but the conservative in me says if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
     
    #5 sjr14221, Nov 13, 2017
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  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Are you West New York? Just curious.
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Nov 13, 2017
  7. sjr14221

    sjr14221 Member

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    Yes, I am in Western NY.
     
    #7 sjr14221, Nov 14, 2017
  8. sjr14221

    sjr14221 Member

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    FYI, I got the tires replaced today. The dealer did me right by not up charging me the difference in cost between the tires. Very cool!
     
    #8 sjr14221, Nov 14, 2017
  9. reddogpatch

    reddogpatch Junior Member

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    I'm shocked to learn that you'd consider using studded tires during the winter time under those conditions that you outine..BTW, in NH studded tires have been "out-lawed" for quite some time. I've used all weather tires for year with great results.. (excluding black ice lol)
     
    #9 reddogpatch, Nov 15, 2017
  10. reddogpatch

    reddogpatch Junior Member

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    Sounds like you were treated right~!!
     
    #10 reddogpatch, Nov 15, 2017
  11. eric1234

    eric1234 Active Member

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    According to the following, studded tires are LEGAL in New Hampshire:

    Studded snow tires: pros and cons | TireBuyer.com
     
    #11 eric1234, Dec 2, 2017
  12. IMkenNY

    IMkenNY Im just being nosy

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    Living in western NY I am a big fan of having a 2nd set of wheels with dedicated snow tires on them. It allows me to get the full useful life out of the "summer" tires.
    When the winter wheels/ tires are no longer needed I find they are easy to resell on Craigslist.
    The only downfall is having to store the extra set of wheels but since I work for a photo copier company , I can reduce them down to 25% to save on room in the garage :)
     
    #12 IMkenNY, Dec 3, 2017
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  13. eric1234

    eric1234 Active Member

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    This is precisely what I do. As pointed out above, all-season tires are a compromise, particularly well-suited to neither summer nor winter driving. I prefer to have and use the proper "tool" for the job at hand.
     
    #13 eric1234, Dec 3, 2017
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  14. KennyGS

    KennyGS Senior Member

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    Maintaining a second, dedicated set of winter tires is a good answer if you're able to purchase and store them. This also alleviates the need to worry about tires for a very long time.
     
    #14 KennyGS, Dec 3, 2017
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  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Ah, a kindred spirit. (y)
     
    #15 Mendel Leisk, Dec 3, 2017
  16. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    @Mendel Leisk , don't you have some bespoke Canadian sprinkle water you can use to shrink your winter wheels down to an easily storable size? Gotta best the hell out of a photocopier IMHO!!!! :ROFLMAO:
     
    #16 RCO, Dec 4, 2017
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