Northeners - what snow tires did you run last winter?
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I'm going to be in the market for winter tires and steel rims as well so any input here would be welcome. The link below might be some help but my concern is that we are pretty restricted on choices because of our tire size. I am probably going to go down to 16" rims since mine is an SR5 without the larger discs - I think that gives me more tire options.
http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?DocID=97
This thread also had a lot of good content
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1173&highlight=winter+tires
http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?DocID=97
This thread also had a lot of good content
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1173&highlight=winter+tires
Kmvreter
New member
Reading my mind...
Slightly narrower should do better in the snow and I'm planning on steels as well for winter. I'm a Michelin fan. I'll get Cross Terrains on my aluminums next spring. I had great success with Michelin LTX A/T's (195,000 Km) on my previous ride so I might go with them after I run out the Dunlops until they're bald (on the steels).
Slightly narrower should do better in the snow and I'm planning on steels as well for winter. I'm a Michelin fan. I'll get Cross Terrains on my aluminums next spring. I had great success with Michelin LTX A/T's (195,000 Km) on my previous ride so I might go with them after I run out the Dunlops until they're bald (on the steels).
If anyone in Southern Ontario has a line on steelies and/or good winter tires, let me know. Or perhaps we could do a group buy.
I have 16 inch wheels but I think I'll do the "minus sizing" and go for a 245 tire.
BTW, I found this list on Transport Canada's website that lists all "severe snow tire standard" brands.
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/topics/winter/wtirlise.htm
I have 16 inch wheels but I think I'll do the "minus sizing" and go for a 245 tire.
BTW, I found this list on Transport Canada's website that lists all "severe snow tire standard" brands.
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/topics/winter/wtirlise.htm
aj884runner
New member
Winter Snowies
Couldn`t help but reply to this one. I work in a general Automotive repair shop in Southwestern Ontario. We`ve recently got a line of tires from Finland. They`re called Nokians. From what I`ve seen they will outperform the Michilin Artic Alpin. They have several lines including an all weather snow tire. Prices are slightly higher than Michelin. They come with something called an info pin. When the temperature drops below 0 degrees celcius (32 dregrees farenhiet) the green pin turns black. It also has an arrow and a picture of 4 tires for rotating. The company was called Nokia, yes cell phones, and a few years ago switched to Nokian. They started making tires for the snow since the thirties. They`ve been selling like wildfire in the west coast of Canada.
Couldn`t help but reply to this one. I work in a general Automotive repair shop in Southwestern Ontario. We`ve recently got a line of tires from Finland. They`re called Nokians. From what I`ve seen they will outperform the Michilin Artic Alpin. They have several lines including an all weather snow tire. Prices are slightly higher than Michelin. They come with something called an info pin. When the temperature drops below 0 degrees celcius (32 dregrees farenhiet) the green pin turns black. It also has an arrow and a picture of 4 tires for rotating. The company was called Nokia, yes cell phones, and a few years ago switched to Nokian. They started making tires for the snow since the thirties. They`ve been selling like wildfire in the west coast of Canada.
Interesting article on them at Canadian Driver as well
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/hl/nokian.htm
Indicates that these are one of the few winter rated tires you can drive all season (although with some handling compromises).
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/hl/nokian.htm
Indicates that these are one of the few winter rated tires you can drive all season (although with some handling compromises).
TranceKrayz
New member
they have 265/70/17s......so would they fit like the revos? as in, they will be a little bigger than stock, but won't rub right?
Not so sure I would want to go too big on tire sizes for the winter - any build up of snow etc and things will definitely start to rub. 
Looks like Nokian do a wide range of sizes - less widely sold however in Canada.
I was hoping we might have been able to find a chain in Canada like Tirecraft that could do some sort of discount deal for forum members in Canada rather than trying to do a group buy with costs of distributing (heavy) tires etc - unfortunately it does not look like Tirecraft sell Nokian. They do mention fleet discounts however - maybe we could push for something with them if they carry tires people would be interested in?
http://www.tirecraft.com/pltmainpages/winterbestbuy.asp
Will be interested to hear what sort of pricing you get on the Nokians Skategoat -where in Ontario are you?
Looks like Nokian do a wide range of sizes - less widely sold however in Canada.
I was hoping we might have been able to find a chain in Canada like Tirecraft that could do some sort of discount deal for forum members in Canada rather than trying to do a group buy with costs of distributing (heavy) tires etc - unfortunately it does not look like Tirecraft sell Nokian. They do mention fleet discounts however - maybe we could push for something with them if they carry tires people would be interested in?
http://www.tirecraft.com/pltmainpages/winterbestbuy.asp
Will be interested to hear what sort of pricing you get on the Nokians Skategoat -where in Ontario are you?
digital0ne
New member
This is an awesome page with some good links. Can we make this a sticky or if I put it all together into a guide could that be posted?
kullenberg
New member
Winter Tires
I've just about decided to replace the Dunlops with Nokians - probably the WR's, in size 275/60/17. According to Thai's tire size calculator, they will reduce ground clearance by .3", and the speedo will be a little off ( when indicating 60mph, actual speed will be 58.9mph). Who knows, might save a ticket. I cant think that small difference in diameter will make any problems for the anti-skid or the traction control. Comments? :dunno:
I've just about decided to replace the Dunlops with Nokians - probably the WR's, in size 275/60/17. According to Thai's tire size calculator, they will reduce ground clearance by .3", and the speedo will be a little off ( when indicating 60mph, actual speed will be 58.9mph). Who knows, might save a ticket. I cant think that small difference in diameter will make any problems for the anti-skid or the traction control. Comments? :dunno:
kullenberg
New member
Follow Up on Winter Tires
I priced the Nokian WR today, and they wanted $190 apiece (US), I decided that's a little rich, and ordered a set of Revo's.:awais:
I priced the Nokian WR today, and they wanted $190 apiece (US), I decided that's a little rich, and ordered a set of Revo's.:awais:
Prices
I talked to Dave at Steelcase. He deals with a lot of clubs and group buys and has a good rep.
Prices (all in CDN $s):
245 70 16 - Hakkapeliitta LT = $184.00
265 70 16 - Hakkapeliitta LT SUV = $177.00
265 65 17 - Hakkapeliitta LT SUV = $214.00
265 70 17 - Hakkapeliitta LT SUV = $184.00
16' steel wheels = $49.50
17" alloys = $169.00
All prices include installation. The 265 65 17 is not available until Dec. but he might be able to get them sooner.
Can anyone check Costco? They have the best Michelin prices.
BTW, these are all pure winter Nokians. They also sell a "gentler" winter tire in the WR. I hear they are very good in winter but I am not considering them. I need a serious snow tire since I go to ski country a lot.
I talked to Dave at Steelcase. He deals with a lot of clubs and group buys and has a good rep.
Prices (all in CDN $s):
245 70 16 - Hakkapeliitta LT = $184.00
265 70 16 - Hakkapeliitta LT SUV = $177.00
265 65 17 - Hakkapeliitta LT SUV = $214.00
265 70 17 - Hakkapeliitta LT SUV = $184.00
16' steel wheels = $49.50
17" alloys = $169.00
All prices include installation. The 265 65 17 is not available until Dec. but he might be able to get them sooner.
Can anyone check Costco? They have the best Michelin prices.
BTW, these are all pure winter Nokians. They also sell a "gentler" winter tire in the WR. I hear they are very good in winter but I am not considering them. I need a serious snow tire since I go to ski country a lot.
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I think those prices are very good having looked around a bit on the web so far - 245 75 16 is the recommended alternate size to 265 70 16 for winter tires at www.discountpartcentre.com btw!! I am looking at the 265s I think - I am mostly faced with packed ice and snow on hills and am thinking a bigger surface area for traction will be better for my needs than thinner tires. Do you know if they would be able to offer other sizes ? I ask because I need to get winters for my wifes car (too embarassed to admit what it is) but I probably need 195 60 R 15s - would be nice to buy everything at the same place if I can 
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