Author Topic: Snow tires. (Read 2861 times)

Wetson · « **on:** August 18, 2005, 09:22:43 am »

For the upcoming winter I want to get snow tires but I'm not sure about what to get and how much to spend. Also do I need to put them on all 4 wheels or can I just put them on the front?

I don't want to spend a bundle but I don't want to cheap out. (Didn't someone on the board have a tread seperation due to used tires?)

I live in Toronto but I find the side streets are pretty slick after a snow fall and this past winter I had difficulty, at times, getting out of my parking spot on the street. I find the mix of slush and snow that builds up on Toronto streets to be brutal during the winter but not as bad as other parts of the country. Is there such a thing as a 'light' snow tire designed for mostly city driving in winter?

Your input is greatly appreciated!

Mdxtasy · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2005, 09:45:10 am »

Forget about just putting them up front. It's 4 changed at once for best performance. Sizing? Are you going to get dedicated rims?

Wetson · « **Reply #2 on:** August 18, 2005, 10:02:12 am »

I'm not sure if I'm going to get dedicated rims or not. The car's leased so I don't really care to much about the rims. I suppose for ease of changing it's probably better to do so though.

ovr50 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 18, 2005, 10:31:40 am »

If the car is leased and you don't expect to be keeping it at lease termination time, it may be false economy to go for the dedicated rims. I probably would not bother. I agree with Mdx that all 4 snows is far better than only 2 - in fact, some tire shops will no longer only sell you two, only sets of 4.

Wetson · « **Reply #4 on:** August 18, 2005, 10:37:28 am »

Okay... so 4 it is. Any recommendations??? I don't want to spend a mint........ Can they put the tires on the existing rims?

Craig · « **Reply #5 on:** August 18, 2005, 11:11:25 am »

For a leased car, I agree, use the existing rims. Get tires of the same rim size as OEM, obviously. You can go narrower, but there's no great need to do so.

There are plenty of decent shops in Toronto to get tires from. TT is also an option. I use Steelcase in Markham (and I live in Mississauga). They have very aggressive pricing on some good brands like Nokian, Yokohama and Gislaved, but can be very busy on a Saturday during the fall. Get your tires from Steelcase early in the fall to avoid lineups, or get them shipped to you from TT and take them to your local shop at your leisure.

mark · « **Reply #6 on:** August 18, 2005, 11:29:26 am »

I have also heard good things about Steelcase if you choose to go local.

oversteer · « **Reply #7 on:** August 18, 2005, 12:07:57 pm »

What kind of car?

mrthompson · « **Reply #8 on:** August 18, 2005, 12:16:20 pm »

The Honda Accord Coupe or the Honda Accord Sedan? I'm assuming it's the sedan.

Wetson · « **Reply #9 on:** August 18, 2005, 12:30:29 pm »

It's the Sedan. My friends Aunt owns Steelcase. Perhaps I'll go there and see if I can get a family discount! :-)

ovr50 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 18, 2005, 12:34:01 pm »

My cousin owns the Boutique of Leathers chain out of Calgary - the rest of the family used to joke that the "family discount" at the BofL was 10% "more"........

quadzilla · « **Reply #11 on:** August 18, 2005, 12:40:58 pm »

You still haven't said what size they are.

I would still get steelies even with the lease as it can still work out cheaper or equal. Most rims are 50-60 per and you will spend $100/year just changing your rims (unless you do it yourself that is). At the end, sell them. Can't be that hard in TO to sell Honda steelies. Check the math before making your decision.

Can you get us a friend of a friend's Aunt deal?

Wetson · « **Reply #12 on:** August 18, 2005, 12:58:28 pm »

I'm sure going to try. LOL. I may go elsewhere though. Steelcase is so far away from DT Toronto

Wetson · « **Reply #13 on:** August 18, 2005, 12:59:37 pm »

How much should I expect to spend per tire? Is there anything wrong with going cheaper? If I do... what sort of performance/problems should I expect?

Craig · « **Reply #14 on:** August 18, 2005, 02:59:35 pm »

Call them. They're going to suggest Nokian (high-end) and Gt-Radial Champiro (budget). They always do. I loved my Nokians, but I just picked up a set of 195/55R15 Champiro winters for the Acura at $110 per, installed. I liked that they were H-rated.

The first removal and re-mounting of the new tires will be included in the price of the tires. After that, I think it's $10 per tire, but check with them. If you can get steelies for $70 per rim (or so), that might be the better move over a three year term. Everyone will have packages soon, including TT.

Wetson · « **Reply #15 on:** August 18, 2005, 03:58:16 pm »

Cphansen... what does H rated mean? Is that the speed? I always get confused. And... do you mean call Steel Case?

Craig · « **Reply #16 on:** August 18, 2005, 05:44:05 pm »

Yes, H is a speed rating. Below V and above T. No, that never made sense to me, either.

Steelcase Tires, on Steelcase Rd, Markham.

Google both, if you'd like.

ovr50 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 18, 2005, 06:12:36 pm »

IIRC "T" is up to 190KPH, and "H" is 210.

citydude · « **Reply #18 on:** August 18, 2005, 06:54:17 pm »

Budget $600 for 4, you won't regret it. No need for dedicated set of rims, spend the $40 on mounting every spring/winter, so they get balanced as well.

Lets break down the total cost of ownership (dedicated rim vs mount on existing):

1,
Dedicated Steel Rims: $75 x 4
Tires: $150 x 4
Mounting: $5 x 4 x 6 (car lease for 3 years, 2 change per year)

Total : $1020 over 3 years = $340 a year
(or $900 if you mount yourself)

2,
Tires: $150 x 4
Mounting: $10 x 4 x 6 (car lease for 3 years, 2 change a year)

Total: $840 over 3 years = $280 a year

Sell the tires after 3 year and put $100 back in pocket.

Citydude

(Message edited by citydude on August 18, 2005)

morty · « **Reply #19 on:** August 18, 2005, 07:35:14 pm »

For city use we like to recommend an H-rated winter tire. It gives you very good snow performance, but tend to wear better and offer better stability when there isnt snow on the ground. The Q and T-rated are better in ice, but tread and sidewall are very soft and have more tread squirm. Tread squirm is the movement in the tread where the tire contacts the road.

Citydude...probably cost you a little more for labour ($15/tire) and you should be able to get the steels for a little less. Will work out to pretty close. Big difference is wear and tear on tires from mounting and the time you would save. Dont have to wait in line with the throngs when the snow hits. Another benefit is your stock wheels dont get thrashed from all of the road debris. If the weather is warmer than expected it is easy to just take the winters off for a few weeks and put back on when the weather turns again.

Of course take my opinion with a grain...we sell the packages...

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Author Topic: Snow tires. (Read 2861 times)

Mdxtasy