Author Topic: Run winter tires year-round? (Read 4089 times)

Shnak · « **on:** March 12, 2009, 12:56:15 pm »

I have just bought a 2001 Accent that comes with brand new winter tires. I'm not sure of the exact brand/model of tires, but can check if it matters.

My question is: can I expect them to last at least two years (approx. 10k per year) if I use them all the time?

I'm sure you understand my hesitation in spending 2-300$ for A/S tires when I'm not exactly sure how long this car will last me...

Squishy · « **Reply #1 on:** March 12, 2009, 01:00:42 pm »

I would say likely so, but no guarantees. I know of people who run snow tires year-round, and they wouldn't be doing that if it meant the tires wouldn't even last two years. You do have to consider the performance deficits and risk of a blowout due to the softer rubber. I would get some Motomaster SE or even AW tires and then sell them on Kijiji if the car doesn't make it. You still have a couple of months to wait for a good sale.

Shnak · « **Reply #2 on:** March 12, 2009, 01:12:52 pm »

Well the cheapest A/S tires Canadian Tire has for this car are 35$ a piece (Motomaster AW), and about 52$ for Motomaster SE's.

The problem is that I only have one set of wheels for this car, and keeping it that way means paying >50$ twice a year to switch my tires and balance them again...

I may check on kijiji if someone has wheels for sale that would fit my car. I might be able to find cheap winter wheels that way.

blur911 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2009, 01:14:38 pm »

I would have to say, it depends.
I have used Eagle GW performance winter tires year round and they were fine. I didn't drive them much in the summer but they worked fine on the highway in all conditions.
A winter tire like I have on now, an Ultra-Grip Ice wouldn't last very long or work very well on the highway in the summer. The tread pattern and compound is all about ice and snow and cold temperatures.
I doubt the winter tires on the Accent are performance winter tires, if not the handling and braking on dry pavement would be , ummmm, less than optimal in the summer. They're just not made for that.
They would probably last you the 20k in two years fine though. YMMV

Shnak · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2009, 01:20:55 pm »

Well they're probably the cheapest winter tires you can find... the previous owner had to put them on so that the car would pass the Quebec safety...

As you can suspect, I don't care about handling too much for this car.... I suppose I only want to make sure that these winter tires will be safe enough to drive in the rain, for example. Also, I'd like them to last maybe two years... I suspect they will as I only plan on driving maybe 8000km per year.

Someone mentionned that winter tires might be more succeptible to blow ups... how likely is that for a car that will never be driven aggressively?

safristi · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2009, 01:25:25 pm »

are BLOW UPS worser than blow outs........................

Squishy · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2009, 01:28:34 pm »

It's only more likely if you don't keep up with tire inflation. The softer rubber will heat up faster.

If you check the tire pressures once a month, you shouldn't have a problem.

blur911 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2009, 01:41:38 pm »

Quote from: Squishy on March 12, 2009, 01:28:34 pm

It's only more likely if you don't keep up with tire inflation. The softer rubber will heat up faster.

If you check the tire pressures once a month, you shouldn't have a problem.

Yes, heat is the culprit in most blowouts. The tire is low on pressure and heats up until something gives.
The problem with winter tires is that due to the construction, compounds and tread pattern it can heat up more if underinflated or driven aggressively. They also pick up more debris due to the tread pattern.
Again, YMMV
You might want to put an ad on Kijiji looking for a cheap set of Accent wheels. See what turns up.

Squishy · « **Reply #8 on:** March 12, 2009, 01:43:31 pm »

You might even get serviceable tires on those Kijiji wheels. Good enough for two or more summers.

ktm525 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 12, 2009, 01:45:26 pm »

I am planning to run my Hankook Icebears this summer to finish them off. They are V rated though so I think they will do ok in the heat.

DKaz · « **Reply #10 on:** March 12, 2009, 03:22:50 pm »

Yah just find some cheap tires already mounted on steel wheels that fit your car.

Cudworthhab · « **Reply #11 on:** March 12, 2009, 03:24:19 pm »

Go to a auto wrecker & see what they have. Here in Weyburn 1 of the ladys in the office gets all her tires there.

safristi · « **Reply #12 on:** March 12, 2009, 04:50:08 pm »

..breaks out into song..................

"I'm so tired of Weyburn"
" Tired of Weyburn fer U".........so tired of weyburn....Ooh oooh oooh.....Oh scrap it Saf................

rrocket · « **Reply #13 on:** March 12, 2009, 04:55:42 pm »

Quote from: Shnak on March 12, 2009, 12:56:15 pm

I have just bought a 2001 Accent that comes with brand new winter tires. I'm not sure of the exact brand/model of tires, but can check if it matters.

My question is: can I expect them to last at least two years (approx. 10k per year) if I use them all the time?

I'm sure you understand my hesitation in spending 2-300$ for A/S tires when I'm not exactly sure how long this car will last me...

I ran winter tires years round on my Echo. Because they only cost me $29 ea. LOL Hankook Winter IPikes. This is my 3rd year with them...and they are in need of replacing. These have about 25,000kms on them.

PJungnitsch · « **Reply #14 on:** March 12, 2009, 11:49:10 pm »

I had the same problem with my truck, putting an extra 500.00 worth of tires onto a 1000.00 vehicle didn't seem to make much sense. So I tried running what I had all year round. The truck ended up lasting WAY longer than I thought, so I ended up with a pretty good test.

Well I finally replaced my winter Yokohamas on the front at (IIRC, not at home now) 110,000 km, while the Artic Alpins went 65,000 on the back.

The X-Ice on now have 30,000 km or so, and have lots of tread left.

Shnak · « **Reply #15 on:** March 13, 2009, 07:47:37 am »

Not sure if it helps, but the tires are Goodyear Nordic M+S P155/80R13 79S. They're currently on sale at Canadian Tire at $39.36 a piece!

Alright, so they're cheap tires... will these last me a couple of years (say around 18,000km total)?

tortoise · « **Reply #16 on:** March 13, 2009, 10:11:32 am »

18,000 km total? I'd say so. Just don't try to drive the wheels off the thing.

dr_spock · « **Reply #17 on:** March 13, 2009, 05:34:57 pm »

Winter tires usually have softer rubber compound, they'll wear faster in the summer heat. Drive gently, no aggressive braking, jack rabbit starts and your tires should last a while.

I used to have 155/80R13 tires. They were cheap to replace and run.

Squishy · « **Reply #18 on:** March 13, 2009, 05:43:41 pm »

The Nordics are cheap but well-made. They should last you two years.

toolatecrew · « **Reply #19 on:** March 17, 2009, 08:19:31 am »

You shouldn't be cheap when it's a matter of yours or others wife and kids' safety. If that's not a valid point, I don't know what is!