winter tires
- Thread starter kahlua
- Start date
Aside from the end of winter, go now. They have a better selection than they will at first fall; and shorter line ups.
If you can't go to the U.S., check out Costco. You'll be limited to Michelin brands though like Michelin, BF Goodrich and Uniroyal.
The X Ice tires get fairly good ratings. Get a set of extra rims to go with them. They'll pay for themselves rather than breaking the bead on the tires every season.
Almost any snow tire, even a relatively cheap one will be better than an all season, although in Toronto, it's debatable whether or not you need them. More important if you live in Barrie. Not a bad idea though.
You get most of your discounts on winter tires at this time, so buy when you see 25% off at CDN Tire. You do not need the best, CDN Tire will give you reliable tires. Always buy 4 tires, and put them on rims. In the long run this will pay you back. I also have the convenience of putting the tire on myself at any time that is convenient. I have my own jack and electric nut driver to remove and install the wheel bolts.
I recently bought a breaker bar, I have found it to be the easiest way to remove or tighten wheel lug nuts.
There is a Frankenstorm headed this way that may join up with a cold front and we might wake up to snow covered streets on Monday. I am all equipped to put on my tires myself. It will only take me about 20-25 minutes.
I recently bought a breaker bar, I have found it to be the easiest way to remove or tighten wheel lug nuts.
There is a Frankenstorm headed this way that may join up with a cold front and we might wake up to snow covered streets on Monday. I am all equipped to put on my tires myself. It will only take me about 20-25 minutes.
I have seen 25% off, pre season. You will not get a better deal than that. Especially as we head towards the cooler weather there is less incentive for them to discount. Getting rims with your tires is an investment that will pay you back, you get free mounting when you buy the tire but you have to pay for wheel balancing. Without the rims you will have to pay to change over to summer tires in the spring at about $20-25 per tire with wheel balancing. It will cost about $200 a year in tire changes. Plus the time you will wait in line to have it done.
You can do it yourself and save time and money if you have your tires on rims, all you need is a jack.
You can do it yourself and save time and money if you have your tires on rims, all you need is a jack.
If you are smart enough to get the tires, you should also be smart enough to get the rims. Rims are a no brainer.
Limited production runs for some winter tire sizes
I was unable to replace my Michelin X-Ice tires this year. Some sizes have been discontinued. I had to settle for Blizaks. Blizaks are a good winter tire but you need to get them off quicker in the spring as they do not wear as well as the X-Ice. Do not wait too long for a sale or you might find that your size will not be available again until next year. The biggest difference for winter trire traction is in the rubber compound and not as much the "lugginess" of the tread pattern, assuming your winter tires aren't bald.
This is another great product you can't find at retail stores anymore like Clorets chewing gum, although Clorets can be purchased online. I would have bought another set of the X-Ice tires for sure. The Prez has another set of OEM take off rims purchased online. You can always use steel rims with plastic hub caps if you don't mind looking like Lawrence Welk.
I was unable to replace my Michelin X-Ice tires this year. Some sizes have been discontinued. I had to settle for Blizaks. Blizaks are a good winter tire but you need to get them off quicker in the spring as they do not wear as well as the X-Ice. Do not wait too long for a sale or you might find that your size will not be available again until next year. The biggest difference for winter trire traction is in the rubber compound and not as much the "lugginess" of the tread pattern, assuming your winter tires aren't bald.
This is another great product you can't find at retail stores anymore like Clorets chewing gum, although Clorets can be purchased online. I would have bought another set of the X-Ice tires for sure. The Prez has another set of OEM take off rims purchased online. You can always use steel rims with plastic hub caps if you don't mind looking like Lawrence Welk.
Not a good idea to buy an extra set and let them sit for 3-4 years.
Tires do get old even if unused. Rubber dries out and can be dangerous 7-10 years after manufacture.
Always check the manu date on the sidewall when buying tires so you don't get stuck with old product.
I think Prez meant he would have preferred to buy a new setof X-Ice instead of the Blizaks, not "in addition to". At least that's how I read what he wrote.
In the long run, winter tires will pay you back. You use up you regular rubbers much more slowly and you drive much safer in the winter.
The only extra cost is the price of the steel wheels you drive the same mileage but spread it over two sets of tires. You tire changes should be just another rotation, so no extra cost. Their safety/worth is only in question with the ill informed.
