"Agrajag" (Agrajag)
02/02/2015 at 17:37 • Filed to: reviews
3
7|
"Agrajag" (Agrajag)
02/02/2015 at 17:37 • Filed to: reviews | 3
| 7 |
With our first significant snow fall, I get to try out my set of winters.
Full Disclosure: Nokian wanted me to use their tires so much that they manufactured them, then offered them for sale. Tested on plowed, packed snow with some deeper, loose, slushy snow thrown in the mix.
Sidewall: 8/10
It's a sidewall.
Sipes: 10/10
The defining feature on a winter tire. No one sipes better than Nokian.
Tread Pattern: 9/10
They are directional tires. That allows for a more purpose built design, but makes it annoying come rotation time.
Acceleration: 10/10
You can easily coax some wheel spin, but drive like you normally would and there aren't any problems. I was behind a few people who when pulling away from a stop just spun their tires endlessly.
Braking: 10/10
Similar to acceleration. I braked a little harder here and it just stopped with no fuss. I kept expecting some squirming under braking but there was none.
Lateral Grip: 9/10
On packed snow, grip was great. Only on the slushy stuff found at intersections would I get a wiggle going, and that was only when turning from a stop.
Overview: I'm enjoying these tires immensely. I've seen zero difference in fuel economy(best of 37.5mpg). The difference in grip from my summers was noticeable upon change. On fun, sharp corners I could feel the difference right away. A dry weather performance tire this is not, and that is obviously not their strong point. Having driven many winters without the proper shoes, I didn't know what to expect. The difference is astounding, but it's not until you see others struggling that you realize how well they work. I highly recommend some sort of winter tire on your main vehicle.
Racescort666
> Agrajag
02/02/2015 at 17:44 |
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Hakkas are literally the best snow tire out there. There is none better. I have a set of Hakka R for my Racescort that I ended up lending to my brother who was originally intending on driving from Chicago to Minneapolis yesterday. We got a good amount of snow but very little of it was plowed even by this morning. We had some good tooling around yesterday until he threw the serpentine belt.
Deal Killer - Powered by Focus
> Agrajag
02/02/2015 at 19:03 |
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I think this is the winter where the idea of Winter tires is becoming a serious consideration for the Focus. The tires I have on it now SUCK so bad in the snow. Usually a good set of all seasons can get me through the winter months, as we don't get dumped on too bad, but this past weekend saw us get 13+ inches of snow Sunday (N.W. Ohio), with last year setting a record for snow fall. Monetary consideration made me purchase an off brand tire. They are really good in the wet & have decent grip in the dry, but snow is dreadful. Time to start saving for some snow tires & hunt the junk yards/Craigslist for a set of rims.
gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
> Agrajag
02/02/2015 at 19:39 |
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I put nordman 5s on and couldn't be happier. My car came with Goodyear Assurance. Decent summer tire, yet when I had to drive last year crap in the snow. After going to winter tire, I can't go back.
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Agrajag
> Deal Killer - Powered by Focus
02/02/2015 at 19:48 |
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You should check out discounttiredirect.com when you start looking. They were significantly cheaper than local tire shops.
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Agrajag
> gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
02/02/2015 at 20:10 |
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I had those Goodyear's. After the first rotation they droned like crazy on the highway. Do not recommend.
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Deal Killer - Powered by Focus
> Agrajag
02/02/2015 at 20:17 |
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That's where I got my current tires. Usually go with Tire Rack, but couldn't beat the price, as I was desperate for new tires, but short on cash. Monetary situation is improving, so I hope to be able to upgrade for next winter.
George McNally
> Agrajag
02/02/2015 at 20:58 |
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I concur....I got a set of steelies and 4 of these on my Hyundai.
Before my dad passed away, he was a tire wholesaler and he only sold Nokians and Blizzaks snow tires.
He sold lots of brands of tires (people love those cheap Chinese made tires)...but I digress.
I have a set of Nokians on my son's 15 old year Saturn (with traction control) and it's almost as good as my wife's Outback on Blizzaks. We run snow tires on her car year round, because she actually drives on dirt/mud roads in the spring and summer.
She beats her car like she rented it-I love her to death, but she is hard on cars.