Do stores still have snow tires in stock? Wondering if it is worth getting snow tires for this season, or better off toughing it out and getting it next fall before next winter?

Well, that's what they say but all 3 letters still show up on my tires but the performance is gone - it's just a dry tire for me now. I can live with it in the wet for 1 more season but after that it's a new set for me regardless of wear (about 60-65K on it so far)

Stock is pretty low from what I'm hearing from co-workers who have been calling around but I'm hearing the forecast for the rest of winter is going to be pretty crap for another 6-8 weeks (Farmer's Almanac) so you may want to go track something down.

Try these. Probably easier to put on than a tire sock and take up less space in your trunk. Good for getting out of a tight spot.

https://www.amazon.com/Zip-Grip-Go-C.../dp/B009M6TXLU

the reviews on the amazon page range from not good to scary unsafe...

:heckno:

Decent chains are pretty cheap and don't take up a lot of space in the trunk.

Honestly tire chains don't take up much space,, but a pain if you drive alone and need to put them on and take them off.

Personally I use Spikes spider. Especially on the Coq with 18 wheelers barrelling past you. Much easier I have a set from 14 years ago.. still working well.

Remember you only need to use chains etc for at most 1km.. then you have to pull over remove each one of them.

Except those are one time use, or for only slightly more you could have real chains which are reusable.

I didn't mean use them in place of proper chains... lol.. I meant keep a pack in the car for emergency only. For when you're in a bind and got stuck. Slap it on and off you go. When you're unstuck, cut them off or drive til they fall off. Don't use them where chains are required, that's just stupid...

Where do you guys recommend buying tires?

I'm looking to the Blizzak WS80 in 225/40/18

Tire Rack doesn't show that size for sale

Thanks

I've been a big fan of costco since getting my last set cheaper than through a shop in the states.

keep in mind the Blizzaks are ultra soft for ice grip, mine wore twice as fast as the General Arctics I have now. (with a slight loss on ice traction)

I got my set through Discount Tire Direct in the states (in their eBay store). Maybe give that a shot?

With the low CDN dollar, it probably isn't worth buying from the US unless there is a blow out/close out deal on winter tires. (unlikely during the winter).

In the lower mainland, you are probably at the mercy of whoever has stock in the brand/size you need and can fit you in this week. Costco is a good bet if they are offering a rebate. They have a huge selection and it's first come first served.

Like everything else, if you leave it to the last minute, you gonna have to pay up.
Best time and place to buy is craigslist during the summer. I bought my set of WS80's in 225/45/18 for $300, only used 1 season. Lots of ppl selling off their winter tires for a car they just sold.

True, the pricing may not be better, but you certainly have access to a larger inventory. A quick search of US Costco says they have it in stock to ship to store.

Thanks for the heads up on the Blizzaks, was gonna get a set of those.

Just over $30/tire more for Xi3... Wonder what's more worth it in the long run.

if you're lucky like my dad you can roll in to costco first thing on a weekday morning, have the Xi3's in your size in stock and roll out in an hour or so...

i know this isnt a FS thread, but just helping out. i have a set of Toyo Garit KX in 225/45/17, plenty of tread left, mounted on a set of mazda 3 wheels, someone can throw me an offer and take them as they're just collecting dust. 1 rim is slightly bent so highway speeds will have a wobble, city driving is fine.

For us, it ended up being cheaper to get the Blizzaks locally - 205/55/16 at that.

You can order online from Costco and have it shipped to the store where they'll call you upon arrival to schedule an appointment.

Some good deals can be found in the US. You just have to be on the lookout. I bought a set of 4 Blizzak WS80's back in October (205/60/16) through Discount Tire Direct's eBay store for $368 USD shipped. They also had a $70 USD rebate which dropped it down to $298. You're not going to find anything locally that comes remotely close to that, even with the exchange and taxes coming across the border factored in.

Am I able to bring my own tires for Costco to mount and balance? Do you need to make an appointment? I assume you will need to show a membership

Yes no yes.

The Xice3 have the only winter tire treadlife warranty 60k kms? but don't perform as well as the Blizzaks. APA, Tire Rack, and Consumer Reports support this claim.

Depending on your normal tires (if you have summers the rest of the time), it may be worth getting the XIce3 and run them for an extra month or two before switching over.

Has anyone run nokian before?

I was using Blizzak LM60's on my FX, great winter tires for those with performance cars, or for guys who are still running semi low profiles during winter.

I have Xice3's on my Nissan Puke, and they have been really good thus far. They aren't quite as aggressive as the Blizzaks, meaning they break traction sooner. But when they do lose traction it's predictable, and usually from me doing something stupid like switching into the snow covered lane on the highway to pass someone. :whistle:

In terms of getting out of a buried parking stall, they have been almost as good as the blizzaks, I've gotten my car buried with 12" plus of snow at cypress twice this year, and while it took a little bit of rocking the thing, I was able to get it out of the stalls without really any fear of being stuck.