[acurael]

Hey guys,

Bought a 2006 infiniti g35 with 19 inch sport pkg wheels. I am planning on buying nicer rims in the future. Since it comes with only summer tires, im definitely going to need a set of winter tires.

Now the question is.... Do i get 19 inch winter tires and use the stock rims? Or am i better off downsizing to 17s or 18s?
I really dont want crappy rims for winter - still want something decent so i think i might not even want to go as small as 17s - which leaves me buying 18 inch rims and winter tires.

Would winter tires that are 19inch in size even be effective in the snow?. I dont see the point of selling my stock 19s as i think they are nice for winter, but possibly the tires would be too "thin"? Plus I can get another season out of the oem summer tires next year by rewrapping them on the 19 oem wheels.

Also have you guys dealt with tirerack.com before with shipping to canada? how does it work if i ship it to my house in canada? How much does the duty/brokerage fees end up to be? I did a search and alot of ppl ship them to point roberts and then pick them up. The only problem is i am limited on time and would only be able to pick them up after 7pm - not sure if the pick up places are even open that late - somethin ill have to look into. I would prefer shipping them directly to my home if possible - as long as it doesnt cost way more money.

let me know wat u guys think i should do/advice pls
thanks

[dogeatcookie]

Hey guys,

Bought a 2006 infiniti g35 with 19 inch sport pkg wheels. I am planning on buying nicer rims in the future. Since it comes with only summer tires, im definitely going to need a set of winter tires.

Now the question is.... Do i get 19 inch winter tires and use the stock rims? Or am i better off downsizing to 17s or 18s?
I really dont want crappy rims for winter - still want something decent so i think i might not even want to go as small as 17s - which leaves me buying 18 inch rims and winter tires.

Would winter tires that are 19inch in size even be effective in the snow?. I dont see the point of selling my stock 19s as i think they are nice for winter, but possibly the tires would be too "thin"? Plus I can get another season out of the oem summer tires next year by rewrapping them on the 19 oem wheels.

Also have you guys dealt with tirerack.com before with shipping to canada? how does it work if i ship it to my house in canada? How much does the duty/brokerage fees end up to be? I did a search and alot of ppl ship them to point roberts and then pick them up. The only problem is i am limited on time and would only be able to pick them up after 7pm - not sure if the pick up places are even open that late - somethin ill have to look into. I would prefer shipping them directly to my home if possible - as long as it doesnt cost way more money.

let me know wat u guys think i should do/advice pls
thanks

the snow in Vancouver won't be that deep so your 19s with snows should be fine. but normally it's better to use skinnier tires in snow. if you're going to buy 19 inch snows you better be ready pay major cash for them

[thumper]

downsize if you can. 19's and a snow covered frost heave/pothole and you're toast :(

in agreement about the cash aspect for 19" sizes... more (cheaper) choices available in 18" or less.

[syee]

Go smaller. The tires are cheaper, and skinnier tires are recommended for snow.

Tirerack shipping to Canada includes brokerage and taxes, so you won't have to worry about being charged additional fees. You should be able to price out the tires and get shipping costs from their site once you enter in your postal code. If I remember, it's a bit more than shipping locally (I think it was roughly $30 per tire vs the roughly $10 for in US) but it's probably worth it since it also covers the taxes which you'd have to pay anyways when you cross the border.

[BrendanS]

I would go with 18" winter tires. We got our winter set up from Tirerack, everything went really well. We ended up getting it shipped to TSB Shipping at Point Roberts and declared them at the border. No trouble, we got the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 because the reviews were great on them.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=X-Ice+Xi2&vehicleSearch=true&partnum=255TR7XI2XL&fromCompare1=yes&wTire=6
We got them in 17s instead, tires great in the snow. Very little road noise with those tires as well. Can't complain about em! The G35 handles great in the snow now

[saveth]

Tirerack shipping to Canada includes brokerage and taxes, so you won't have to worry about being charged additional fees. You should be able to price out the tires and get shipping costs from their site once you enter in your postal code. If I remember, it's a bit more than shipping locally (I think it was roughly $30 per tire vs the roughly $10 for in US) but it's probably worth it since it also covers the taxes which you'd have to pay anyways when you cross the border.

Can Anyone else confirm this?

[SumAznGuy]

How deep of snow do you think you would drive your car through?

In light snow, a wider snow tire won't matter, but in deep snow you will want a skinnier tire. Also, down size to a 17 snow tire. Even with 17's, they are going to cost you quite a bit, but 18's will cost more.

Also, don't ship to Pt. Roberts. Ship them to Blaine and there is a chance you won't pay any taxes when you cross the border. Pt. Roberts has a 100% chance of paying the 12% tax and 6% duty if the tires are made outside of the US.

Never tried shipping to my house, but I don't think the extra shipping cost covers the tax.

[!Aznboi128]

I would go with 18" winter tires. We got our winter set up from Tirerack, everything went really well. We ended up getting it shipped to TSB Shipping at Point Roberts and declared them at the border. No trouble, we got the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 because the reviews were great on them.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=X-Ice+Xi2&vehicleSearch=true&partnum=255TR7XI2XL&fromCompare1=yes&wTire=6
We got them in 17s instead, tires great in the snow. Very little road noise with those tires as well. Can't complain about em! The G35 handles great in the snow now
lol you must love tirerack,

i was checking up prices not that long ago, you can actually get it cheaper locally, 1010tires.com (richmond) is cheaper then tirerack by 50-60 bucks and Sorat is about 100 bucks cheaper

check out our sponsors they can hook you up

[SumAznGuy]

lol you must love tirerack,

i was checking up prices not that long ago, you can actually get it cheaper locally, 1010tires.com (richmond) is cheaper then tirerack by 50-60 bucks


Are you sure about that? For all the tires that I bought, TR was way cheaper than 1010tires. The cheapest place in Cananda I found was Talon Tire in Quebec I think.

[jlenko]

check out our sponsors they can hook you up

^ Agreed!

Advance gave me some amazing prices on tires when I was looking... :thumbsup:

[!Aznboi128]

Are you sure about that? For all the tires that I bought, TR was way cheaper than 1010tires. The cheapest place in Cananda I found was Talon Tire in Quebec I think.
yah I just priced out some ws-60s and it was the 90 cheaper from 1010 tires then tirerack and tirerack was in usd as well

[fliptuner]

How deep of snow do you think you would drive your car through?

In light snow, a wider snow tire won't matter, but in deep snow you will want a skinnier tire. Also, down size to a 17 snow tire. Even with 17's, they are going to cost you quite a bit, but 18's will cost more.

Also, don't ship to Pt. Roberts. Ship them to Blaine and there is a chance you won't pay any taxes when you cross the border. Pt. Roberts has a 100% chance of paying the 12% tax and 6% duty if the tires are made outside of the US.

Never tried shipping to my house, but I don't think the extra shipping cost covers the tax.

What he said. Go with the smallest rim that'll fit over your brakes. Tires are cheaper and you'll have more sidewall for the shitty roads.

[Expresso]

Can Anyone else confirm this?

True story.

But don't think it's cheaper or anything, you basically pre-pay the outrageous custom fees and crazy shipping prices.

[syee]

Can Anyone else confirm this?

Just go through and put the tires in your cart and enter your postal code.

Here's a cut and paste from the order page:

215/50R17 XL Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60
Blackwall In Stock 4 $135.00 $540.00

UPS Standard (Canada) 09/29/2009 - 09/30/2009 $116.36
IMPORTANT INFORMATION — PLEASE READ!

CANADIAN ORDERS:

* All orders from Tire Rack are billed in US currency. On the day the transaction is processed, your credit card company will convert to Canadian currency using the current exchange rates and fees of the issuing bank.
* The sales taxes and duties included in this order are collected on behalf of the applicable Canadian government agencies. No additional taxes, duties, or fees will be collected by UPS Canada upon delivery of this order.
* Delivery may be delayed by customs procedures.

Additional Fees and Taxes
Excise Tax: $0.00
GST: $31.39
PST: $52.10
Duty: $37.80
Provincial Tire Fee: $20.00
Brokerage Fee: $30.00
Grand Total (USD):

$827.65

I stand corrected...$30 per tire was only for shipping - didn't include duties/PST/GST.

If you went down to pick them up, you'd save on the tire fees, brokerage fees. Buy a US or Mexico made tire and save on the duties.

[roastpuff]

^ Agreed!

Advance gave me some amazing prices on tires when I was looking... :thumbsup:

Yep, same here. Getting Blizzak WS-60's from them, great price. Cheaper than TR, and cheaper than 1010tires.

205/55R16, in case anyone was wondering.

[Expresso]

If you went down to pick them up, you'd save on the tire fees, brokerage fees. Buy a US or Mexico made tire and save on the duties.

Are there any tires made in US/Mexico? lol

Has anyone tried the Sunny tires being sold by Sorat? They are pretty cheap, also looking at Hankook series as they are pretty affordable too.

[saveth]

Some firestone tires are made in Canada

[Mashimaro]

Yep, same here. Getting Blizzak WS-60's from them, great price. Cheaper than TR, and cheaper than 1010tires.

205/55R16, in case anyone was wondering.

great tires for the price :thumbsup:

OP - is your G35 the X model? (4wd?). i don't know how well you can get around if it snows like it did last year if you car is RWD. just my opinion.

[!Yaminashi]

Even 18's will cost you a pretty penny for a set of name brand tires.
I was lucky enough to get a set of winter tires last year from volco

My stock wheels are 17x7, even these cost me almost $700

[thumper]

^ Agreed!

Advance gave me some amazing prices on tires when I was looking... :thumbsup:


what is advance like to deal with these days? i used to go there because SG and ken was there, but now that both are gone.... :confused:

[!Aznboi128]

^ anything 16 and over will cost a pretty penny :(

[!Yaminashi]

what is advance like to deal with these days? i used to go there because SG and ken was there, but now that both are gone.... :confused:

I'm pretty choked that Ken is gone. I always dealt directly with him when I ordered stuff.
They moved into a nicer place recently 2 doors down. I would hope service is the same. Apparently they got a new mechanic who's really good though

[SumAznGuy]

Yep, same here. Getting Blizzak WS-60's from them, great price. Cheaper than TR, and cheaper than 1010tires.

205/55R16, in case anyone was wondering.

Looking at the sites right now, TR has the 205/55/16's listed at $107 usd each plus $55 for shipping, so they land in Blaine/Pt. Roberts for $483.02 usd.
1010 has they for $175.99 cdn each, or $703.96.

Even with a 1.10 exchange rate, the TR ones are only $531.32, a savings of $172.64ish.

The 215/50/17's are $135 each. With shipping they are $595.02 usd to Blaine/Pt. Roberts.
1010 has them for $215.99 cdn each. That is $863.96 cdn.
With a 1.1 exchange rate, the TR ones cost $654.52.

Are you guys seeing something I don't see? :confused:

Oh, and TR has an offer to get a $50 gift card too.

[roastpuff]

I'm not buying from 1010tires (which are fairly expensive). I'm buying from ADVANCE MOTORSPORTS, a RS sponsor. They're in Coquitlam.

You forgot to add taxes, duties and provincial tire fee. It's not like you can easily sneak four tires past the custom officer... they're fairly large.

Also, there's the convenience factor. Would you rather drive to Coquitlam, or to Pt. Roberts/Blaine and have to deal with the border crossings, which may or may not be busy at that particular time of day you decide to go? Plus, pay for gas, which isn't exactly cheap.

Advance can even pick up my car for me, have it mounted/balanced, and drive the car back to me. That way I won't have to chance Canadian Tire/Kal Tire/Big O's lineups, and I can be at work or at home and have less hassle.

[saveth]

I got a quote from a couple rs sponsors and after doing the math I'm going to get my tires from tr.

[sexyaccord]

i would just go with steelies

[SumAznGuy]

i would just go with steelies

Good for you. You do that. :thumbsup:

[SumAznGuy]

I'm not buying from 1010tires (which are fairly expensive). I'm buying from ADVANCE MOTORSPORTS, a RS sponsor. They're in Coquitlam.

You forgot to add taxes, duties and provincial tire fee. It's not like you can easily sneak four tires past the custom officer... they're fairly large.

Also, there's the convenience factor. Would you rather drive to Coquitlam, or to Pt. Roberts/Blaine and have to deal with the border crossings, which may or may not be busy at that particular time of day you decide to go? Plus, pay for gas, which isn't exactly cheap.

Obviously you haven't tried. Last time, I brought back 4 tires and the customs officer didn't bother getting me to pay any tax on the tires. No GST or PST.

And there is no prvincial tire fee when you buy tires from the US. Just the GST, PST, and 6% duty if the tires are made outside of the US/Mexico.

[!Aznboi128]

well I want to get a set of Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60

from tirerack - 830usd + mount +taxes +levy
from 1010tires - 902cdn +mount + taxes + levy
from advance autosport - 950 includes everything + taxes
from DHP 775 + mont + levy + taxes

um.....

[SumAznGuy]

well I want to get a set of Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60

from tirerack - 830usd + mount +taxes +levy
from 1010tires - 902cdn +mount + taxes + levy
from advance autosport - 950 includes everything + taxes
from DHP 775 + mont + levy + taxes

um.....

What size tire are you looking for and is that the shipped price to Canada?

And there is no tire levy when you buy from the US. Well, acually, I've never been charged the tire levy when I cross the border.

Either way, $830 usd is approximately $913 with a 1.1 exchange rate. Mount and balance is around $20-$30 a wheel. :confused:

[thumper]

is 1010tires the online division of volco tire?

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

I'm pretty choked that Ken is gone. I always dealt directly with him when I ordered stuff.
They moved into a nicer place recently 2 doors down. I would hope service is the same. Apparently they got a new mechanic who's really good though

really??


ya ken left...and things changed

[thumper]

did anyone mention http://www.tiretrends.ca yet?

[!Aznboi128]

What size tire are you looking for and is that the shipped price to Canada?

And there is no tire levy when you buy from the US. Well, acually, I've never been charged the tire levy when I cross the border.

Either way, $830 usd is approximately $913 with a 1.1 exchange rate. Mount and balance is around $20-$30 a wheel. :confused:
215 50 17

and yah thats shipped to me so its a little bit more but its just to be equal.
I have tires on my rims already so i need the to take the places to remove them, mount them and throw them away.

[SumAznGuy]

I am going to assume you are talking about the 225/50/17 WS-60 @ $225.99 per tire.
TR has them for $142 usd each and a delivered price of $869.20 usd including all taxes and duties.
That is $956.12 cdn plus $80-$100 for mount and balance.

Advance is $950 + 12% tax and $20 tire levy = $1084 ish
DHP is $775 + $100 mount + 12% tax + $20 tire levy = $1000 ish.

Having the tires shipped to Blaine is $626.32 Usd. Assuming you pay no tax, then the tires cross into Canada for $688.95 cdn.
Assuming you only pay tax and no duty, then they are around $763.93 cdn.

So how is 1010 cheaper than TR?

[SumAznGuy]

is 1010tires the online division of volco tire?

Yes.

I find that Tiretrends is the same or higher priced than 1010.

[!Aznboi128]

when I priced it out to deliever to my house it was more expensive and advance's quote includes levy

[SumAznGuy]

215 50 17

and yah thats shipped to me so its a little bit more but its just to be equal.
I have tires on my rims already so i need the to take the places to remove them, mount them and throw them away.

Your $930 usd already includes the GST and PST as well as $20 for tire levy and $30 brokerage fee.
The $20 tire levey is in USD as well so it is slightly higher than the $20 cdn you would normally pay.

[syee]

If you buy wheels and tires from most places, mounting and balancing is usually free. (Just something to think about if you're thinking of getting wheels - I know for sure TireRack will mount/balance for free with a wheel and tire purchase at the same time)

[!Aznboi128]

Your $930 usd already includes the GST and PST as well as $20 for tire levy and $30 brokerage fee.
The $20 tire levey is in USD as well so it is slightly higher than the $20 cdn you would normally pay.
okay but still need to pay for mount balance and disposal which is about 100-125

which is pretty much the same

[SumAznGuy]

when I priced it out to deliever to my house it was more expensive and advance's quote includes levy

I still don't know why you need to have the tires shipped to your house?
Having them shipped to Blaine, those tires are going to cost you $596.04 usd.
Add tax and duty to the tires only, and $6 for storage fee at the depot, those tires are going to cost you $769.16 cdn.
Shop around and see what deals you can get to mount and balance the tires.
Cheapest I saw was $15 to mount and $8 to balance. Add $3 for tire dumping and that total cost you $104 so your total bill is $873 cdn.

Say $950 + taxes = $1064, you are saving $191. And this is if they do charge you all the taxes. ;)

[!Aznboi128]

^ um.....

damn it! LOL
fine! I might do that.... but its just so much trouble

[SumAznGuy]

^ um.....

damn it! LOL
fine! I might do that.... but its just so much trouble

Hahaha...

It isn't if they let you across the border without charging you any tax or duty. :thumbsup:
Even duty alone is 6% and there has been a few times where they charged me taxes but not the duty. ;)

[!Aznboi128]

^ but but its SOOOOOOOOOooooooo much trouble

[SumAznGuy]

^ but but its SOOOOOOOOOooooooo much trouble

It is. But I make a trip out of it and take the wife along and go to 202 or Burlington so it kinda works out. :D

[!Aznboi128]

^ another problem is my car can't make it over that huge speed bump at the border :(

last time I went, i almost took my exhaust out

[Expresso]

^ another problem is my car can't make it over that huge speed bump at the border :(

last time I went, i almost took my exhaust out

Even though SumAznGuy is right, you don't HAVE to. You might value your time and money differently then he does. Perhaps your time is more valuable than $200 then it makes more sense just to ship it to your house.

[SumAznGuy]

Even though SumAznGuy is right, you don't HAVE to. You might value your time and money differently then he does. Perhaps your time is more valuable than $200 then it makes more sense just to ship it to your house.

Another option is to get the tires shipped to a tire shop in the US and have them mount them for you. Then go down to Burlington or Bellis Fair and do some shopping so when you come back, claim the stuff you bought and save on the taxes on the tires. :eek:

[ilvtofu]

Aren't 19's some of the most expensive tires out there as far as size goes?

If you contact our sponsor sora't you can probably get a set of pretty stylish rims to use on winter tires, mine were around $100 each for the wheels and look pretty good IMO

[!Aznboi128]

^ 19's are stupidly expensive, 18's not bad

Sorat's awesome sadly for winter all he can get is "sunny" no reviews :(

Another option is to get the tires shipped to a tire shop in the US and have them mount them for you. Then go down to Burlington or Bellis Fair and do some shopping so when you come back, claim the stuff you bought and save on the taxes on the tires. :eek:


I'm pretty legit so I don't like doing anything "improper"
I was thinking about getting it all mounted by a shop in the states but I still need some tires to get down there and bring them back up....

[Expresso]

^ 19's are stupidly expensive, 18's not bad

Sorat's awesome sadly for winter all he can get is "sunny" no reviews :(



Yea I was wondering how these Sunny tires are. They have some really good pricing for them.

[!Aznboi128]

Yea I was wondering how these Sunny tires are. They have some really good pricing for them.
exactly

it's like 120 bucks with everything + taxes for 17"

[!Yaminashi]

last time I went, i almost took my exhaust out

Slammed FTW right? :D;)

[SumAznGuy]

^ 19's are stupidly expensive, 18's not bad

Sorat's awesome sadly for winter all he can get is "sunny" no reviews :(




I'm pretty legit so I don't like doing anything "improper"
I was thinking about getting it all mounted by a shop in the states but I still need some tires to get down there and bring them back up....

Are these sunny tires even DOT legal?
And I am curious to see how they perform. Winter tires is more than just tread design. You also need to look at compound and how soft they are when it get down to 0 or -2 degrees.

Personally, for my own personal safety, I would buy tires that are a little more well known/tested. :D

As for AznBoi, I thought you had tires on the wheels that need to be unmounted? Why not drive on those and have the shop throw those away for you? Do is there enough tread that you want to keep those tires? :confused:

[!Aznboi128]

Slammed FTW right? :D;)

haha YOU KNOW IT! currently is only rubbed down fenders, bottom of catalytic convertor is scratched up, J-pipe is scratched :p not bad for vancouver roads.

Are these sunny tires even DOT legal?
And I am curious to see how they perform. Winter tires is more than just tread design. You also need to look at compound and how soft they are when it get down to 0 or -2 degrees.

Personally, for my own personal safety, I would buy tires that are a little more well known/tested. :D

As for AznBoi, I thought you had tires on the wheels that need to be unmounted? Why not drive on those and have the shop throw those away for you? Do is there enough tread that you want to keep those tires? :confused:

nah I want to dump those tires but they have NO tread and two of them have a screw in it, wont even hold air so its useless for me ......

[Spaceship_coupe]

If you really want to save money and not want to pay any duties or taxes at all, have them shipped to Blaine as previoiusly mentioned and spend the weekend down in the states with a friend. Then come back up 48 hours later with tires in the car as you are allowed $400 per person. For example, I got my winter tires last year doing this method and I ended up saving about $300 compared to the local shops here, plus the gf was happy because she bought a purse.

[ilvtofu]

^ 19's are stupidly expensive, 18's not bad

Sorat's awesome sadly for winter all he can get is "sunny" no reviews :(




I'm pretty legit so I don't like doing anything "improper"
I was thinking about getting it all mounted by a shop in the states but I still need some tires to get down there and bring them back up....

Oh lol, i meant just getting an extra set of rims without tires off of sora't they have decent selection and amazing prices,

[Expresso]

If you really want to save money and not want to pay any duties or taxes at all, have them shipped to Blaine as previoiusly mentioned and spend the weekend down in the states with a friend. Then come back up 48 hours later with tires in the car as you are allowed $400 per person. For example, I got my winter tires last year doing this method and I ended up saving about $300 compared to the local shops here, plus the gf was happy because she bought a purse.

Actually if you look at it as a whole overall you broke even after the purse then lol!!!

[StylinRed]

I've always gotten by without snow tires (because id usually stay in if it snowed) but this year i plan on doing a lot of driving in the snow (like up to whistler etc)

I know we're supposed to be having a mild winter but i doubt it would make much of a difference on the mountains

SOOOOo what's a good brand to go with?
and should i get em studded?



edit: ooh costco is pretty competitive (compared to the local guys with installation) + they're giving $60 off atm for michelins and 4 floor mats oO

so Question is:

X-Ice Xi2 or Primacy Alpin PA3?

[syee]

I've always gotten by without snow tires (because id usually stay in if it snowed) but this year i plan on doing a lot of driving in the snow (like up to whistler etc)

I know we're supposed to be having a mild winter but i doubt it would make much of a difference on the mountains

SOOOOo what's a good brand to go with?
and should i get em studded?



edit: ooh costco is pretty competitive (compared to the local guys with installation) + they're giving $60 off atm for michelins and 4 floor mats oO

so Question is:

X-Ice Xi2 or Primacy Alpin PA3?

Studded is probably overkill. It's really only good for ice, and it ruins the roads. Plus, it will be super noisy driving with studs on no snow/ice.

If you look at the tire websites (like tirerack) they will tell you if they are studdable. Just check for the one you like and check whether there's an option for studs.

Roads up to the ski resorts are usually plowed pretty well so snow tires without studs are usually OK.

[Mashimaro]

I've always gotten by without snow tires (because id usually stay in if it snowed) but this year i plan on doing a lot of driving in the snow (like up to whistler etc)

I know we're supposed to be having a mild winter but i doubt it would make much of a difference on the mountains

SOOOOo what's a good brand to go with?
and should i get em studded?



edit: ooh costco is pretty competitive (compared to the local guys with installation) + they're giving $60 off atm for michelins and 4 floor mats oO

so Question is:

X-Ice Xi2 or Primacy Alpin PA3?

How much did you want to spend?

The best snow tires you can buy are the Nokian winter tires.

I'm quite happy with the Bridgestone WS50's i have, however, i hear the WS60's are even better.

[!SG]

it really depends on the customs officer, and how pretty your mouth looks to him. if he is in a good mood, u get to go thru without paying any taxes, if not, then u are subject to GST, PST, and Duty (6.5%) if tires are made outside of the US.

the tire levy is $5 a tire.

Obviously you haven't tried. Last time, I brought back 4 tires and the customs officer didn't bother getting me to pay any tax on the tires. No GST or PST.

And there is no prvincial tire fee when you buy tires from the US. Just the GST, PST, and 6% duty if the tires are made outside of the US/Mexico.

[!SG]

how to save a buck when it comes to winters.

are you gonna need a set of rims for the winters? Steelies are the cheapest... well use to be, you can find some alloys for fairly cheap these days, if not, why not consider the stock rims u had on ur car. MAKE SURE that the size can clear ur caliper. this is the absolutely most important. the smaller the rim, the chances are, the cheaper the tire. this is usually true unless the size you need is a fairly popular size, thus more supply, and we all know the supply & demand graph.

you may need to do a bit of research to find out what the smallest rim you can run is. one way to find out, check your spare tire. whatever size that is, generally is the smallest wheel u can get away with, unless you have some crazy caliper option package from the dealership or have upgraded ur brakes.

weather to get from states or to get from canada?

this really depends, businesses here generally get a discount on tires, mark them up a bit (because as a business, they need to survive), and thus to be competitive, will be competitive with their pricing compared to local supply. this FINAL PRICE is usually before tax. thus, what you need to do is calculate the price of the tire across the border, factor in EXCHANGE, SHIPPING, DUTY, cost of gas to drive down there, cost of your own time to wait in line at the border to bring them in, and hassle to go thru the whole process. once u figure that out, u can make the decision.

[StylinRed]

How much did you want to spend?

The best snow tires you can buy are the Nokian winter tires.


really? i read a review rating the Nokian rsi, the michelin xi2, and the blizzak ws60

the the michelin xi2 came in first, blizzak 2nd, nokian 3rd




was doing more reading up on the 2 michelins i was looking at and i guess ill go with the xi2's

thnx all ^^

[!SG]

the nokian's are ok, ive had the WR's on the highlander for about 4years. still plenty of tread but fairly noisy for a tire. however these were rated as winter tires made for all season.

i JUST got a set of kumho kr21's to run for the summer. nice and quiet and good in dry n wet.

[Liquid_o2]

I bought a set of Nokian WR G2's last winter (just before we had all those major snowfalls).

I didn't have any major issues all winter and didn't get stuck even driving through some really deep banks on small streets.

SG is right though... they are a bit noisy though.

I'll be stickin them back on once November hits I suppose :thumbsup:

[godwin]

In the end, any snow tires is better than no snow tires.

Also get the latest and greatest compounds... especially those with silica in it.

My priority is:
1. Compound
2. Features (eg non curbing strips)
3. Price
4. Brand
5. Dealer

Reviews can only take you so far, and I always felt they are always biased. A lot of the time it is used to reinforce the purchase decision that was made.

As for places like Tirerack in the US, yes it is cheaper, but if there is any problems eg puncture. You will have to pay. For condo dwellers, having a dealer store / change your tire is a good feature too.

[roastpuff]

I've always gotten by without snow tires (because id usually stay in if it snowed) but this year i plan on doing a lot of driving in the snow (like up to whistler etc)

I know we're supposed to be having a mild winter but i doubt it would make much of a difference on the mountains

SOOOOo what's a good brand to go with?
and should i get em studded?


X-Ice Xi2 or Primacy Alpin PA3?

I'd get the Xi2, had the original X-Ice on the Sienna before we replaced it with the Odyssey (which now wears WS-50's) and that was a great tire. Or the Blizzak WS-60, which I'm about to get for the new CSX.

Michelin, Bridgestone, Nokian - those are the three I'd be most inclined to pick for brands.

And I think studs are illegal in Vancouver. Not sure but I'm pretty sure it is since we get fairly mild winters. And you don't need it to drive up to Whistler or whatever since the highways are plowed pretty good, and as long as you drive smart. I've never had trouble with just snow tires and FWD minivans.

[SumAznGuy]

I'd get the Xi2, had the original X-Ice on the Sienna before we replaced it with the Odyssey (which now wears WS-50's) and that was a great tire. Or the Blizzak WS-60, which I'm about to get for the new CSX.

Michelin, Bridgestone, Nokian - those are the three I'd be most inclined to pick for brands.

And I think studs are illegal in Vancouver. Not sure but I'm pretty sure it is since we get fairly mild winters. And you don't need it to drive up to Whistler or whatever since the highways are plowed pretty good, and as long as you drive smart. I've never had trouble with just snow tires and FWD minivans.

Studded tires are legal from Nov 1 to April 1.

Last few winters, I ran studless snow tires on my S2000 and was able to get up and down from SFU with no problems.

Only issue I had was that one night where it got really cold and the roads froze over and I was slipping and sliding up Broundry rd towards Hastings.

Main roads are usally pretty much snow free after the first plow, but the curb lanes and side streets are usually the ones that get the least attention. This year is supposed to be a mild winter, but next year isn't. In the last 3 years that I have had my S, I can remember 2 times where it was cold enough at night for the roads to freeze. One was a wednesday afternoon, and the other that night I mentioned earlier.

My advice, get snow tires and have a set of chains in the trunk for the drive wheels in case things get really bad.

[roastpuff]

Huh, didn't know studs were legal here. But yeah, chains for the really bad situations. Usually you'll be fine with snow tires.

[Drift_Monkey]

can anybody else confirm that this winter is forcasted to be a mild one?

last winter was pretty.

[thumper]

I bought a set of Nokian WR G2's last winter (just before we had all those major snowfalls).

I didn't have any major issues all winter and didn't get stuck even driving through some really deep banks on small streets.

SG is right though... they are a bit noisy though.

I'll be stickin them back on once November hits I suppose :thumbsup:

i have nokian hakka RSI's for this winter. i hope they work out because last winter for me was a nightmare because of vancouver's stupid policy of not plowing the side streets... what's the point of plowing just the main roads if no one can reach them?!? :mad:

[SumAznGuy]

can anybody else confirm that this winter is forcasted to be a mild one?

last winter was pretty.

It is suggested that since this year is an El nino year, winter *should* be mild.

[godwin]

Don't get chains.. get a set of Spike Spider.. works much better (self tensioning) and unlikely to tear your inner fender to shreds if things go sour.

http://www.spikes-spiders.com/

Have a set for my X5.. works great in Whistler last winter with a uncleaned driveway.

[godwin]

A lot of out of towners drive with studs.. but they are only legal for winter time only..

The issue with studs is most shops only will stud a set of tires once. So think carefully before you want to take them out!

Huh, didn't know studs were legal here. But yeah, chains for the really bad situations. Usually you'll be fine with snow tires.

[!Aznboi128]

GOD DAMN! 400 bucks for chains?

[dimsum119]

Michelin X-ice hands down, use them on my e46 best investment ever. Never got stuck in the snow once

[Spaceship_coupe]

Actually if you look at it as a whole overall you broke even after the purse then lol!!!

Learn to read Rich! She bought a purse!

[Expresso]

Learn to read Rich! She bought a purse!

HAHah no dood, when you are together that long your income becomes one. ;)

[Spaceship_coupe]

HAHah no dood, when you are together that long your income becomes one. ;)

Hahaha...not in my case, might be for your's though. :D

Back on topic, I ran the Hankook I-Pike's last season and didn't have a problem at all.

[thumper]

Don't get chains.. get a set of Spike Spider.. works much better (self tensioning) and unlikely to tear your inner fender to shreds if things go sour.

http://www.spikes-spiders.com/

Have a set for my X5.. works great in Whistler last winter with a uncleaned driveway.

if you are like me, with lowered height and limited fender clearance to run chains, etc. you might consider http://www.autosock.no/ ... but i don't know if is recognized as being the equivalent of tire chains and they may turn you back at roadblocks.

[godwin]

Chains are not that cheap to start either. PITA to put on, not to mention rather dangerous (on the side of the highway) and have to do all 4 wheels if you have AWD.

Yes, the spike spiders are more expensive than normal chains, but if you have ever put on chains in the winter, you would appreciate the extra convenience and time saved for the price.

GOD DAMN! 400 bucks for chains?

[syee]

One thing to note (and I am not sure if it's only on Bridgestone, or if they're the only company that discloses this) is that only the first 50-60% of the tread is their proprietery snow/ice compound, while the last 40-50% is a regular winter tire compound. (which I am assuming is probably ideal for low temperature performance much like Vancouver where it's cold and rainy, rather than for snow/ice traction)

I didn't see mentioned on any other brand (although Michelin does mention something similar but phrases it as something along the lines of not having enough tread for effective performance in snow)

[roastpuff]

By the time you hit that low (40-50%), you're supposed to replace the snow tires anyway because the reduced tread depth means reduced snow/ice performance.

[RabidRat]

Chains are not that cheap to start either. PITA to put on, not to mention rather dangerous (on the side of the highway) and have to do all 4 wheels if you have AWD.

Yes, the spike spiders are more expensive than normal chains, but if you have ever put on chains in the winter, you would appreciate the extra convenience and time saved for the price.

it's four times the price of regular chains!!

is the grip any worse/better?

[RabidRat]

if you are like me, with lowered height and limited fender clearance to run chains, etc. you might consider http://www.autosock.no/ ... but i don't know if is recognized as being the equivalent of tire chains and they may turn you back at roadblocks.

Looking on their website:


AutoSock is approved after the new ÖNorm V5121 and can be used where snowchains are required in Austria, Italy and Germany.


How much are these? Where could we buy it locally, and is it really better than chains?

[godwin]

I will say it is about the same.. the key selling point for me is you don't have to laydown chains and drive a few feet ahead.. that's a huge pain in the ass and rather dangerous if you have to do it on the road... not to mention putting it on is really not a one person job.

Also sometimes during the winter in Whistler I don't have to clear the driveway before I drive down to Vancouver for meetings etc. Slap it on, drive out.. then take it off when I get to McDicks.

In the end, all these devices whether it is spiders or socks is to gain traction to move the car.. for stopping power they offer benefits but not as much as full studs. I don't like socks because it is a PITA to clean. I rather clean things with a hose, than washing and drying which is likely to affect the material.

Autosock is about $100Cdn a pair http://www.autosockcanada.ca

it's four times the price of regular chains!!

is the grip any worse/better?

[acurael]

When do you guys usually put your winter tires on?

The estimated delivery on the winter tires im possibly getting is Nov 16/17th from tirerack...Wondering if its gonna snow before end of november or get really cold?

u think im good?

[roastpuff]

Last year it snowed like mad in Oct for a few days. If that freak snowstorm doesn't happen again you ought to be ok.

I'm putting mine on late Oct...

[syee]

Isn't the magic number a consistent 7 degrees celsius is the time to put on the winters...

[InvisibleSoul]

Yeah. Put on the winter tires when the temperature is consistently under 7°C.

[Kang19]

nah those tires suck

[ELITE_TRAYUNZE]

Yeah I tried them out last year and they really weren't for me.

[!Aznboi128]

I'm putting them on next week..... just in case :p

[Volvoman]

www.tiretrends.com

[LYC]

michelin x ice xi2 are the best winter tires i have ever used. i went up every local mountain within 200k's just fine. that includes baker with its retarded amounts of snow. this is in a lowerd civic as well.

[ctsport]

When do you guys usually put on your winter tires? October or November?

[too_slow]

I've always gotten by without snow tires
so Question is:

X-Ice Xi2 or Primacy Alpin PA3?


Depends on what type of roads you drive the most:

Unploughed backroads -> Definately the X-ICE2

If you drive on the Coquihalla hwy (sub -10 to -20c temperature, hard-packed snow on the roads, going at 80-100kmp/h) then get the Alpin PA3.

I've tried both last season, and I prefer the Alpin PA3 over the X-ICE2

[Supafly]

what is advance like to deal with these days? i used to go there because SG and ken was there, but now that both are gone.... :confused:

its diffrent....took me a long ass time to order what i wanted....and i ended up calling them 4x to get an update...eventually i just gave up and bought stuff from G5.....i wonder where KEN has gone?

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

ken went to advance from G5 , and now he is long gone as well

[skyxx]

Well we still have shops like Overseas, Racing greed. :)

[!Yaminashi]

ken went to advance from G5 , and now he is long gone as well

Its too bad, I liked dealing with Ken

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

^

+1

[Supafly]

Its too bad, I liked dealing with Ken

yeah me too. Always attentive, and always got my products in on time.
customer service was good with that guy.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

i wonder where he went

[thumper]

ken went to advance from G5 , and now he is long gone as well


don't forget he was R-Spec before that....

[thumper]

Looking on their website:



How much are these? Where could we buy it locally, and is it really better than chains?

i watched a news clip from a german tv station on youtube (i can't find it now)where they had two identical volvos, one had chains and the other one had the socks and it was about the same in performance, but the socks were obviously easier to put on. you don't have all that noise and shaking you get with the chains if you use the socks, but the socks need to be washed and if you run it hard or on too much pavement it will wear out prematurely (doing the same with chains would mean the links breaking)... unfortunately i couldn't understand most of what was being said by the tester because he was speaking in german :(

[thumper]

Isn't the magic number a consistent 7 degrees celsius is the time to put on the winters...

i think that is correct. but i ended up putting on my snows last weekend because i didn't want to be doing it when it's cold and wet outside. also don't want to deal with all the autumn crap i have to clean off and potholes/road hazards/etc. that all the leaves and rain cover up... spent too much on my summer rims/tires to risk it :cry:

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

don't forget he was R-Spec before that....

that was a longgggg time ago right?

dont even know R-Spec, never heard

b4 G5 tho

[thumper]

ken used to run a shop called R-Spec across the street on bridgeport (the building being renovated right now on the north side). i guess this would be early-90's or so. later G5 was there and then they moved across the street to where u see them now.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

icicic

[SumAznGuy]

ken used to run a shop called R-Spec across the street on bridgeport (the building being renovated right now on the north side). i guess this would be early-90's or so. later G5 was there and then they moved across the street to where u see them now.

R-spec would be the mid/late 90's. Like 96-97ish. Then G5 took over that spot until they moved across the street.

[thumper]

R-spec would be the mid/late 90's. Like 96-97ish. Then G5 took over that spot until they moved across the street.

yeah i'm really fuzzy on the timeframe... i remember asking ken about quaife (he was the only one selling it at the time), that would have been 1996 like you said. but when i bought my itr it was 1999 and i remember going to garage five for parts :confused:

[!Yaminashi]

i think that is correct. but i ended up putting on my snows last weekend because i didn't want to be doing it when it's cold and wet outside. also don't want to deal with all the autumn crap i have to clean off and potholes/road hazards/etc. that all the leaves and rain cover up... spent too much on my summer rims/tires to risk it :cry:

A little early dont you think?
Dont winter tires wear faster in warmer weather? Or is that a myth?

[roastpuff]

A little early dont you think?
Dont winter tires wear faster in warmer weather? Or is that a myth?

Higher temperatures do cause faster wear, not a myth. Running winter tires on dry pavement also causes faster wear. Doing both (dry pavement and high temperatures) equals even faster wear! :haha:

Recommended usage time period for us here is usually November to March/April.

[godwin]

Not if you do higher elevations or have to go out of town or on the coq quite often.

A little early dont you think?
Dont winter tires wear faster in warmer weather? Or is that a myth?

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

A little early dont you think?
Dont winter tires wear faster in warmer weather? Or is that a myth?

thats wat i thought too


putting it on now is wayyy too early

[thumper]

A little early dont you think?
Dont winter tires wear faster in warmer weather? Or is that a myth?

yep it's too early, especially this year with the warmer weather. i remember this time last year being cold and pissing rain nonstop. but like i said, i'd rather do it while it's still relatively warm rather than do it when it's cold and rainy on my hands and knees in rotting leaves since i don't know how long this weather will last :o

this morning was damn cold for me. 5am and and i saw about 6'c on the temp display. brr. but in a few months from now in the wintertime i'll be looking back at this post thinking how warm it was...

[thumper]

Not if you do higher elevations or have to go out of town or on the coq quite often.

or squamish... my coworkers from out there are on snows now.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss249/Spoony85/ToosoonJunior.jpg

[Gh0stRider]

i got stuck last year, and had to take the bus. so i gotta get a set of winter tires this year. just reading reviews on various tires, but i still can't decide what to get.

[thumper]

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss249/Spoony85/ToosoonJunior.jpg

yeah. listening to the news on the radio today they were talking about el nino going to make winter this year a mild one compared to last year... but i don't know what that means? very little snow? no snow at all and break out the bermuda shorts?

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

probably means wont be as cold or insane amount of snow fall???




the reason why i dont encourage ppl to put on so early becuz ur winter tires are gonna be gone in no time without snow. 2 seasons and be ready to say bye bye

[roastpuff]

i got stuck last year, and had to take the bus. so i gotta get a set of winter tires this year. just reading reviews on various tires, but i still can't decide what to get.

Budget? Most people will recommend the Blizzak or the Xi2 as go-to tires for winter. There's the whole Nokian/Gislaved etc Swedish choices as well.

[SumAznGuy]

probably means wont be as cold or insane amount of snow fall???




the reason why i dont encourage ppl to put on so early becuz ur winter tires are gonna be gone in no time without snow. 2 seasons and be ready to say bye bye

El Nino will keep the air temperatures higher by 1 to 2 degrees. That could mean -1C or +1C.

So the guess is not to expect insane amounts of snow, but all it takes is a cold front to come in and bring in the snow.

Keep in mind, snow tires need decent tread for them to work properly. So when you get down to 4/32 tread, they do very little in snow. I've had my snow tires for 3 years now, this will be the 4th winter on them. After this winter, I think it is time to change tires as they are 6 year old tires.

[!Yaminashi]

the reason why i dont encourage ppl to put on so early becuz ur winter tires are gonna be gone in no time without snow. 2 seasons and be ready to say bye bye

Not to mention snow tires cost an arm and a leg

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

well 17" i paid about $700-800 dollar last year for some Continnental snow tires

[Gh0stRider]

im hoping to find a set of steelies and winter tires for around 800. i was pricing my stuff out on tirerack

[!Yaminashi]

well 17" i paid about $700-800 dollar last year for some Continnental snow tires

I paid just under $700 for some chinese copy of michelin x-ice or something lol
However, didnt get stuck once

[roastpuff]

im hoping to find a set of steelies and winter tires for around 800. i was pricing my stuff out on tirerack

Size? If it's 16" or so, perfectly doable.

[slammer111]

Studded tires are legal from Nov 1 to April 1.Dood, check your facts. It's Oct 1 to April 30.

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/popular-topics/faq.htm

http://www.drivesmartbc.ca/when-are-studded-tires-allowed-british-columbia

[Gh0stRider]

Size? If it's 16" or so, perfectly doable.

id like to get 15" but there are no 15" steelies available on tirerack.

im comparing the X-Ice Xi2, Blizzak WS60 link (http://www.tirerack.com/snow/CompareWinterTires.jsp?snowSortCode=20103&sortSize=16&winterType=A&RHP=&beanNumber=&Qty=&startIndex=0&frontWidth=&frontRatio=&frontDiameter=&frontSortCode=&rearWidth=&rearRatio=&rearDiameter=&rearSortCode=&performance=W&compareList=2,5&compare=true&displayResults=10&search=true&sortValue=1&Qty0=4&Qty1=4&compareCheck=2&Qty2=4&Qty3=4&Qty4=4&compareCheck=5&Qty5=4&Qty6=4&Qty7=4&Qty8=4&Qty9=4)

[Gwilo]

Try TireTrends I just ordered steelies and winters for under a grand for the Scuby (taxes & delv. incl.)

[godwin]

If you want 15" steelies don't bother getting new.. search on CL or something.. heck a few places like Affordable have a few steelies outside their yard for free from time to time.

id like to get 15" but there are no 15" steelies available on tirerack.

im comparing the X-Ice Xi2, Blizzak WS60 link (http://www.tirerack.com/snow/CompareWinterTires.jsp?snowSortCode=20103&sortSize=16&winterType=A&RHP=&beanNumber=&Qty=&startIndex=0&frontWidth=&frontRatio=&frontDiameter=&frontSortCode=&rearWidth=&rearRatio=&rearDiameter=&rearSortCode=&performance=W&compareList=2,5&compare=true&displayResults=10&search=true&sortValue=1&Qty0=4&Qty1=4&compareCheck=2&Qty2=4&Qty3=4&Qty4=4&compareCheck=5&Qty5=4&Qty6=4&Qty7=4&Qty8=4&Qty9=4)

[SumAznGuy]

Dood, check your facts. It's Oct 1 to April 30.

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/popular-topics/faq.htm

http://www.drivesmartbc.ca/when-are-studded-tires-allowed-british-columbia

Close enough. At least I knew they were legal during the winter time. :rolleyes:

[ctsport]

Just ordered a set of 16'' General Arctic and steel rims from Tiretrends.ca for a tad under a grand shipped. Good enough deal for me. :D

[Gh0stRider]

is there a general rule on how small of a rim you can go down to? is it 1" or 2" ?
ive got stock 17's, but i wanna know if i can go down to 15". is there a site anyone knows of, that i could check?

[fliptuner]

as long as it clears your brakes.

[StylinRed]

is there a general rule on how small of a rim you can go down to? is it 1" or 2" ?
ive got stock 17's, but i wanna know if i can go down to 15". is there a site anyone knows of, that i could check?

u still have the celica? if so u can get 15s ^^

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

as long as it clears your brakes.

+1

[ctsport]

is there a general rule on how small of a rim you can go down to? is it 1" or 2" ?
ive got stock 17's, but i wanna know if i can go down to 15". is there a site anyone knows of, that i could check?

The easiest way to know the smallest wheel size that fits is to look at your spare.

[roastpuff]

Anyone have experience with the Pirelli 240 Sottozero? It's a performance snow, and V-rated, that much I know.