Denver Bound - Tires

My go to tire in the Kansas City area would be the Nokian WRG3. I used that tire on three different vehicles (2 Prius') and never had a problem.

I also used the original iteration of that tire in northern Wisconsin when I lived there and we averaged 90-100" of snow a season. I was never stuck, but did drive cautiously when needed. Excellent ice tire, excellent in snow.

That said, a dedicated set of snows (Hakka x) on a used set of Prius wheels would be a good deal, too.


iPhone ?

 

Where are you? I'm in San Jose and have some Nokian with low miles.
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SM-G900H ?

 

They were on a 2005 and I have steel wheels Carolla that fit the 2005 studs.

SM-G900H ?

 

FroDoz - hope you have a good assignment in the Mile high state. Just think 85 Octane.

I've heard good things about the Nokian in winter states. Wash DC is south of the Mason Dixon line so no Nokian dealers, so I have skipped it.

But the main idea is your standard highest LRR MPG tires: Ecopia/energy saver A/S are not really optimized for snow. So you may either want to change tires in winter, or go with a tire that is not the worlds best MPG but has better snow handling. For me that is Conti True Contacts but Nokian is probably better for serious snow. Denver itself may be warmer than you think (not sure I know they get warm spells). Even the best All Seasons tire are considered lousy on snow compared to real winter snow tires (which I do not need).

 

Frodoz, this is what I went with. The X-Ice seem very good for LRR, very smooth and quiet:

snow tire: Michelin X-Ice 195/65R15
Corolla steel rim, part no: 42611-02471 (2006+ model year?)
steel rim lug nuts: 90942-01007 (plain, open-ended, galvanized)

Here's a pic, Tri-X, from last winter, at least what passes for winter around here:

 

Frodoz,

Like yourself I too can't say or give much info on snow tires for the upcoming local you will be at. However I will say that the Michelin X that Mendel just recommended have great reviews online.

Depending on if you are going to be going over any passes, you may or may not need chains. I was on I 70 west of the divide last fall. The warning signs were advising chains for the next 150 or so miles for heavy rigs. When I passed through Glenwood Canyon and then up and over the divide, the temp was a frigid 19 degrees according to the display on the dash. It was late at night. Stayed overnight in Denver. Then came on home about two days later.

Enjoy the different lifestyle there and best of luck to you.

Ron (dorunron)

 

Shortly after buying my 2005 I was faced with having to deal with a Christmas holiday trip from San Jose to Omaha. I purchased Nokian tires off the Internet since there was no dealer in my area. I bought the WR All Season (WR2 now I think). It performed like a full Snow Tire and had no problems dealing with the snow I experienced via I-70 to Omaha and on the southern route returning (which was worse passing Flagstaff).

One thing to keep in mind is that HEAT is the thing that kills tires designed for snow or mixed snow conditions. Do not run your tires on Interstates for extended use during the warmer months if you want maximum life. And I would suggest getting some steel wheels for use in winter with the All Season or Snow tires.

SM-G900H ?

 

I use dedicated snow tires here in Winter. Blizzaks and General Altimax Arctic have performed really well. Blizzaks are a tad better on ice, while the General's Arctics are better in deep snow. Both are relatively quiet for snow tires and are fairly durable. I put them on the cars when the snow comes and take them off as soon as it looks like the snow season is over. Depending on miles driven, and how gentle you are on your snows, they could last 4 or so seasons. After half the tread is gone, they perform more like an all season, so you'll lose some of the grip when conditions get bad. At that point I'll use them very cautiously, or just wear them out during the rest of the warm season.

Denver Winters are different than those here in the North East. Denver can have mild Winters with little snow or significant snow falls that can be gone in a day or two when the Chinook winds ramp up and torch the snow away. Snow comes early up over the Rockies at elevation and can stay around quite a while.

Great area out there.

 

Get a ride in to DIA one of your friend's four wheel drive trucks on those really bad days! If there is so much snow on the ground and it's thick enough, the Prius ground clearance will probably leave you high centered. Really depends whether the snow is light and dry or the thick wet stuff. Might want to see if you can fit a slightly taller tire to give you a little extra clearance and bite.

Be careful with chains. They can damage wheel wells and the fender wheel well edges if not properly attached/snugged. Chains can take a bit of time to install, and they shake the heck out of the car. They do make rubber or nylon type "chains" that are not as aggressive and ride a lot better.

 

Out here in California, arranging to share rides to work is called Car Pooling.

SM-G900H ?

 

Riding in with someone, if it's on their way or you live close by shouldn't be an issue the few times it snows hard enough to make the roads tough to drive on. I gave rides to people on bad days here. Usually offered to buy a tank of gas or pay for share of gas used. No big deal.

Definitely get a good set of snow tires on the car. And use chains when needed. Snowfall can vary and you might not even get enough snow to make much of a difference with all season tires some Winters. But when there's snow on the road, snow tires give you so much more control than all season tread can. Worth the cost when the bad weather Winters do show up.

 

I recall from some years ago that there are "chains" specifically for the Prius.

The cautionary reply about "high-siding" is a valid one. The Prius doesn't have a lot of ground clearance and you can high-side just crossing between lanes because of the mound of gunk left by 18 wheelers.

SM-G900H ?

 

etrailer dot com has a bunch of chain styles for Prius 195/65 15 Prius tire size.