Snow tires in Canada

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For better or worst I opted for a set of Nokian WGR3 "all weather" tires for my 2008 Prius. These tires as severe winter rated with asymmetric thread and some magical nanotechnology enhanced rubber compound to assure that they will stay plyable in the winter and will not 'melt' in the summer. The manufacturer does not claim that they perform as well as dedicated winter tires. Rather they seem to address city dwellers need and convenience. (Trivia: Nokian made tires in Finland well before Nokia cellphones. One would think they know winters over there - eh?)

I had them installed on the factory rims with the intent of keeping them on all year around. . After driving them for a week on cool/cold dry roads and last week's snow in Kitchener I had a chance to feel out these tires on snow, slush and ice as well.

So here are my one man observations to date;
1. The Nokian tires ride firmer and a bit noisier compared my BridgeStone Ecopias.
2. They give good feedback from the road, allow nice control of the car.
3. The Nokians are low rolling resistance tires. On this point the jury is still out. Considering the changing weather conditions and the need to heat, there maybe some minimal loss mileage.
For the items below please be aware that I am not a race-car driver. So I drive as I feel is safe.
4. Performance in ice - steering and breaking - very good
5. Performance on slush - - steering and breaking - very good
6. Performance on packed snow - steering and breaking - good
7. Performance in snow - steering and breaking - very good

Will these tires work for everyone? Probably not. Here are our needs: to drive mostly in and around the city, and if the weather really sets in we don't go anywhere. So if you are a snowplough operator or even an avid downhiller, you are probably better off with dedicated winter tires like a Michelin Xi3 or similar.

 

For the steel rim, you can get from Costco online. I checked yesterday and it was $38.xx and ship to your door (I think it was free shipping but didn't check further)

Costco winter tire price seems ok if the rebate is on.

 

I for one am not pleased with the change from WRg2 to WRg3. Tideland do you find the WRg3 to be noisey compared to the g2? Hal

 

In some Costco, yes, I was at Vaughan Costco couple weeks ago and just can't even get into the parking lot. I normally just walk in the Costco which close to my home and they are not that crazy at all.

 

Just jumping in here....I have used the wr tires since I had my 2004 prius. I live in a hilly area where there are a couple hills that I have trouble ascending if they haven't been plowed. I also get stuck in lake effect snow storm driving conditions at least once or twice a winter.

I loved the g1 tires for grip, but thought they were noisy. I used them for one winter season and then kept them on for the summer. They were not acceptable for the following winter, but still had additional summer life (I average 25-30k miles per year).

I did not like the g2 tires. I thought they were slippery compared to the g1 tires, were extremely noisy, and wore quickly.

I am currently on my first set of g3 tires. To me, they are much quieter than the g2, they grip better, and they still had acceptable tread so that I am using them for a second winter. I am very pleased with them.

 

I went with WRG2 once, for a snow tire, partially because they were the only snowflake/mountain tires left in town, partially because I'd read good things about them. The WRG3 tread looks very similar. On that basis only, I'm assuming there's not a lot of difference. They're in-between an all-season and a snow. They do have an impact on mpg, maybe 10%, comparing to something like Bridgestone Ecopia EP20. Or more. They have a bit of a "song" on the highway. The ride is a bit "truckish", though that could have been because mine were XL rating.

 

I am having good luck with Xi3's. First winter in the c and so far so good. Have driven on fresh packed snow, frozen rain slush, heavy wet snow, and a mix of these. It gets pushed around in the heavy wet snow but did well in the other conditions. I opted for a second set of tpms sensors. I got the snow tires from discount tire and they reset them each season for no charge.

 

Winter is at the corner... Just wonder anyone is using 14' wheel for C? I talked to KYBlue he told me tirerack give him a 14' wheel for his winter tire. Just wonder if I can use those 14 wheel on my prius C.