snow tires

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(allatrop1 @ Oct 2 2007, 12:25 PM) [snapback]520353[/snapback]</div>

New Hampshire DOT is great when it comes to snow removal. However, I replaced all my OEM tires with Nokian WR's as soon as I took delivery. Very reliable in snow and they are an all season tire. I was told they could take you uphill backwards in snow with no trouble whatsoever.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusFTW @ Oct 2 2007, 12:32 PM) [snapback]520359[/snapback]</div>

From my experience, backwards can be the best way to go on a FWD vehicle since that puts more weight on the front wheels which in turn provides better traction.

 

The OEM tires on the car are just passable for either the rain or snow. In N.H. I would definitely get snow tires, in fact I would get snow tires for all four wheels that far north.

 

I haven't yet picked up snow tires for my '05 but will someday as the winter driving can be entertaining.
But as long as you take your time and drive smart, you may not need snow tires.

 

We just bought our first car, happily an 08 prius, and are trying to decide what to do about snow tires. Do folks usually have a seperate set of rims with snowtires or run something like the Nokian WR's year round?

We bought our car in Manchester, but would like to pick up tires a little closer to Franconia if possible. Any suggestions on reputable dealers or ones to stay away from?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(runsund @ Nov 1 2007, 02:23 PM) [snapback]533473[/snapback]</div>

Wilson Tire in Plymouth is where I got my Nokian WR's. I don't have seperate rims with snowtires, I run the WR's year round. They are great in rain, snow, slush and dry pavement.

So you're close to Franconia? I'm in Sugar Hill

 

I got four brand new Yokohama's winter on my car.

NH is not much south of Montreal, and close to the mountains. If not snow this winter, you'll get lots of freezing rain.

Ice & black ice drove me nuts last winter with the stock tires & the Prius Computer flashing the yellow light at me.

Should make a huge difference in traction, and, you can never be too safe.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll check out Wilsons soon.

We're down by the notch, but come up to Plymouth for most things. I've been meaning to get pancakes at Polly's again, they're sooo good.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(redryder @ Oct 2 2007, 11:00 AM) [snapback]520370[/snapback]</div>

Someone has never seen this Mythbusters.

http://mythbustersresults.com/special12

Of course, they didn't try it in a Prius with a rear view camera (not that I'm recommending anyone do that.)

 

Think I'm going to get the snowtires after all

I can't find anyone who carries the Nokian WRs for my 08 prius, I've been told it's the strange wheel size of 195/55 R16. That and the recent snow stom has me considering getting some snow tires rather than all weather.

I'm trying to decide between -
Dunlop Winter Sport M3
Nokian RSI

I've read good things about the Dunlops and Ok reviews of the RSIs too. Any suggestions from other Prius owners?

Update - I ended up getting the RSIs

 

You might try the Bridgestone Bilzzaks. They are like Velcro on ice. I haven't put them on my Prius yet but had them on my Lexus and Beemer, they were wonderful.

Just remember you need to do all four wheels

 

Does the Nokian WR's have any road noise. I have a Outback that I drive from Rindge to Woburn MA daily when its snowing out. The all season tires work excellent in the snow but during the summer I can hear the tire noise. I dont want to make the same mistake with the Prius.

 

I mounted four 195/60R-15 GENERAL ALTIMAX ARCTIC (no studs) snows from Tirerack.com. No local dealer could beat their price of $277.90 plus $35 or so for UPS.

As we just had our first snow here on the MA/NH border I have only driven in the snow on them a couple times but find that they are doing a great job. Nice straight controled "panic" stops. I have tried to get the traction control to leave me without power as I have heard some complain about but haven't been able to get it to react that way yet.

I just bought the Pri so my OEM tires are pretty new but I was very concerend about leaving them on in the snow as they would throw the traction control into a fit when accelerating on wet pavement, I can't imagine what they would have done in the snow!

The larger than OEM size also helps improve handling. I no longer get blown into the next lane when there is a cross wind. They are not that noisy nor does the ride seem to be that much rougher.

Gas mileage takes a hit, but it is cold out so it is going to take a hit anyway. Plus, I have still doubled my mileage compared to my Subaru OB wagon. With my limited experince thus far, I would say that the Pri with four snows handles about as good as the OB wagon did with all season GY Triple Treads. Of course, deep snow would be the limitiing factor, but that has nothing to do with the quality of the tires.

This is the first FWD car I have put snows on and I would never drive a FWD car again without snows in the winter. And you defintly have to do all four.