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Nokian R vs. WRG2 vs. WR in New England

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by CTScallopR, Dec 2, 2008.

  1. CTScallopR

    CTScallopR New Member

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    2008 Prius
    Yes I did search the topic, and believe me I've spent hours reading through posts about these tires and their differences, so I apologize for dedicating yet another thread to tire questions. The problem is I simply did not find the type of actual review / input I had hoped for.

    I live in Connecticut, I have a 100% 20 mile country road commute to work. I head up toward Vermont/New Hampshire frequently on the weekend to snowboard. I have read the Nokian website thoroughly and I understand the differences between the R / WR / WRG2.

    I have plans to get a dedicated set of 15" steel wheels and Nokian Haka R's put on this weekend at a tire place in Manchester, NH ($120/tire, $79/wheel, $796 out the door, did a lot of calling around).

    Basically I'm having second thoughts after reading about the WRG2's and the WR's and wondering if the R's are overkill for my needs. Not to mention of course I'd love the idea of getting the WRG2's / WR's installed on my factory rims, running them all year, and saving the cost of buying the extra rims and cost of swapping them on/off at the change of the seasons (probably $400 this year alone).

    What I would really be appreciative of are responses from people out there who've run any of these tires in similar climates as mine, preferrably through a winter, and can offer their opinion what is really the best choice for me considering the options for overall winter performance vs. cost. At this point adding any other tires to the conversation will make my brain explode, so please limit replies to the three tires, the Nokian R / WRG2 / and WR. Thanks!
     
    #1 CTScallopR, Dec 2, 2008
  2. msbedard

    msbedard New Member

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    2009 Prius
    For what it's worth.... We installed the WRG2s on my wife's 2009 package #2 before it left the dealership in White River Juction VT in mid October. We've only had several small storms (under 2 inches with ice) so far but the tires have performed flawlessly.
     
    #2 msbedard, Dec 3, 2008
  3. djg12

    djg12 Junior Member

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    I had the Hakka Rs installed on my '08 a week and a half ago. Since then we have had one 'dusting'. The roads were a little slippery. (PS...I live in NH...Manchester actually!)
    I tested the tires and the car, this being my first winter with the Prius. I was impressed with both!

    My idea was to just run the Rs with the OEM wheels and 'perhaps' get new wheels with new tires in the spring.

    I have utilized the WR on a previous vehicle, and also have run other Hakka snow tires. I am 'sold' on Nokian, they have great tread longevity and are great performers in any kind of wet weather, snow etc

    Enjoy the Nokians!:)
     
    #3 djg12, Dec 3, 2008
  4. Reid

    Reid New Member

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    I purchased tires and rims from Tire Rack. Bridgestone Blizzak and nice alum. rims. The tires are great, quiet for a real winter tire and my mileage has not been effected much at all. Delivery only took two days, the tires were mounted and balanced for around $700 delivered.
     
    #4 Reid, Dec 3, 2008
  5. CTScallopR

    CTScallopR New Member

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    2008 Prius
    Thanks for the replies. I'm leaning toward the WRG2s. If I lived in NH or VT it would be the Rs, but today I spoke with the guy at John and Son's Tire in Manchester, NH (yes i'm giving them a plug because they've got good prices and didn't seem to mind answering crazy tire questions) and he stated the obvious that the R's were better in the snow, but for my uses the WRG2s should be fine. Thanks again.
     
    #5 CTScallopR, Dec 3, 2008
  6. wiiawiwb

    wiiawiwb Junior Member

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    I live in upstate NY and I am running the Nokian Hakkepeliitta R on my '08. I tortured myself trying to decide between the R's and the WRG2.

    Finally, after talking with the dealer for a while, I decided that I would rather have the extra pulling power (and safety) of the R's, in the event I was out in snow. For what it is worth, I did run the WRs before on my '05.

    I have had Nokians on my vehicles for many years and swear by them. The R's are very smooth riding, grip the road well and have not surrendered much in the way of mileage. Max 2 mpg.

    The last thing I wanted was find myself out on a snowy day and be kicking myself for not getting a dedicated snow tire. I would have saved money by not having to change out the WGR2's but, in the end, I wanted peace of mind.

    Do whatever gives you peace of mind.
     
    #6 wiiawiwb, Dec 9, 2008
  7. tom1l21

    tom1l21 Member

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    Location:
    East Longmeadow, MA
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    2005 Prius
    I live in New England and just purchased the WRG2's. What is an acceptable tire pressure? I currently run my integrities at 42/40, but wouldn't mind jumping my WRG2's up to 50psi if it will allow for longer tread life. I hear that increasing the pressure can result in the center of the tire being worn down, is this true at pressures such as 50psi, or even 45psi? I don't mind the bumpy road and would of course lower the pressure if the conditions got pretty nasty in order to get better tire traction. Any thoughts?
     
    #7 tom1l21, Oct 26, 2009
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