With a warm week coming up, this might not seem like an appropriate topic. However, I just finished my search for Winter tires ( and spent more $$ than originally intended) and thought the process might be of interest to others in the area.
Note I am a fan of winter tires in that I consider them to be an investment in safety. All seasons are not too bad in the first year but after that it's skate city. Also, the cost is not as much as one might imagine since you save wear on your summer tires.
Anyway, I think I evaluated most everything - Alpins, Blizzaks, Toyos, Guardex, Cooper Weather Master, etc.,but settled on a set of Nokian Hakka 1's from Ted's Tire Discounter in Guelph. Probably the most expensive choice but since I plan to keep my car for quite a few years I think it is worth it. Even if you don't buy them, it is worth a trip to Ted's just to get his lecture on winter tires. He is the most informed guy I talked to in the area. Most times I got a "Buy the Blizzaks(Alpins,etc.) because they are the best" response from the store. Not with Ted -he explained the differences bewteen the tires.
I put the tires on steel rims which makes my "Tour" look like an unmarked cop car - black rims on a black car.
The final comment is price. A friend who's into rallying said they could get the same tires at cost. Ted was slightly cheaper.
If interested check the Nokian website -
www.nokiantires.com
