Originally posted by Paddy:
Let me add a voice for the Nokian Hakka 1's. They are an amazing tire with excellent lateral grip which is what you need. Pulling away from a light is one thing. Staying on the road around a curve is another. Most accidents are caused by the loss of lateral grip.
The Michelins are a very good tire but with the very small sipes they will tend to fill up in the snow. A snow tire needs wide lugs to throw the snow from the tread. On cold pavement the Michelins will work well and will be much better in the snow than an all-season tire. However, The Hakka 1 with wide lugs, the compound and and the directional tread is arguably the best winter tire for every condition. I run 130-140 kph on the 401 and there is no squirm whatsoever. In snow it is as if it wasn't there. Just put the car in gear and drive away. Plus the price from Steelcase is excellent. I paid more in Guelph at Ted's Tire Discounters (approx $900+ 4 tires, 15" rims,taxes installation, if I recall correctly) but I do not complain. If you ever buy a set, you will not switch brands ever again. The tires are that good.
Plus Ted is the most knowledgeable guy I have meet in terms of snow tires. He also sells the Michelin, Toyo's and other tires so he can talk to the relative merits of each. Most other retailers push one brand primarily. If you are ever in the Guelph area, it is worth dropping by his store just to get his talk on snow tires.
I purchased same in 99 at Ted's. Same kind of price. This is my fourth year on them and they are great. Drive from Fergus every week day down to Oakville. Balance, smoothness, drive grip, lateral grip and response are all great. I lived for over 15 years in north up near T-Bay and I wish I had them on my cars up there. 4 or 5 hours of driving in heavy snow conditions really tests one's ability to handle winter driving especially in the dark around Lake Superior. One mistake and you are toast with no other drivers likely to come along. Road feel in snow is always there and you never really feel like you are going to loose control in snow. Black ice is another issue.
Speed is no problem on dry roads since they are H rated and directional tread. A little whine but not serious. Based on the 1's performance meeting Nokian's claims I am considering the NRH summer tire or perhaps the Dunlop SP Sports that many rave about. Still considering. Won't go back to the Michelin XGT's. Great when new but last half of life was mediocre.
