How to Pick Best Tires?

Kevin13 · May 9, 2008

The stock Continental "Summer Street" 4x4 "Sport Contact" tires on my 2006 (bought "pre-loved") are about done and I'm researching replacement options. 19" rims (275/45R19).

I live in So. Cal, where weather doesn't warrant having two sets of wheels/tires for winter/summer.

I also volunteer on a mountain search and rescue team, and, at a moment's notice, I may have to drive up into much more severe weather in our local mountains (~10,000' - paved roads to ~8,000). Literally it can be 60 degrees down below, and a blizzard up there. (Usually we respond in a county SAR rig, but all depends on where you are / what doing when you get the page whether you can get to the station in time to do that. If not you respond in your own rig.)

My last vehicle was a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 and I didn't give it much thought. Stock tires worked okay, and I always kept two sets of chains in the car in winter.

Obviously I need diff tires than the ones I've got. Right at the moment, I don't know if I have time to figure out a new wheel size/tire combo; I just need to get some new rubber on the road. Looking for best mix of everyday, high-speed highway, but also able to handle the occasional torrential rain that we get here, snow/ice, or possibly mountain back country dirt road (rocks, gravel, no super hard-core offroading though). So, just curious:

How do y'all go about figuring out what you think is best? Almost everyone seems to have a different opinion! I've used the tool on TireRack to pull up comparisons on several. Also came across the post under the Group Buys section by "Nokian Tire Expert". And, seen many, many other opinions on yet other tire brands here. I try to do my best, but obviously I'm no tire guru.

TireRack: Looks like Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow best all around for my needs they recommend
Tires by Web (Nokian expert): Nokian WR SUV - these sound pretty awesome

Either of those looks like a better tire - even for dry highway every day use than what I've currently got. And, as mentioned, have seen many other opinions.

Anyone have any advice for my particular situation? And/or how do you go about your research? Just based on experience? Or?

Thanks again!

Kevin

canon_mutant · May 9, 2008

Pending my other open post about mileage . . .

Though the mileage decrease may or may not be an issue, I find that those Goodyear Fortera Tripletreads would be hard to beat. I want a set of Nokian WRs [like everyone] but can't imagine they are $80/tire better than Forteras and I question how they [the Nokians] would hold up in the heat. A close second would frankly be Bridgestone Dueler Alenzas IMO.

What I would avoid in your situation is any ice and snow tire including those Pirellis. A good all season tire will get you a long ways with a good 4 wheel drive system. I know the Touareg has to be superior to our current XC90 and yet it just flies through all kinds of stuff just running Goodyear Eagle ResponseEdge rubber. Yup, just grand touring all season rubber and I'm amazed at some of the stuff I've been through - snow, ice, and mud.

Chains will be out of the question with your 19" wheels.

canon_mutant · May 9, 2008

And after all of my babble . . .

I just realized that Goodyear and Bridgestone jump from 18 to 20 so I guess Forteras or Alenzas are out of the question for you. I've been just considering the 17s or 18s.

I think I'd recommend those 255/50 R19 Nokians since you aren't going to have any cheap alternatives.

canon_mutant · May 10, 2008

Geez, not to throw gas on your dilemma fire but . . .

though I really love those 19" Terra wheels, I just assumed there would be tires to go on them. You've got quite a dilemma with such limited choices. It actually makes my decision on whether to order my Treg with Terras much easier now that I know just how few tires there are available to go on them.

Though slightly narrower than your stock rubber, I still think those 255/50 R19 Nokians would be hard to beat. Expensive yes, but what choices much less inexpensive choices do you have?

Kevin13 · May 10, 2008

Hi. Thanks! Yeah, I know that in the long run, changing to a different wheel size seems to be what I need to do. I really appreciate all your thoughts and input!

canon_mutant · May 10, 2008

If you can live with that 255/50 series . . .

There are quite a few more choices even in the 19" diameter. Might even have a little less rolling resistance leading to a little better mileage and the width difference is only about .8".

I know from another vehicle that those Michelin Latitudes Tour HPs are pretty decent all season tires. I'd still take the Nokians in a heartbeat though.

EARL97850 · May 10, 2008

I soon (this Fall) will also be thrown into the tire shopping.

I'm not really sure what to do.

Cya

Kevin13 · May 10, 2008

This site Opinions on new tires. Nokian tires anyone? - Tundra Solutions Forum
has some feedback on the Nokians. Guy is in Alaska, so quite a bit of talk about studding, etc., but good input other than that such as:

"I used the WR for a couple months this wionter and was thoroughly impressed with the winter traction. Many friends and family have the WR for year round on multiple vehicles and won't buy anything different after their experiences over "stock".

Here's the "problem" I see (IMO) You want the perfect tire but that doesn't exist. Travelling frequently over 100 mph [hey, he's in Alaska!] I'd want at least an H or V rated tire for the stiffer sidewalls and softer stickier compounds for dry and wet performance grip. If your hitting mud on the trails a good A/T or M/T tire is the best choice.

The WR comes in H rated (130 mph), the SUV is a T (118 mph) [shows "V" on Tires by Web] and the Vatiiva is S (112 mph). From experience the WR will definitely give you the best dry and wet performance (mine have seen MANY extended 85-90 mph runs in the rain) and are excellent in the snow without being noisey but will cake up in the mud faster. The "arrow" pattern clears snow and mud nicely but real thick goop will cake up 95% of the tires out there anyway. The SUV's are great snow and wet and better than my stock duelers in dry and probably better off road do to being more open on the tread pattern (but of course noisier also due to this). Haven't tried the Vatiiva sorry but if my experience with the rest of the Nokian line (I've used hakk 10, WR, NRH, Q, and SUV) is any indication they are probably an excellent all around tire also."

Re the Michelin Latitude Tour HP's, on TireRack for the 19" rim, they're $264, while the Nokian Tire Expert guy (Tires by Web) shows the Nokian WR SUV's at $267 (he said $262 - $5 off per tire). So, basically the same price.

Would the Nokian's being a touch skinnier be really noticeable? I'm thinking probably not. Don't want them looking like bicycle tires tho.

norsecarnut · May 10, 2008

if you have stock vw 19's, then the 275/45 or 40 is ideally too wide for the rim. generally it's the 20's that bump to that width on most stock suvs that i am familiar with. 255/50 or 55 on the 19 is a more "proper" proportion anyway.

why not go with a bfg at ko? good wear and good winter/summer mixed use. they can be "siped" crosswise at a tire shop to ad a little more wet/ice traction too.

ah, sorry, not in 19's duh!

the wr or michelin would be my choice.

91king · May 23, 2008

Kevin,

As you are no doubt finding out there are just not as many choices for the VW 19's as for the 17's and 18's.

I have been through two sets of Continental 4 X 4 Sport Contacts and I am replacing Michelin Diamaris tomorrow with Toyo Proxes ST. I am going with 285/45's instead of 275/45. A bit wider tire and a little more tread depth. I don't have any idea how they will hold up, but if they pass 16,000 miles they will beat the Michelin's .

Good luck on your search.

franceez · May 27, 2008

I put Toyo Proxes ST on about 3 weeks ago (255/50/19) and I am very happy with them. I had them sipped and am very comfortable with them. You can get them at onlinetires.com for $172 per and shipping to WA state was about $65.

Kevin13 · May 28, 2008

Hi Everyone. Thanks again for all of your input. Well, last week (before the last two replies), I went ahead and ordered the Nokians. Josh at Tires By Web was great. Tires shipped on Monday, and I got them Friday morning (free shipping).

Since the profile changed a bit (255/50R19 vs. 275/45R19), attached are a before and after view.

So far they feel great, seem to handle pretty well on the curves - although I haven't been up the mountain road on 'em yet, and don't seem to have any more significant road noise than the Continentals did. I did have to do a pretty quick stop on the 405 freeway Saturday afternoon just a few hours after getting the new tires mounted as traffic did one of the patented L.A. "everyone go from 85 to a screeching dead stop for absolutely no reason whatsoever and then after sitting for 60 seconds, resume driving at 85" moments. Guy in front of me braked, fishtailed, and nailed the Honda Element in front of him. Whether I got lucky, just had enough room, or it was the tires, I came to a stop with room to spare, thank goodness! (knock on wood!).

If it has any relevance to anyone, my set of tires were manufactured at the Nokian plant in Russia, interestingly enough.

I'll add to the thread with any further observations or impressions.

Top picture/picture in brighter sunlight is before; 2nd picture/with shadows is after.

norsecarnut · May 28, 2008

Would love to see better photos - these are both too dark in the area of importance - the tires are just black holes.

In particular, I'd love to have seen closer 3/4 views showing more of the width comparison as well.

However, I'm sure it's too late for any other "before" shots!

Kevin13 · May 28, 2008

Yup, that'd be true - unless someone else still has the OEM Continentals or other 275/45x19 on their 19" rims and wouldn't mind posting the shot you requested. Isn't Linder's (?) new V10 a 2006 w/19" rims?

I'll match their shot and we'll have the side by side.

Sorry not to provide better pics. I sort of just did the first on the spur of the moment, not really thinking anyone would be that interested.

nickm · May 28, 2008

Kevin13 said:
I went ahead and ordered the Nokians. Josh at Tires By Web was great. Tires shipped on Monday, and I got them Friday morning (free shipping).

I bought my Nokians from them as well, great folks and very quick shipping

Kevin13 said:
If it has any relevance to anyone, my set of tires were manufactured at the Nokian plant in Russia, interestingly enough.

I read somewhere that Russia is the worlds largest snow tire market...it would make sense for the worlds best snow tire maker to have a plant in the biggest snow tire market.

tiresbyweb · Jun 14, 2008

Kevin13 said:
I went ahead and ordered the Nokians. Josh at Tires By Web was great. Tires shipped on Monday, and I got them Friday morning (free shipping).

Hello Kevin,

Your Touareg looks awesome! Definately get some close ups of those Nokian tyres! Let me know when I can be of any further assistance.

Nokian started operating in Russia in 2005. The tyre plant is in Vsevolozhsk, near St. Petersburg in Russia. They use only environmentally friendly, low-aromatic oils and the latest technology in the field for tyre manufacturing.

-Josh

midngn · Jul 10, 2008

Pirelli Scorpion Zero. They are all-season and come in 275/40ZR20, 27/45ZR19 or 285/45ZR19. Its an awesome tire. A great replacement for the summer tires if you need all-season traction and will outlast the Michelins.

Vegas Matt · Jul 10, 2008

I've heard nothing but bad news regarding the Scorpion Zeros on here. Seem to have a very short lifespan from all the user accounts I have read, at least in the 18" size.

Matt

midngn · Jul 10, 2008

Hmmm. Hadn't heard that. I thought that was Michelin.

Kevin13 · Oct 11, 2011

Nokian WR SUVs @ 60,000

I put them on at 25,000 miles in May, 2008. (See my post a few posts back in this thread) Currently at 85,000 thereabouts.

Starting to get a little "slippy" in the rain. Edges have worn down more than the middle. But hey - 60,000 miles!! In dry weather they still feel pretty good. Hit water though and I start to feel the ABS kick in. So, time to change 'em before the really bad weather sets in and/or I head into snow country.

Unfortunately "tiresbyweb" are telling me Nokian is backordered on the WR G2 SUV (successor to above tire) all the way back to the factory and it will take probably 6 weeks to get a set. I need 'em sooner.

They recommend Vredestein Wintrac 4 Xtremes as an alternative. Guy said they're just as good if not better. Still have the severe service rating. He said they're comparable in snow conditions, but are a little softer and are a bit more high-performance for highway.

Anyone have any experience with these tires? tiresbyweb certainly did not steer me wrong on the Nokians as you can tell, so I believe their advice is sound.

Anyone have any Nokian source that has the WR G2 SUV's in stock? (Just askin)

How to Pick Best Tires?

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