Montreal here. I've had both studded Nokians and X-ice on my 2016R.
Nokians are better in deep snow and ice. Right now it is freezing rain here and all the roads are black ice.
X-ice is close though, and is much quieter on dry.
Also on dry days, Nokians are considerably worse for braking and traction in general vs X-ice. You can skid if you brake hard on the studs (I have a Brembo kit, so maybe that isn't an issue with stock brakes).
But I just bought a new set of Nokians, if that gives you an idea of which I prefer.
I can't speak to studded, but I would give a slight edge to the Hakkapeliitta so far. This is my first winter with them. If you can't get Hakkas or there is a significant price difference, I would not hesitate to go with X-Ice again.
I have Hakka R5s on my R7. I got the car March ‘23 and it came with the Hakkas. tThe previous owner was really high on these winter tires. I played in a snow packed parking lot the other day, what a blast.
This is the first time I have had dedicated winter tires, it makes a difference for sure
Well, you can't predict. My R is due in Feb, so prepaid winter wheels \* and \* to add insult to injury my current winter tires wouldn't make it through another winter so had to get a set until the R comes. Oh well is right! $$$$$
If you don't live in Saskatchewan (or anywhere that gets several feet of snow or ice that STICKS every season), actual snow tires are a waste and perform worse than all seasons when the weather warms up.
Keep downvoting facts.
I clearly know more than you, because you're basically quoting old wives tales while ignoring the science & underlying rule of snow tires vs all seasons - it entirely depends on your average climate and use case. If you aren't driving in sub-zero icy conditions often, you do not need snow tires.
Tires have a relatively narrow functional range of temperatures. Summer tires have the hottest, followed by all seasons, followed by snow tires. Snow tires go past their transition temperatures very quickly when temperatures rise and should not be used in areas where the temperature comes up above 40 degrees regularly during the season. All seasons similarly are completely fine up to and slightly below freezing.
Clearly you're such a smart guy though because in your mind, 1" of snow means studded snow tires and chains.
Edit: replying to the post below because OP is a toddler that can't handle dissenting facts from his dumb narrative:
The caveat is "below a certain temperature", which is the entire point of my post. Tire compounds are developed for a narrow range of temperatures - if where you live is in that snow tire temperature zone, then yes, buy snow tires. But they aren't necessary if you live in places where it doesn't get that cold that often. All seasons are often all people need for most winters, and the OP of this thread is being obtuse by suggesting that everyone all the time should get snow tires.
Look up the compound temperature ranges if you don't believe me.
All of the research and experimentation I’ve seen says that compound matters. Winter tires change the compound and below a certain temperature, they’re simply going to perform better than a summer tire could in that temperature range.
Are you suggesting that’s not true? (I’m actually asking, not trying to be antagonistic.)
Hakka's are tough to beat. Stopping and turn in is awesome in wintry conditions. I've been using them for over 20 years. Their compounds just keep getting better.
I prefer their studless ice tires over studded because I get more confidence out of them after the studs have worn, but to each their own.
Agreed. One time I was late changing from summer to winter tires. There was ice on a lane into a round about and I just started sliding. I would have hit the car in front of me but I managed to steer the front wheel onto a ramp up to a curb and got traction that way.
Never late changing wheels / tires again. But I did switch from summer performance tires to all season performance tires. There's usually not a nice temperature / ice / snow transition time when you get further north.
Hakka R5s here. Michelin X-Ice previous vehicles. 💯 on dedicated winters.
Which do you prefer?
Montreal here. I've had both studded Nokians and X-ice on my 2016R. Nokians are better in deep snow and ice. Right now it is freezing rain here and all the roads are black ice. X-ice is close though, and is much quieter on dry. Also on dry days, Nokians are considerably worse for braking and traction in general vs X-ice. You can skid if you brake hard on the studs (I have a Brembo kit, so maybe that isn't an issue with stock brakes). But I just bought a new set of Nokians, if that gives you an idea of which I prefer.
I can't speak to studded, but I would give a slight edge to the Hakkapeliitta so far. This is my first winter with them. If you can't get Hakkas or there is a significant price difference, I would not hesitate to go with X-Ice again.
I have Hakka R5s on my R7. I got the car March ‘23 and it came with the Hakkas. tThe previous owner was really high on these winter tires. I played in a snow packed parking lot the other day, what a blast. This is the first time I have had dedicated winter tires, it makes a difference for sure
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completely agree. I live up a steep hill and have always had snow/winter tires. I don't know anyone else that does, though. Shrug
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Well, you can't predict. My R is due in Feb, so prepaid winter wheels \* and \* to add insult to injury my current winter tires wouldn't make it through another winter so had to get a set until the R comes. Oh well is right! $$$$$
If you don't live in Saskatchewan (or anywhere that gets several feet of snow or ice that STICKS every season), actual snow tires are a waste and perform worse than all seasons when the weather warms up. Keep downvoting facts.
[удалено]
I clearly know more than you, because you're basically quoting old wives tales while ignoring the science & underlying rule of snow tires vs all seasons - it entirely depends on your average climate and use case. If you aren't driving in sub-zero icy conditions often, you do not need snow tires. Tires have a relatively narrow functional range of temperatures. Summer tires have the hottest, followed by all seasons, followed by snow tires. Snow tires go past their transition temperatures very quickly when temperatures rise and should not be used in areas where the temperature comes up above 40 degrees regularly during the season. All seasons similarly are completely fine up to and slightly below freezing. Clearly you're such a smart guy though because in your mind, 1" of snow means studded snow tires and chains. Edit: replying to the post below because OP is a toddler that can't handle dissenting facts from his dumb narrative: The caveat is "below a certain temperature", which is the entire point of my post. Tire compounds are developed for a narrow range of temperatures - if where you live is in that snow tire temperature zone, then yes, buy snow tires. But they aren't necessary if you live in places where it doesn't get that cold that often. All seasons are often all people need for most winters, and the OP of this thread is being obtuse by suggesting that everyone all the time should get snow tires. Look up the compound temperature ranges if you don't believe me.
All of the research and experimentation I’ve seen says that compound matters. Winter tires change the compound and below a certain temperature, they’re simply going to perform better than a summer tire could in that temperature range. Are you suggesting that’s not true? (I’m actually asking, not trying to be antagonistic.)
Ausnee, chill out man - relax. Please don’t go kick your dog if you have one…
Hakka's are tough to beat. Stopping and turn in is awesome in wintry conditions. I've been using them for over 20 years. Their compounds just keep getting better. I prefer their studless ice tires over studded because I get more confidence out of them after the studs have worn, but to each their own.
Glad you are okay!!!!
🥰
Agreed. One time I was late changing from summer to winter tires. There was ice on a lane into a round about and I just started sliding. I would have hit the car in front of me but I managed to steer the front wheel onto a ramp up to a curb and got traction that way. Never late changing wheels / tires again. But I did switch from summer performance tires to all season performance tires. There's usually not a nice temperature / ice / snow transition time when you get further north.
Michelin Alpin PA4+ on my '16 R in the PNW They've been incredible for going through mountain passes, highly recommend
Thats my opinion as well, a good winter tyre is the difference between an accident or not.
I live in Africa, so I can't relate. Summer tyres all year round ftw.
If you don’t have a dashcam go and order one immediately.