Minus Sizing for Winter Tires

Minus sizing can be a very cost effective way to shop for a winter tire and wheel package. There are many advantages to switching to a smaller diameter wheel. 
Thinner tires have less surface area, allowing them to cut through the snow much easier. This allows for better handling in snowy conditions. 
Smaller tires typically have larger sidewalls, meaning a much more comfortable ride because there is more of an "air cushion" between the wheel and the road.
There is also a significant price difference. Larger diameter tires have a smaller sidewall which still needs to support the same amount of weight. The larger diameter tires require more reinforcement in the sidewall, making it more difficult and expensive to produce.
Also, having a separate set of tires and wheels for the winter makes it incredibly easy to transition between summer and winter tires. Instead of needing to get your tires remounted and balanced every transition period, you can simply bolt on the other wheels. 

At TiresByWeb.com our wheel and tire packages come ready to bolt on to your vehicle! Tires come mounted and balanced on your wheels by our tire professionals with lug nuts, valve stems, hub centering rings (if required). 

Unlike the Competition, Nokian Tires use the Same Rubber Compound Throughout the Whole Tire

Nokian tires are very unique because they are made with the same rubber compound all the way through the tire. Most leading tire brands are only made with a thin layer of soft winter rubber on the top of the tire, with a much harder all season rubber underneath. In the tire industry we call these tires "one and done", because they offer good performance for one season and then they need to be replaced. It is not unusual for our customers to see an average of 4-6 winter seasons out of Nokian Tires. Nokian Tires are a safe and long lasting investment. 

Things To Remember Before Installing Winter Tires

Winter weather calls for appropriate gear: warm clothing and footwear that doesn't slip. Driving in the winter, in turn, requires good tyres: high-quality products that improve safety and level out differences in weather conditions. Driving is enjoyable when the weather does not cause surprises.

Winter tyres have a low rolling resistance: they roll easily, save fuel and generate fewer harmful emissions than summer tyres.

Preventing dangerous slush with the right choice of winter tyres

Climate change is making winters fickle and adding an element of surprise to them. Conditions change quickly, with temperatures zigzagging around freezing point. Precipitation increases and, depending on the temperature, either a cold drizzle or thick snow falls from the sky. Warm weather or road salt melts the snow, turning it into slush that can make driving quite scary.

Sudden and unexpected changes in weather conditions increase the need for efficient winter tyres. Tyres designed for demanding conditions reduce the risk of hazardous slush planing by removing wet snow from between the road and tyres.

Taking timely action

Change your winter tyres in time: follow weather forecasts and be prepared to react. Winter is on the doorstep when nights are frequently frosty and morning temperatures are close to zero. Driving on bare asphalt in summery conditions for a few weeks will not excessively wear out tyres.

At-home condition testing

Carefully check the condition of your winter tyres before fitting them. Ensure that there are no cracks, cuts or bulges on the sidewalls. The recommended depth of the main grooves is at least 4-5 mm.

If the tyre does not have a driving safety indicator, measure the tread depth using a match or a 2-euro coin. The sulphur head of a match inserted into the tread should remain completely hidden. If any of the silver rim of a 2-euro coin inserted into the tread remains visible, it is time to consider a new set of tyres. Tyres that are over four years old are no longer fully safe, even if they still have tread left.

Unevenly worn tyres

If the tyres are unevenly worn, check the vehicle's steering angles. The tyres must roll properly and straight and not show any ploughing or heading errors.

In the case of uneven wear, always fit the better tyres on the back axle irrespective of whether the vehicle is a front-, rear- or four-wheel drive. This prevents the rear wheels from skidding dangerously.

Savings and precision from correct pressure

Check the pressure of your tyres. Correct tyre pressure ensures that the tyre rolls and steers easily. It also reduces fuel consumption and hazardous emissions.

At the fitting stage, ensure the correct direction of rotation.

It is a good idea to break in new winter tyres. A gentle break-in of 500 kilometres improves the grip and durability of tyres and makes the studs stay on better.

Get accustomed to winter

Tyres are the most active safety devices in vehicles. They give the driver a feel for the road, indicating whether the car stays securely on it or whether grip has weakened. Listen, keep your senses alert and react.

Winter needs getting used to - or rather, recalling old and familiar skills. A slower pace, careful thought and a safe headway to the car ahead. The right attitude, that is.

Safe winter driving!

*Courtesy of Nokian Tires

Hakkapeliitta's 75-year History Online: The Story of the World's Most Famous Winter Tyre

Since the beginning, the home of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta has been in the north. On the Nordic snow and ice, we have been testing tyres under extreme conditions and at extreme speeds for years, all the while accumulating extensive experience and widening our know-how. Nokian Tyres manufactured the world's first winter tyre for the winter frost in 1934. Two years later, the Hakkapeliitta was born in the northern winter. Nowadays, the best-known winter tyre in the world is a legend in all the places that experience snow and ice in winter.

So stop for a moment, enjoy winter, and read the story of the snow and ice champion on our online history website, published to celebrate the 75th anniversary, at www.nokiantyres.com/hakkapeliitta75 The website is also accessible with Internet tablets.

Speedy safety pioneer

The Hakkapeliitta winter tyres are pioneers in safety: champions of the world's most demanding winter conditions. The history of the Hakkapeliittas is also colourful and rich in acclaim. They were introduced internationally by the legendary Monte Carlo rallies in the 1950s and 1960s.

Since 1936, Nokian Tyres has introduced a total of 33 Hakkapeliitta products, both studded and studless winter tyres for passenger cars and heavy equipment. The excellent winter properties of the Hakkapeliitta tyres have been enjoyed by millions of safety-conscious drivers in over 50 countries.

The world's northernmost tyre manufacturer tests and develops new members of the Hakkapeliitta family at its own test centre in Ivalo, 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. Nokian Tyres is the only tyre manufacturer in the world focusing on the needs of customers in the northern conditions and creating products especially for them.

The revolutionary Hakkapeliitta 7 tire has also earned the title of the "fastest winter tire", breaking the land-speed record on ice of 206.05 MPH.

Nokian's Hakkapeliitta Stud Evolution

Spotlight on Nokian's Innovative and Patented Stud Designs

For years, every tire manufacturer used a standard circular stud for winter tires. Nokian is the first tire manufacturer to innovate new stud designs in order to increase stud retention and increase the safety of the Hakkapeliitta line.  

The invention that has the greatest impact on the tyre's performance is similar to the heel cushioning in good running shoes. The air vents in the tyre soften and absorb the stud impact, making driving smooth and flexible. On the front edges of the tread blocks, there are air shock absorbers shaped in the form of droplet-like chambers. They soften the stud contact with the road and absorb the impact. At the same time, they reduce the stud vibration when coming into contact with the road. The air shock absorbers reduce wear and tear on the road, dampen tyre noise and prolong the service life of the studs. 

The bear claw application known from Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5 is also a grip-providing element in the new tyre. The bear claw keeps the stud perpendicular to the surface as the tread block is optimally tightened when brakes are applied. The studs are tightly affixed, offering top-of-the-line braking grip.

The entirely new, multi-edged and sturdy anchor stud of Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 is wide, which improves longitudinal grip when accelerating and braking. Lateral grip has been improved with the shape of the bottom flange. The stud's bottom flange is wider than before, which offers the stud more powerful lateral support.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta Tires Victorious in Autumn 2011 Winter Tire Tests

Nokian has once again stunned the world with its phenomenally performing "Hakkapeliitta" line of winter tires. Since the Hakkapeliitta's debut in 1936, the tire has been the pioneer of winter driving. For over 75 years the Hakkapeliitta family has consistently outperformed their competitors, and are once again being recognized for their superior quality and performance. 

A series of winter tire tests were conducted in multiple Scandinavian countries in the fall of 2011. The Hakkapeliitta family scored in the top three of every test conducted.

(Quoting Nokian Tyres: http://www.nokiantyres.com/media-release?id=23407104&year=2011&group=)

"The non-studded winter tire Nokian Hakkapeliitta R won the Tuulilasi (12/2011) test. "Nokian is at its strongest on ice and in snow. Its best features are balanced driving qualities and good grip in different driving situations. With Hakkapeliitta R, it is possible to correct even after slipping has begun", writes Tuulilasi, which tested five non-studded winter tires sized 205/55 R16.

The tire also won the Swedish Vi Bilägare magazine's (14/2011) test. "Nokian Hakkapeliitta R is an extremely good winter tire, which also manages adequately in wet and dry weather. Excellent driving qualities on ice and equally superior in snow. Not even slush causes problems for the tire and it gives good protection against aquaplaning", Vi Bilägare states. The magazine tested ten 205/55 R16 sized non-studded winter tires.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R gained reputation inRussia, too, where it won a test by Za Rulem (18/2011). "On a snowy road, the directional stability of these tires is best, the tire reacts fast and predictably. During bends they behave best, they distinguish themselves from other tires with precise reaction and stable driving", writes Za Rulem. There were six 175/65 R14 sized tires tested."

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R

The Hakkapeliitta R tire performed excellently, winning consistently in almost every category tested.

The Hakkapeliitta 7 Studded tire also exceptionally well in all the tests in which it competed.

"Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 won a test held by Tuulilasi (13/2011). "The 7's best features are balanced driving properties in different conditions. When driving on ice, the tyres even allow for a small mistake and there's still enough grip for correction. Mild oversteering during snow conditions doesn't require correcting, as the slipping straightens itself out", says Tuulilasi. Five 205/55 R16 sized tires were tested.

In a test held by Tekniikan Maailma (17/2011), the studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 came second. "Nokian represents the absolute peak level of the tire industry regarding grip on ice and snow. The tire is excellent to drive, steers impeccably on grip limits, even during sliding and in extreme conditions control is easy. For those wanting the best possible winter grip, Nokian is the number one choice for winter", summarises Tekniikan Maailma. Ten studded 205/55 R16 tires were tested.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 also won the studded tire test of Vi Bilägare (13/2011), the largest car magazine in Sweden. "Nokian brakes on the ice best and gives extremely good grip when starting off. The tire's grip is excellent and it is easy and neutral to drive both in normal conditions and on the grip limit. Nokian also retains grip very well in slush, and driving properties are balanced and peaceful also on dry road", writes Vi Bilägare. The magazine tested 13 205/55 R16 studded tires.

Nokian HakkaPeliitta 7 Studded

The Hakkapeliitta 7 continues to be the pioneer of winter performance. This tire still holds the land speed record for the fastest speed on ice.

**Contact Chris at 800-576-1009 extension 776 to get discount pricing on the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R and 7 tires today!  

Below are the competition details and results (courtesy of Nokiantires.com):

Winter Tire Tests: Autumn 2011

Tuulilasi (12/13/2011), Finland

Studded tyres, size 205/55 R16

1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7
2. Bridgestone Noranza 2 Evo
3. Continental ContiIceContact

Friction tyres, size 205/55 R16

1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R
2. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice+
3. Michelin X-Ice

Vi Bilägare (13/14/2011), Sweden

Studded tyres, size 205/55 R16

1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7
2. Bridgestone Noranza 2 EVO
3. Continental ContiIceContact

Friction tyres, size 205/55 R16

1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R
2. Michelin X-Ice 2
3. Continental VIkingContact5

Aftonbladet BIL (8/2011), Sweden

Studded tyres, size 205/55 R16

1. Continental ContiIceContact
2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7
3. Pirelli Winter Carving Edge

Friction tyres, size 205/55 R16

1. Michelin X-Ice X12
2. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice+
3. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R

Central European friction tyres, size 205/55/ R16

1. Nokian WR D3
2. Continental ContiWinterContact TS830
3. Michelin Alpin A4

Motor (5.10.2011), Norway

Studded tyres, size 205/55 R16

1. Continental Conti Ice Contact
2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7
3. Bridgestone Noranza 2 Evo

Friction tyres, size 205/55 R16

1. Michelin X-Ice XI2
2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R
3. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice+

Za Rulem (18/2011), Russia

Friction tyres, size 175/65 R14

1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R
2. Continental ContiVikingContact 5
3. Michelin X-Ice X12

AutoReview (18/2011), Russia

Studded tyres, size 205/65 R16

1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7
2. Continental ContileContact 4x4
3. Gislaved Nord Frost 5

The World's Greatest (and fastest) Winter Tire - Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7

Nokian Tyres achieved the fastest land-speed record on Ice in March of 2011. The new world record for fastest car on ice was set by Nokian Tyres' test driver Janne Laitinen who drove 331,610 km/h (206,05 mph) on the Gulf of Bothnia in Oulu, Finland.
The record was broken on March 6th on a 14-kilometre ice track in freezing conditions. The world's leading winter tyre manufacturer equipped the record-breaking car with Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 studded tyres (255/35R20 97 T XL).

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 is a brand new studded tyre designed for Nordic conditions, combining unparalleled winter properties and excellent driving comfort. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 is a chameleon on the winter roads, adjusting flexibly to changing weather conditions and different degrees of grip on the road.

In addition to its firm grip, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 offers drivers a uniquely smooth and pleasant driving experience. The pleasant driving experience is down to an innovation similar to that used in good running shoes: air shock absorbers that soften and absorb the impact of the studs on the road, creating a flexible and smooth driving experience. 

The entirely new, multi-edged and sturdy anchor stud of Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 is wide, which improves longitudinal grip when accelerating and braking. Lateral grip has been improved with the shape of the bottom flange. The stud's bottom flange is wider than before, which offers the stud more powerful lateral support.

The Eco Stud System studding technology familiar from the Hakkapeliitta winter tyres has been developed into a new generation's version, honed to deliver a powerful performance with the anchor stud. The key idea behind the Eco Stud System is a stud cushion that enhances the stud's performance and absorbs the impact against the road.

Be sure to check out TiresByWeb.com for the best selection of Nokian Winter tires, including the Hakkapeliitta 7! Contact Chris at 800-576-1009 ex. 776 for a special $40 off discount for a set of 4 Nokian Tires!

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Comparing Stopping Distances Of Tires In Snow

Here in New England, it’s almost like the snow hasn’t stopped falling since we ran a truck tire testing updatelast month. The abundance of snow this year made it possible to evaluate the snow traction capabilities of our truck tires at our Connecticut test facility, avoiding a trip to northern Vermont. (See from last winter: "Behind the scenes: Consumer Reports snow-traction tire testing in Vermont.") We run our standard snow traction acceleration test to evaluate how tires perform in the white stuff, measuring the distance traveled from 5 to 20 mph. The shorter the distance, the better the tire grip.

And some readers had some questions about the tests we run, specifically how this grip might apply to stopping on snow. So we ran some back-to-back tests on randomly selected winter, all-season, and all-terrain tires. The chart below depicts ABS stopping distances from 20 to 0 mph and accelerating distances traveling 5 to 20 mph over hard-packed snow, which mimics a well-traveled snow-covered road. (Also read: "Staying safe on snow- and ice-covered roads.")

What we found was that our test data supports our subjective observations: A winter tire can provide secure grip to accelerate and stop on snow. And winter tires work better than an all-season and all-terrain tire we tested for comparison. Many people make a winter tire purchase solely on the idea of avoiding getting stuck in the snow. And while that has its merits, we think it’s more important to value tire grip for stopping, possibly helping you to avoid a collision. Here, our winter tire stopped at 13 and 16 feet shorter than the all-season and all-terrain tires, respectively—and that was from a relatively slow 20 mph.

Bottom line: If you need to be on the road in wintry weather, consider a winter tire for the best grip to start and stop. That’s especially important to drivers of all-wheel-drive cars and trucks who think they don’t need them. In truth, they may have the get-up-and-go traction to battle winter weather, but they cannot stop any better than a car without all-wheel drive. Only winter tires and your good senses will help that.




From Consumerreports.org:http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/02/winter-tires-comparing-stopping-distances-in-snow-all-season-all-terrain-tire-comparison.html

Be sure to check out TiresByWeb.com - Your Supplier of Winter Tires Since 1977!