Tuesday, October 7, 2008

So not naitch


My latest research project is finding new car tires. Like every major purchase in my life, I heavily research it in order to avoid immediate buyer's remorse. I have flashbacks to a certain tire I previously owned which was total crap even when brand new. I've exhausted all the tire review websites, consumer reports, and various car blogs. I've visited countless tire stores where I was repeatedly reminded that I was just a girl. The guys immediately assumed that I did not know my tire size and all other important facts. I usually let them work on the computer trying to find my tire size, except my car comes with two sizes. I have the bigger tire option. So then they would try to run out to my car and I'd stop them in their tracks. Originally I wanted more off-road tires and when I told the guys that, eyebrows and questions were raised. Do you REALLY off-road? I am an environmental consultant. That usually shut them up. In the beginning, I'd play stupid (No. I really haven't looked online or have any tires in mind) and ask them to show me a tire that would be good. Yesterday, I eliminated my second choice when I got to put my hands on it. It was a real off-road tire that still does crappy in snow and ice. It didn't feel right. About 50% of my decision is based on real facts/reviews and the other 50% is based on my feeling. On my VW Golf, I had snow tires that I kept on year round. I was very happy with them and was 100 times more confident driving the Golf in snow than the RAV4 where the ABS brakes would engage even when it hit the smallest slush spot.

So the winner is..... Nokian WR G2. They are marketed as all weather plus, which means they are fine year round. Plus they have the special mountain symbol, which is reserved for better snow tires. It's a new standard I suppose. The thing that sealed the deal is below.

"Nokian Tyres is the world’s first tire manufacturer to introduce a production method using earth friendly oils. The WR G2 is manufactured using only low aromatic, purified oils. These purified oils keep Nokian tires from polluting the environment as the tire gradually wears down. The WR G2 also features a new rubber compound made from cool silica and canola oil, reducing rolling resistance and thus improving your car’s fuel efficiency."

I dunno if this is just another bogus wanna be green marketing ploy. But it's the icing on the cake for me. I've put my order in and talked the guy down $20 per tire. They have to be special ordered. The same company at a different location was selling them for cheaper. The tires are pricey but for me it'll be worth it. I'll let you know how they work out....right now about anything is better than the 3 bald tires and one giant brand new spare.

6 comments:

suntawrites said...

I applaud you for chosing the tires for the green commentary on safe oil use; even if it is a marketing ploy. $20/pop sounds damn good. I never heard of the mountain symbol for snow/new standard - maybe it's cuz I just recently bought tires in FLORIDA? Perhaps.
I wish you lots of miles with these babies and that you do report back to us about how they perform.
Best wishes.

Forest Green said...

There is no such thing as an all weather tire. If you plan to drive in the winter, you need to have WINTER tires. I live in Canada where this point has been proven over and over again with very tragic results. To the point where winter tires are required by law in many provinces in this country. Please, if you want to be safe, get winter tires for winter driving.

Liöüx said...

Make sure you get the round ones!

I speak from experience.

Kartek said...

Forest Green, thanks for you concern but I can assure you that winters in NJ are radically different than winters in Canada. We haven't had a good snowstorm in years. ,I'd say that a good portion of NJ drivers don't get snow tires. Regardless of the tires I get, it doesn't stop someone with crap tires from hitting me.

If you checked out the tires I picked, you'd see that they have the Canadian severe weather emblem, which most true snow tires have. I acknowledge they are not true snow/winter tires but they are all weather plus. Don't knock something you haven't tried.

Colleen said...

Nice one! You've done much better in your search than I'm doing in my gown search...

Anonymous said...

Hey Forest Green, these tires are considered snow tires that last in hot weather.(i.e. summer) So they are different from a all season. Maybe not the best snow tire but still it is a snow tire