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.
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.
