winter tire (in Canada)

[lammer]

After last year slip sliding all over the place and never seeming to getting out of 1st gear on snow days, I'm looking for some snow tires and rims. I live in Canada and do not want to order tires/rims from the states. So I guess my question is directed to all you SVTF owners north of the border. I don't want to spend a lot of money on the tires and rims (I'm leasing). I have noticed Canadian Tire has the NORDIC ICE TRAC tire that could fit our SVTF ( 06-2070-8 P205/55R16 89S $105.99 CDN). But I have yet to find any steel rims that are 16" x 6". I suspect I won't either? Will I need to purchase a set of alloy rims instead? again I want to keep costs down. Can anyone suggest anything?
thanks in advance!

[imajsdaddy]

Nope as far as I have heard the 16" rim is not available in steel! You will have to do like I did and get aluminum pull offs! I paid $75 each for them!

Good luck on your search!

[focusben]

If you want to keep your costs down, get Pirelli 240 Snowsports (215/45/r17) that will last you 3-4 winters. Then you won't have to get new ones all the time. Do this without getting new rims, and in a couple of years, get new summer rims for your summer tires.

Another brand to consider is Nokian, though you might want to check on the sizes. I heard these are one of the best tires as well.

[Davan]

I'm running Kumho KW17's in 205/50/17 on the stock wheels. These tires seem great so far, on snow/ice and on dry pavement. Got the tires, and mount and balance for under $750.

[keilhauer]

Have you joined one of the local chapters yet? If not, consider joining the Eastern Ontario Region Chapter. We have Steelecase Tire & Mag as one of our primary sponsors and can arrange an excellent deal on tires for club members. I've personally dealt with them since 1984 and they always recommend the best tire for the specific vehicle and customer expectations (i.e. do you want ultimate traction or a blend? summer or winter? dry or wet weather as primary concern? etc). You can contact me at GaryK@donwayford.com to register if interested.

[GapBoyPCS]

No steelies in 16-inch. I'd try and get some aftermarket 16 or 17-inch rims or even the Focus ZTS/ZTW/ZX5 rims that are 16-inch. I heard the Focus rims are actually pretty price comparative, so you may want to look into that route. I'm not sure, but maybe you can try and find some Contour SVT or Cougar rims as well (just not sure about offset and caliper clearance issues).

One caution: All the tire retailers in Ontario are suffering a run on winter tires. The snow from these past few days have created high demand, and all the tire retailers are scrambling for stock.

Seeing how you're in Windsor, you're probably wanting something that will get you through the days those two snowplows don't get through the city :D (I was down there in 2001 when that snowstorm in early January hit). I don't think Nokians make anything in the stock 215/45R17 size. I know they make a 205/50R16 and 225/45R17. As Ben suggested, try looking into the Pirelli 240s, Yokohama Ice Guards, or Toyos.

[focusben]

Michelin also makes a good winter tire. I was debating whether to get the Michelins or Pirellis at that time. Pirellis were slightly less expensive. I think I made the right choice. :)

[ezstu]

Just got my Pirelli winter ice sport installed for $650 thats the cheapest i could find and my buddy owns a tire shop or you maybe able to go with a p205 50 17 made by hanook for between $500(my price) and $700 but ya gotta getem soon cuze tire shops are running low on all winter tires