Originally Posted by
WI_Mirage
Hi guys,
I'm looking into ways I can get myself to the slopes for snowboarding this upcoming winter. I live in southern Wisconsin, so the snow usually isn't terrible but it can be. Last winter I use a set of all-season tires, I think they are the OEMs, and they worked pretty damn good for what I expected. After a fresh snow of 2 to 3 inches would pass my neighbor in his Toyota Camry going uphill. His wheels were spinning like crazy and I went right past him effortlessly. I didn't realize until then that these skinny tires are impeccable at gaining traction.
Right now still have those same all-season tires and OEM rims installed. A couple months ago I did buy a set of Federal Federal SS-657 165/65R14 79T BSW for $170 on giga-tires.com. I need these installed ASAP because my current tires are down to the bone. But I wish I had not bought these, because I would have bought 15in rims and used 175/65/15 for the warm months.
I'm thinking of getting the Nokian Nordman 7 (Non-Studded) 165/65R14 79T BSW and using the OEM 14in rims for my winter tires. I've seen some other people here have the studded version, but studs are illegal here in Wisconsin. I can get a set of these for $300 on giga-tires.com. These are not cheap but I'd love to be able to take my Mirage out during a snow storm to go shred. Either $300 or another winter of cabin fever for me.
Anyone have thoughts, or maybe some cheaper but great winter tires? Also, are there any cheaper options for getting these tires installed? The best price I've found near me is $80 for all 4.
I've ordered through Walmart for the Federals and they shipped from giga-tire with the shipping labels and everything but since I purchased them from Walmart mounting and balancing was cheap cheap cheap. Just took the tires in with my Walmart receipt, no problem.
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 automatic: 40.5 mpg (US) ... 17.2 km/L ... 5.8 L/100 km ... 48.6 mpg (Imp)