New Winter means new gear!

[random006]

Hi folks,

My 2018 Crosstrek's Blizzak WS80's turned 8 this fall, as did the steel wheels upon which they reside.  At the same time, Mrs. Random was busy getting new winters for her "new to her" 2024 Honda Civic.

I thought to myself: 
"You know, I could use some tires.  And why not some new rims while I'm at it."

So, ordered a set of brand new Michelin X-Ice Snow+ for the Subie.

I also ordered a set of these babies to go with.  See attached photo.

I'll post the finished product once they are installed on the wee beastie.

[RRocket]

Slick!!

[Blueprint]

Woah, these look good !! 

Welcome back, fellow Crosstrek fan!

[random006]

Update:

I brought my car into my garage to get the new stuff installed on Wednesday, only to encounter a problem.  Those new rims don't fit properly.     The guy who runs the garage, who I have known for decades btw, didn't feel right in using what is clearly a poor choice.  He told me he would look into it.

The guy called and said they have received a different product, one which he feels would work.  They are only about $10 more per rim, which is acceptable given that the ENVY rims were quoted at $200.00 per rim. 

I'm going to see them on Monday.  I'm hoping they will fit as I want to get them on before the first snow and/or freezing rain hits Montreal. El Ninõ or no, winter in Montreal is still a real thing.  As is the law governing winter tire use.

[random006]

Round 2!

New rims are in and they fit perfectly.  The new ones are from Replika and look much closer to Subaru style OEM wheels.  Pic below. 

Apparently the problem with the first set was that the hub was not sized correctly thereby causing a wobble and poor weight distribution. 

Wheels, new tires and a brake job scheduled for next week, the universe willing.

[random006]

Annnnnnnnnd .... here they are!  Mounted and spiffed up for showing and shining:

[RRocket]

Nice!!

My turn on Thursday

[Tortoise]

Looks great!

It's been so warm out I haven't even considered putting the winter tires on.

[random006]

Looks great!

It's been so warm out I haven't even considered putting the winter tires on.

Yes it has been quite mild indeed.  My wife and I were out in our T-shirts and jeans for a walk just last week! 

Here in Quebec however, the law mandates a hard date for the changeover.  Winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 15 inclusively. 

I am never pressured by the law, myself.  I've been using dedicated winter tires for about 30 years voluntarily.  I usually get my tires changed anywhere from Oct 30 to Nov 15.  I've seen what happens when drivers are caught unawares by the capriciousness of Mother Nature.  Nothing quite like that heart stopping sensation of hitting the brakes in slush and sliding toward that intersection and a very red light to make you vow to never get caught unprepared again.

The worst day to be out driving is the first snowy day of winter.  It's as if we are suffering from collective amnesia with regards to driving.  For Montreal, that day is this Thursday and going into Friday.  Several cm of snow are due that day, starting just around evening rush hour Thursday and finishing just before morning rush hour Friday . 

I am so happy I'm retired.

[RRocket]

Looks great!

It's been so warm out I haven't even considered putting the winter tires on.

Yes it has been quite mild indeed.  My wife and I were out in our T-shirts and jeans for a walk just last week! 

Here in Quebec however, the law mandates a hard date for the changeover.  Winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 15 inclusively. 

I am never pressured by the law, myself.  I've been using dedicated winter tires for about 30 years voluntarily.  I usually get my tires changed anywhere from Oct 30 to Nov 15.  I've seen what happens when drivers are caught unawares by the capriciousness of Mother Nature.  Nothing quite like that heart stopping sensation of hitting the brakes in slush and sliding toward that intersection and a very red light to make you vow to never get caught unprepared again.

The worst day to be out driving is the first snowy day of winter.  It's as if we are suffering from collective amnesia with regards to driving.  For Montreal, that day is this Thursday and going into Friday.  Several cm of snow are due that day, starting just around evening rush hour Thursday and finishing just before morning rush hour Friday . 

I am so happy I'm retired.

Ya, that's why I've tried all-weather tires the last few times. Never caught out by a switchover. Plus I'm retired and lazy now! LOL 😆

I really like the Vredesteins for this.

[GreatBigAbyss]

So, I made a couple of decisions regarding winter tires. 

The Prius has the Vredesteins that Ron put on.  I'll run those this winter and see how they do. 

With the Rav4 coming in January, I opted not to put the CX-5's winter tires on.  Couple of reason: 
1. I refuse to trade the car in with a bonus set of wheels and tires when the dealership isn't going to give me anything for them.  If I put them on now, I'd just have to take them off again in January.
2. I decided to list them this week while it's still prime winter tire buying season. I actually listed them yesterday, and sold them for $725 the same day, which was my asking.  I think that was a fair price for essentially 4 year old Blizzaks (bought new in late 2022) mounted on used Mazda alloys that were starting to corrode. 
You cannot view this attachment.
3. The tires would have been a lot harder to sell in the spring, and I'll be buying a new set of winter tires for the Rav4.  I only have room to store one set of additional tires, so the Mazda's spare set had to go. 
4.  With it being so mild, I think we'll be able to get through a month and a half of winter on basically brand new Pirelli all seasons. 

If the Rav4 doesn't end up coming in January (let's say the car carrier catches fire or something), then I'll have made a trememdous error.

For new tires, I'm looking at a new set of P225/60R18 Blizzak IcePeaks, mounted on Touren TR79 rims.  I can downsize rims to as small as 17", but I think 18" will be a decent compromise over the 20" rims that the XSE comes equipped with.

https://pmctire.com/wheels/touren-tr79-black-gloss-black-18-x-8-35-offset-5x1143-bolt-pattern-671mm-hub-3279-8865gb67-pid-7078845087924?meta.wheel.diameter=18&fmk=312547&type=wheel&objectID=7078845087924

Rims and tires come out to about $2k.  If anybody else has any other suggestions, then I'm open.  I'll also give the dealership a shot to see what they can come up with for the price. 

[Bridgecity]

^You did really well on that sale IMO. 

I was watching for used tires for the kids Mazda 3 this fall.  Couldn't find anything decent for a fair price he ended up just buying new. 

Would be interested to hear your opinion on the IcePeaks if you go that route. 

FWIW, we have winter Sailun Tires on two of the four vehicles in the driveway, and Sailun all seasons on two of the four also.  I've been really happy with them.  I would put the WST2 model that on currently on my pickup for winter ahead of the Hakka R5 that I had on the previous truck.  I know, different trucks, but I'm that confident the WST2 are a better tire in a pickup application.  We'll see how long they last as they are only on their second season.

I know, I know, China and all that.  Its hard to ignore the option when they provide a lot of value.  A very good buddie's brother is a VP for Fountain Tire and he says the Sailun's are solid tires and put them on his families vehicles.

[GreatBigAbyss]

Would be interested to hear your opinion on the IcePeaks if you go that route. 

I expect I'll be happy with them, as I was with the WS80's, DM-V2's, and WS-90's I've had on various vehicles.  Like every other Blizzak generation, they're basically dominating all the winter tire tests, so I doubt I'll be disappointed.

[Bridgecity]

Would be interested to hear your opinion on the IcePeaks if you go that route. 

I expect I'll be happy with them, as I was with the WS80's, DM-V2's, and WS-90's I've had on various vehicles.  Like every other Blizzak generation, they're basically dominating all the winter tire tests, so I doubt I'll be disappointed.

I wouldn't say dominating.  From tests I've watched/read, they basically trade blows with Michelin and Continental.  The Viking Contact 8 seems to be the leader now from what I've seen.  That said, I'm sure the Blizzaks will perform well and are a great tire.

[Tortoise]

The IcePeak walked away with the snow test in the latest Tire Rack test. It wasn't close. They deducted points for the wet and handling, so it didn't finish first overall.

I will be getting a set of IcePeaks for the Passport since I prioritize snow traction. The Viking 8 seems to be the best all arounder, and the X-Ice the best for dry conditions. All are good tires.

Like you GA, I am going with an 18" vs 17". 17" feels too small on an SUV that came with 20" stock. Nonsense I know, but here we are. I've been surprised how little options there have been for used wheels and tires. I'd figured with the Pilot, Ridgeline and Passport all using interchangeable tires and wheels there would be more. And most of what I do fine isn't far from new pricing.