I'm replacing the Toyos (@ about 26,000 kms) with a set of Nokian WRG2 "All Weather" tires (225/45 R18). With our side streets covered by hard-packed snow and/or ice roughly from November to March, I need a winter-rated tire. Rather than buying a set of winter tires and rims, I decided to give the Nokians a try.

The tires will be installed next Monday. I will report my impressions to the group from time to time.

 

Had a chance to drive in heavy rain the past week, and these new Conti's impress. Lots more stick in the wet than the stock Toyo's, both cornering and braking. Was able to accelerate out of a turn in standing water with almost no traction control kick-in, and was perfectly stable driving through water deep enough to splash up the side windows. Night and day difference from the Toyo's in the wet, and inspires a lot more confidence.

Still seeing lower mpg than the Toyo's, and some tire noise, but overall I'm happy with the switch. I'll do another update if/when I get to drive in some snow.

 

I've now put about 1,500 km (a bit less than 1,000 miles) on the Nokian WRG2s. I find the Nokians are quieter than the OE Toyos, and at equivalent tire pressures, give a softer ride when the temperature is below freezing. We've had two light snows (each around 5 cm or 2 in.) since I've gotten the tires. As I hoped, the Nokians have much better traction (both starting and stopping) than the Toyos. I haven't noticed any difference (based on "seat-of-the-pants" data) in handling on dry pavement. There are too many factors affecting fuel consumption, so I haven't tried to compare the tires on that variable.

More later.

 

Hi A320:

Looking to replace my 18" Toyos in the next few months. Just wanted to check in to see how and if you're still enjoying your Conti's. I'm here in SoCal, so snow is not a problem unless I am up in snow country skiing (which I usually don't take the HS). You've got to have quite a few miles on your Conti's by now. How are they holding up? By chance, do you have any side profile and close up photo of one on your HS?

I've enjoyed my Toyo's for almost 20k, and just looking around out there to see what good.

By chance, do you still have your original Toyo's you want to get rid of? It's been quite some time, so I'm guessing you've sold them.


Thanks,

dalton

 

Have you looked at the Bridgestone Ecopia? (EP422?)
From their web site:
"Ecopia tires are designed to enhance vehicle fuel economy by reducing tire rolling resistance along with the vehicle's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions while delivering year-round, all-season traction, even in light snow"

I can't tell if they come in the correct size, though. And I don't see any other discussion on the forums yet.

 

Hey EVPowers,

I haven't looked into the Bridgestone Ecopia's but just looked them, up. Found them for $196 each... But I can't find any reviews. However, on paper, they look pretty good.

dalton

 

Still Love them, (CONTI's)…….I Have no negative comments about them.
I still have the Orignal TOYO's…….But to ship them out to anyone is not feasible..I was looking for a local to take them off my hands, but no takers. So I still have them.

 

If you bring stuff into fedex they can box & ship them. But could be a bit expensive.
Probably would offset any cost savings of buying used tires.

 

Dalton, I have the Conti's as well, maybe 5k on them now. IMO, they don't look as sharp as the Toyo's, and steering response isn't as sharp, and gas mileage drops about 1mpg. But they seem to stick much better in the rain, are more predictable at the limit., and IMO match the non-performance package HS suspension better (which I believe was tuned for the 17" MXV4 tires on the non-Premium). Plus they are relatively inexpensive, with a huge warranty.

 

Thanks, everyone.

By chance, would either of you have a couple photos of the Continental's? I'm just looking around.. Not too concerned with M&S performance, but summer, mileage, low noise level amd decemt handling performance is much more important here in SoCal and to me. I do like the looks of the Toyo's and Bridgestone Potenza's though.

 

I thought I would chime in, I just got a set of Nitto Motivos on my HS. I'll write a full review within a week. My main comparison is to the Contiental DWS which I have on a Honda but at least I tried out the tires in real life. So far, the Motivos seem to be a clone of the DWS except they have a 10K longer thread life warranty. This tire could overthrow the DWS, also I noticed that the tire has a bit less bulge from the engine weight. This will be my 3rd week with the tires. I've had the DWS for the past 2 months.

 

Thanks, Moolman. Looking forward to your review. I'll look them up. Definitely interested in the wear life and less bulge.
Snap a photo of one if you can.
Thanks,
Dalton

 

I posted a review in the tire section about the Nitto Motivos.

 

Ecopia's are great tires... for anyone looking for fuel efficiency, they are one of, if not the best... so Bridgestone has really put a lot of technology into them to ensure low rolling resistance and long life... They aren't the absolute best in the snow, the absolute best performance, but they do all of those well, and get excellent tread life and very low rolling resistance...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=155

 

I've watched the evolution of these LRR tires for a while. I know for sure when people switch to non-LRR tires, they see a decrease in gas mileage.

Here in Wisconsin, I know some people keep a separate set of snow tires, although this last winter they were barely needed.