For Sale: Nice alloy 5 spoke 18" rims with world's highest rated snow tires

[Recumbent ReCycler]

I have a very nice set of alloy wheels and snow tires that I bought earlier this year that I am putting up for sale.  They are ideal for 2003 Chevy Impalas and other cars with similar specs.  I used them for just a few months on my 2003 Chevy Impala before I switched over to my summer wheel/tire package.  Unfortunately I fell asleep at the wheel this summer and totaled my Impala and these wheels don't have the proper offset for the vehicle that I bought recently.  The tires alone cost me $1025.  They are Nokian WR "all weather plus tyres" size 235/50R18XL   101W.  That's right, they're W-rated.  That means they are rated for speeds up to at least 168 mph.  They stick to the road amazingly well and I noticed a significant improvement in handling after upgrading from the old 16" rimmed wheel/tire package.  They are severe weather rated by the DOT and shrug off rain like it isn't there.  They even stick to ice almost as well as studded tires.  With a load index of 101, they are made to handle 1819 lbs on each tire.  The rims have 10 lug holes for 2 different sizes of 5 lug hubs.  If these sell for over $1000, I will give the difference to one or more good causes, which I will let the buyer help me decide where it will go.  These causes can include the Ron Paul campaign, the Liberty Scholarship Fund, the FSP, GOA, JPFO, GONH or possibly some other cause.  I really don't want to sell these for less than $1000 because they are worth a lot more than that.  Here are some details on these tires: http://www.nokiantires.com/en/tire_wr.aspx  These tires have not had any punctures.  I found that in the snow, they handle quite well, even over 55 mph.  On dry roads, they handle very nicely, even over 100 mph.  In the corners, they stick like they're on rails.  It takes a lot more horizontal force to get them to squeal than it did with my old all season tires.  Unlike many types of snow tires, they are very quiet.

[Insurgent]

I've got the same tire on my Ranger, and can attest to all of the aforementioned descriptions; incredible tire 

[PowerPenguin]

Question: I'm from Socal, where it barely even rains, so bear with me:

Is it true that "snow tires" are like regular tires but with hard rubber or metal bumps on them? Also, how expensive are they, and how do they compare to chains? Finally, does this mean that a lot of people in the NE own 8 tires instead of just 4 per vehicle? (Assuming 4WD/AWD here) Also, what do you all recommend as far as anti-freeze goes? Out here, we just use it for its coolant properties, not its antifreeze properties, so it's not something anyone really looks into too much.

One last question: Is salt still being used a lot, or are they moving to the pink gel stuff in most areas of NH these days?

I'm such a cold-weather N00b! 8-)

[Recumbent ReCycler]

Question: I'm from Socal, where it barely even rains, so bear with me:

Is it true that "snow tires" are like regular tires but with hard rubber or metal bumps on them? Not necessarily.  Nokian WR tires have what looks like a conventional high performance tread, but with a special rubber composition and siping.    Also, how expensive are they, and how do they compare to chains? Their expense depends primarily on size, manufacturer and model, but are usually not much more than summer or all season tire of comparable quality.  Tire chains are only for extremely bad snowfall in unplowed areas.  I have not used chains in quite a few years.  Finally, does this mean that a lot of people in the NE own 8 tires instead of just 4 per vehicle? (Assuming 4WD/AWD here) I am not sure what ratio of people own more than one set of tires for each vehicle.  I never had more than one set of tires for each vehicle until this year.  I used to just buy a cheap set of all season tires or some mud tires and use them year round.  Dedicated snow tires usually give better performance in the winter than all season tires.  Also, what do you all recommend as far as anti-freeze goes? Standard antifreeze mixed to the proper proportions usually works just fine in NH.  You want either premixed antifreeze or a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water.  Out here, we just use it for its coolant properties, not its antifreeze properties, so it's not something anyone really looks into too much.

One last question: Is salt still being used a lot, or are they moving to the pink gel stuff in most areas of NH these days?  Unfortunately they still use too much salt on the roads IMHO

I'm such a cold-weather N00b! 8-)

[KBCraig]

I know DoL has a lead foot, but I still wonder why he thought 168mph-rated snow tires were necessary. 

[error]

I know DoL has a lead foot, but I still wonder why he thought 168mph-rated snow tires were necessary. 

So you don't have to change your tires after they plow the highways.

[Recumbent ReCycler]

I know DoL has a lead foot, but I still wonder why he thought 168mph-rated snow tires were necessary. 

So you don't have to change your tires after they plow the highways.

Exactly.  I've never gotten them anywhere near 168 mph, as that car wouldn't go over 111 mph with those tires on it.  I don't have as much of a lead foot as I did around February.  In fact, I hardly drive at all anymore since I got my recumbent trike.

[Recumbent ReCycler]

These are still available, and I decided that I am willing to sell them for under $1000, so make me an offer.  I might consider leasing them out for the winter for less than the selling price.