Category Archives: Uncategorized

Last year was a memorable year for studded tire fans here, with Michelin finally bringing their X-Ice North tire to the Canadian market.  The X-Ice North 4 also managed to win the NAF/Motor.no winter tire test for the first time, surpassing the Nokian and Continental tires that had relegated it to second place in each of the previous two years.

This year, the Michelin is up against some new competition: Nokian released the tenth iteration of its famous Hakkapeliitta series this fall, while Goodyear released the sequel to their Ultra Grip Arctic.  Let’s see if they can knock the Michelin back off the top step of the podium, in our review of the 2021 edition of the annual NAF/Motor.no winter tire test!

Another winter and another round of tire tests to go with it. The biggest news for 2019 is Continental’s debut of a technological leap with their FlexStud, incorporating a stud base made of rubber instead of metal. Continental claims this new stud design provides better grip on ice and improved longevity, along with reductions in road wear and interior noise. Let’s see what the NAF found regarding these claims.

There are a few basic options for a winter tire setup, so before purchasing new tires and/or wheels, you need to determine the one that’s best for you.  If you prefer to rotate and change your own wheels, then you will certainly want a second set of tires complete with wheels.  If not, then it may make sense to simply buy tires and have a tire shop change them twice a year.  It may even make sense to minimize that expense by using winter tires year-round.  This article will discuss the benefits, drawbacks, and costs of each option.

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Online classifieds can be great places to buy or sell used tires and wheels.  They’re also great places for unwary shoppers to be mislead or flat out ripped off.  In this article, we look at the typical ways that sellers misrepresent their tires, and how to estimate the true value of a set of used tires.

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The results of the 2017 Norwegian Auto Federation Winter Tire Test – the most comprehensive annual winter tire test – have been released, and the big news coming into the test this year is the introduction of the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9.  Nokian’s previous premium studded winter tire – the Hakka 8 – was matched by Continental’s IceContact2 for a first place tie in last year’s test.  How will the new Hakka 9 fare against the competition?  No need for suspense, here are the rankings!

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