Price is always the No. 1 consideration when it comes to buying anything. If money wasn’t an issue, we’d all be driving Audis, wearing Armani and eating Kobe beef and caviar. Such is not the case.
As the winter season rapidly approaches, the questions are starting to roll in: “What winter tire should I buy?”
In order to partially counter the onslaught of queries, I’ve devised the following: A “best bang for the buck” line-up of winter tire suggestions.
It’s very simple actually: If you want to spend as little as possible, a moderate amount or if price is no object, I’ve come up with the best picks for each price range. Actually, I consulted with my friends at Talon Tire, who are very well versed on the subject of winter tires.
As compact cars are very popular in Canada, I’ve selected the following P205/55R16 size as the yardstick. Keep in mind that these winter tire picks can be applied to most cars, minivans and crossover vehicles.
Here are the top 2012 winter tire picks (note: price is per tire):
Best cheap tire: $100-$150
Champiro IcePro or Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter
Both of these winter tires provide good to exceptional snow and slush traction. Both tires are studdable for added ice traction.
Best moderately priced tire: $150-$200
Toyo Observe Garit KX or Continental Extreme Wintercontact
These winter tires offer heightened performance and overall snow and ice traction. They feature state-of-the-art compound technology.
Best tire: $200 +
Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 or Nokian Hakkapeliitta R
This pair of winter tires is at the top of the winter-tire game. Their tread patterns are optimized for maximum snow, slush and water channeling, providing the best possible grip in all conditions.
As the winter season rapidly approaches, the questions are starting to roll in: “What winter tire should I buy?”
In order to partially counter the onslaught of queries, I’ve devised the following: A “best bang for the buck” line-up of winter tire suggestions.
It’s very simple actually: If you want to spend as little as possible, a moderate amount or if price is no object, I’ve come up with the best picks for each price range. Actually, I consulted with my friends at Talon Tire, who are very well versed on the subject of winter tires.
As compact cars are very popular in Canada, I’ve selected the following P205/55R16 size as the yardstick. Keep in mind that these winter tire picks can be applied to most cars, minivans and crossover vehicles.
Here are the top 2012 winter tire picks (note: price is per tire):
Best cheap tire: $100-$150
Champiro IcePro or Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter
Both of these winter tires provide good to exceptional snow and slush traction. Both tires are studdable for added ice traction.
 |
| Champiro IcePro and Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter (Photo: Champiro and Goodyear) |
Best moderately priced tire: $150-$200
Toyo Observe Garit KX or Continental Extreme Wintercontact
These winter tires offer heightened performance and overall snow and ice traction. They feature state-of-the-art compound technology.
 |
| Toyo Observe Garit KX and Continental Extreme Wintercontact (Photo: Toyo and Goodwrench) |
Best tire: $200 +
Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 or Nokian Hakkapeliitta R
This pair of winter tires is at the top of the winter-tire game. Their tread patterns are optimized for maximum snow, slush and water channeling, providing the best possible grip in all conditions.
 |
| Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R (Photo: Bridgestone and Nokian) |