Need feedback: Nokian Winter Tyres

[siko]

I heard a great deal of buzz about these Finnish tyres.... and read several positive reviews. Besides, I know Finns don't usually waste their time to make crap.

Anyhow, my brother-in-law is really set on getting a set for his X3.

I just wanted to know if you guys heard any good/bad stuff about Nokian and their tyres.

Thanks in advance,
siko

 

[MikeJ]

Well, I have quite a bit of experience of Nokian Hakkapeliitta studded winter tyres, don't know if it's those he's after or the unstudded ones.

In the comparison tests carried out by the car mags here, the Nokians always achieve excellent results. However, they're 'serious' winter tyres with focus on having maximum grip on snow and ice, which means that their grip in the wet (or dry) isn't always quite as good as some of the competitors - nothing that you can't live with though.

As for personal experience, the studded ones (Hakkapeliitta 4's) are nothing short of excellent on ice and snow and quite OK in other conditions - obviously they're not much good for any 'sporty' driving on dry asphalt but then again, no winter tyre is. The only real drawback is increased tyre noise, but that's the same with any studded tyre.

 

[Zonda]

I recently read a good very good test on both studded and unstudded winter tyres.

And Nokian did very well

The conclusion was that as long as you go for famous brands you'll be fine!