Winter Tire Economics

[alberich]

For those considering the economics of different winter tire strategies, here is some pricing (CDN $). The options I was considering are:

1) Keep stock rims & Contis for 3 season use. Buy new steel rims & tires for winter. Get dealer to do wheel changeover (usually free).2) Replace original Contis with all-weather tire such as Nokian WRG2 on existing rims (keeping TPMS sensors)3) Buy new snow tires & get dealer to replace them each season on existing rims with existing TPMS sensors.

Here are rough operational costs (not including tires). Although the Nokian WRG2 or R is around $140 each.

Option 1: New steel rims = $70 each New TPMS sensors = $125 each Reset/relearn TPMS charge = $50 per changeover Cost = $780 one time charge; $100 per year TPMS reset charge

Option 2: Changeover cost 4 tires = $0 (depends on dealer) Have to find use for old Contis (which I have) Cost = $0

Option 3: Changeover cost of 4 tires per visit = $120 Cost = $240 per year

Obviously this is a simplification & ignores issues such as the handling differences between a All-Weather tire & a winter tire as well as the inconvenience of 2 visits a year to get tires changed. Storage issues are also ignored.

[Sure_Shot]

First a question: Why do you have the TPMS in Canada? I was under the impression that we didn't get that.

I think you should get winter tires on rims and switch them over yourself every year if you can. If you can't, I suppose you could get someone to do it (dealership?).

Even if you actually have the TPMS, which I'm not sure is the case, you don't NEED it. The little light might get annoying, but your car won't blow up. Just check the pressure regularly.

I would check, though, to make sure you have the TPMS. It doesn't come on Canadian Versas (which is a good thing in many people's opinion).

[alberich]

I was lead to believe that the Canadian models had the TPMS feature. Maybe the dealers don't even know. However, if you compare the safety features on the Canadian & US Nissan sites, the TPMS feature is lacking on the Canadian models.

In which case, my choices are simpler, although the options still stand for US owners.

[Sure_Shot]

I know I don't have the TPMS. I'm pretty sure that Canadians don't get it. Maybe the 2009 model does, but my 2008 doesn't. We do get standards ABS, though. That's more useful to many than the TPMS anyway.

Even if you had the TPMS, I would still suggest getting winter tires on separate rims without getting new ones for the winter. It's just a lot of money to get rid of a light. Even if I had them, I'd probably check my own tire pressure anyway.

[DUCeditor]

My daily commute goes over a fair-sized mountain known for its snow and ice. Thus winter tires are a must. I, too, have considered the economics as well as the convenience of the possible choices mentioned on this thread and have determined to continue with my practice of alternating winter and three-season tires on the original alloy wheels.

One factor that, unless I missed it, was not mentioned is the cost of rotating the tires every 7,500 miles. Since wear can effect balance this also should (at least from time to time) include rebalancing. This cost is part of the tire replacement and doing it seasonally assures that it is not neglected.

It is worth mentioning that Nissan USA has a special on snow tires running through Nov 15th. Buy three and get the forth for a dollar. Coupled with my dealer's very fair pricing (Nissan of Keene, NH) that'll give me good snows (Yokohama Ice Guard), mounted, balanced and installed for about $340. This, btw, includes roadhazard insurance for the first year. And, of course, the milage that goes on the snows gets deducted ffrom my four-seasons which makes the tires almost "free" over time.

-don

[frankoV]

As stated, CDN Versas don't have TPMS.

A year ago I'da driven to the States for tires . . . however this past month the CDN$ has lost 23¢ on the dollar . . . not good for cross-border shopping.

[1_Sleek_Versa]

First of all, the TPMS has to be the biggest piece of **** invention ever, right after the wedding and the atomic bomb.

My Versa is brand new, I live in Quebec and do not have the TPMS (hopefully). I thought all cars made after November 08 needed to be equipped with this device. Well that's what I heard.

To awnser your question, just buy 4 steelies and slam some winter tires on them. Change the wheels yourself. Will be doing mine this week-end.