Winter Tire Question. R vs T speed rating.

[narmstrong79]

I was looking at swapping my OEM 22's with a set of winters. I found a set on FB of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5, but they are the 115R XL - so lower speed rating. I assume that is fine since I'm not likely to be going over 100 ever, especially in the winter.... what is your your thoughts ?

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[Osyras]

go with the SUV version

https://riviantrackr.com/rivian-tire-guide/?search=Hakkapeliitta+R5+SUV&brand=Nokian


I have them and they are quieter than the factory Scorpions!

 

[narmstrong79]

go with the SUV version

https://riviantrackr.com/rivian-tire-guide/?search=Hakkapeliitta+R5+SUV&brand=Nokian


I have them and they are quieter than the factory Scorpions!

Thanks I'll likely just get the Nokian One HT.

How long did your scorpions last?

 

[Jnz]

One HT is not a winter tire and not even 3PMSF rated. If you’re looking for a true winter tire, stick with the Hakka.

 

[zefram47]

Winter tires, especially for our heavy vehicles, are rarely available with higher speed ratings. The Blizzak LTs I've been running are R-rated, which is still 106 mph (IIRC, that's sustained speed too) so I'm not concerned at all. It's not like anyone is blasting around at 100+ mph on the streets, especially in the winter.

 

[Jakelake]

I installed Michelin X-Ice on a separate set 20 inch wheels 2 years ago. They are a game changer in real snow, which I live with for 6 months of the year in the mountains of Utah. I drive in Snow conditions almost every week and it ranges from flurries to a foot an hour dumps. I bought them from Costco and the tire only has a 115 weight and speed rating. At the time I could not find a 116 rated dedicated snow tire. Costco would not install them on a Rivian so I told them they were for a Dodge truck. They mounted and balanced the tires and I took them home and put them on my R1T. I was concerned about the 115 vs 116 rating but spoke to Rivian and they told me that the 116 rating was recommended because the Rivian can tow such a heavy trailer. I felt better about the 115 rating after that and have had no issues with wear or handling on the 115s. I took the tires to Costco yesterday to have them re-balanced and made the mistake of telling the manger they were for my Rivian. He said he would not install them on a Rivian unless they were 116 weight rated. I pointed out that I was not asking him to install the tires on the truck and that I only wanted him to do the free balance that I paid for 2 years earlier. He then agreed to the balance. I have them in my garage now and will install them if we ever get into snow season this year. So far La Niña conditions have been an accurate weather prediction and it has been warm and rainy for October and November. The ski resorts have changed their opening dates twice now. The moral of the story is if you can't find a dedicated snow tire in the 116 range you might have to buy a second set of wheels, lie about the vehicle they are going on, and then swap them out at home. Also, I think if most of your driving involves clear winter roads with an occasional trip to the mountains you could probably get away with a good set of all season tires and a set of good tire traction devices to get you through the bad snow and ice when needed. But if you live at high altitudes in the mountains that get snow all winter you are safer on a set of dedicated snow tires.

 

[Osyras]

Thanks I'll likely just get the Nokian One HT.

How long did your scorpions last?

They are still going, because I use winters I dont know the exact mileage on them but they seem to be doing well enough.

 

[narmstrong79]

They are still going, because I use winters I dont know the exact mileage on them but they seem to be doing well enough.

My scorpion 22s are at 4 to 5/32nds at only 17k miles

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