Howdy all… need to buy new snows for my 18 Cruiser. Nokian released the Hakka R5 SUV this year. Seems like there’s enough of a change from a safety perspective vs the R3 SUV, which I previously had, to make it worthwhile.
Unfortunately, our size’s molds aka 285/60R18, are stuck in Russia. So nothing available for the foreseeable future in an OE size.
Discount is giving me a deal. Choice between 2 tire sizes:
- 265/65R18
- 275/65R18
Appreciate any input on which size makes the most sense. Dimensions for OE and the other 2 sizes attached.
My thought is 265s may be better in deeper snow due to narrower tire but have longer braking stances due to 0.8” narrower tire than OE in wet/dry pavement. Maybe a bit more body roll.
275s seem like a happy medium and 0.4” narrower than OE so braking better than the 265 in wet/dry pavement. Handling may be a tad better too with our porky ride.
Should mention, not interested in snows from any other brand (I’ve tried most) or studded (just overkill for my use case). In my experience with CO winters and skiing in places we go during the season (CO front range, Jackson/Targhee, Sun Valley, Big Sky) there are no non-studded equals to the Hakkas.
Unfortunately, our size’s molds aka 285/60R18, are stuck in Russia. So nothing available for the foreseeable future in an OE size.
Discount is giving me a deal. Choice between 2 tire sizes:
- 265/65R18
- 275/65R18
Appreciate any input on which size makes the most sense. Dimensions for OE and the other 2 sizes attached.
My thought is 265s may be better in deeper snow due to narrower tire but have longer braking stances due to 0.8” narrower tire than OE in wet/dry pavement. Maybe a bit more body roll.
275s seem like a happy medium and 0.4” narrower than OE so braking better than the 265 in wet/dry pavement. Handling may be a tad better too with our porky ride.
Should mention, not interested in snows from any other brand (I’ve tried most) or studded (just overkill for my use case). In my experience with CO winters and skiing in places we go during the season (CO front range, Jackson/Targhee, Sun Valley, Big Sky) there are no non-studded equals to the Hakkas.
