Nokian winter tire seasonal availability: out of luck for this winter or wait a bit for supply to catch up?

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spaber05

spaber05

10 Year
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Oct 30, 2014
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Location
Boston, MA
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www.joyofthedrive.com
Hi all,

Pretty simple question: I'm wondering if I'm the only one shopping for new winter shoes right now being surprised by the lack of availability for either the R5 or LT3. My sister-in-law had no problem picking up a set of the R5s for her 4Runner last year around this time (maybe a bit earlier), but I can't find anything for my Cruiser on any of the major tire sites.

Am I SOL for this winter or will supply build up in short order? Trying to decide if I just go with some Blizzaks or wait it out one more season and get the Nokians which are my preferred tire for here in New England.

Any insight is appreciated!
 
No specific insight for this year, but I got my set of R5's in 12/23. Two years ago is very different from today. If you call Tire Rack or Discount Tire they can tell you if there are shipments expected.

I have had Blizzaks, R3's, and R5's and they all seem about the same.
 
You will be able to buy Nokian Hakka's this season for sure. It's that special time of year, when snow tires sell. What size are you looking for?
 
My local dealer just got their stock in here in Alaska. I put a set of new Hakka 10’s on the Tesla.
 
Update: three different places have told me they are having a hard time finding ANY Nokian (one is a reputable Toyota dealership here). One was able to source a 275/65R18 in the R5 and the other just said he's coming up empty from all suppliers and suggested Blizzaks.

At this point it's either buy the Blizzak in 285/60 or try the narrower 275/65 Nokian R5. Thoughts?

CanadianRockyCruiser said:
You will be able to buy Nokian Hakka's this season for sure. It's that special time of year, when snow tires sell. What size are you looking for?
Click to expand...
I wish I had that confidence! Seems most everyone around here (New England) is out. 285/60 or 285/65 is what I'm looking for and I'm told is no longer being made.
 
My local shop has them in stock (and online):

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV Tires for Winter | Kal Tire

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV winter tires are available at Kal Tire. A non-studded winter tire for passenger cars, crossovers and SUVs.
www.kaltire.com www.kaltire.com

$75 off a set of 4 too!

Maybe you you should take a trip up to the Great White North, eh. Grab a Molson and play a quick game a stick-puck while yer at it.
 
spaber05 said:
Update: three different places have told me they are having a hard time finding ANY Nokian (one is a reputable Toyota dealership here). One was able to source a 275/65R18 in the R5 and the other just said he's coming up empty from all suppliers and suggested Blizzaks.

At this point it's either buy the Blizzak in 285/60 or try the narrower 275/65 Nokian R5. Thoughts?


I wish I had that confidence! Seems most everyone around here (New England) is out. 285/60 or 285/65 is what I'm looking for and I'm told is no longer being made.
Click to expand...
If it makes you feel better I’m running the 275/65-18 Hakka 10’s on my daughters Colorado ZR2 and 265/60-18 hakka 8 on my LX. Narrower is better for winter tires.
 
spaber05 said:
Update: three different places have told me they are having a hard time finding ANY Nokian (one is a reputable Toyota dealership here). One was able to source a 275/65R18 in the R5 and the other just said he's coming up empty from all suppliers and suggested Blizzaks.

At this point it's either buy the Blizzak in 285/60 or try the narrower 275/65 Nokian R5. Thoughts?


I wish I had that confidence! Seems most everyone around here (New England) is out. 285/60 or 285/65 is what I'm looking for and I'm told is no longer being made.
Click to expand...
I’ve no experience with either brand, but I do generally buy tires that are normally in stock and easy to find. That way if I have tire trouble it’s no problem getting one replaced. Buying rare or the last stock of a discontinued tire could lead to hassles
 
spaber05 said:
Update: three different places have told me they are having a hard time finding ANY Nokian (one is a reputable Toyota dealership here). One was able to source a 275/65R18 in the R5 and the other just said he's coming up empty from all suppliers and suggested Blizzaks.

At this point it's either buy the Blizzak in 285/60 or try the narrower 275/65 Nokian R5. Thoughts?


I wish I had that confidence! Seems most everyone around here (New England) is out. 285/60 or 285/65 is what I'm looking for and I'm told is no longer being made.
Click to expand...
in terms of nokian vs blizzak, in general nokians are the best and last a lot longer. Blizzak performe closer to the Nokians their first winter or 2 but performance diminishes rapidly. I have a buddy up here that gets a new set of blizzaks every fall (thanks Costco)
 
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coleAK said:
If it makes you feel better I’m running the 275/65-18 Hakka 10’s on my daughters Colorado ZR2 and 265/60-18 hakka 8 on my LX. Narrower is better for winter tires.
Click to expand...
Generally agreed, I'm leaning narrower R5s vs Blizzaks in 285, I've had good luck running narrower on previous cars as well
Sandroad said:
I’ve no experience with either brand, but I do generally buy tires that are normally in stock and easy to find. That way if I have tire trouble it’s no problem getting one replaced. Buying rare or the last stock of a discontinued tire could lead to hassles
Click to expand...
Good point, I suppose if the worst were to happen I could make a single tire of the same size (but not necessarily same brand) work.
coleAK said:
in terms of nokian vs blizzak, in general nokians are the best and last a lot longer. Blizzak performe closer to the Nokians their first winter or 2 but performance diminishes rapidly. I have a buddy up here that gets a new set of blizzaks every fall (thanks Costco)
Click to expand...
Agreed, it seems everyone (including Blizzaks) is vying for second place after Nokian.
 
There seem to be plenty of the Nokians in the 265/70R18 size. A pinch taller, and a pinch narrower than the 275/65R18. The LT3 can be found in studded or non, even Amazon has them. There’s also the WR C3.
 
To put an end to this sage (I know you've all been waiting on pins and needles), I ended up with the R5s in 275/65R18s and am happy so far. The dealer said he's had no problem sourcing more standard car size tires from Nokian but he was surprised at the lack of available sizes for full size trucks/SUVs. Best guess is they're coming out with sometihng new and liquidating old inventory, but who knows

It may just be me, but I was on Michelin LTX AT2s (in LT) before and these feel much more compliant/soft.

Looking forward to our first snow to give this a true test.
 
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