Shut up, I know it's still the middle of summer.
I'm picking up a new winter SUV this weekend and plan on getting it all prepped before parking it for the next couple months before snow starts falling up here. One of the things I'd like to look into sooner rather than later is winter tires. I live up in the Okanagan, off a stretch of the 97 Highway that requires chains to be in your vehicle at all times. I'll also be travelling between Salmon Arm and Kelowna very frequently, as well as doing the Coquihalla route every few weeks. Now, in the past I've always managed to get away with running basic snow tires after waiting for the weather report to give an all clear. However, I wont have that luxury this time. I also live on the top of a tall hill that has half a dozen switchbacks on it.
I've been eyeing the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7's (studded) and the Nokian Rotiiva's were also recommended to me. One thing that occurred to me is that if you're running studded tires, can you then also use chains? Studded tires will work best for me while driving locally, but chains will be required once I hit Hwy 5.
Any other suggestions? Money is of no consequence for this purchase, though I'd rather get the best bang for the buck rather than pay top dollar for something that's simply overpriced due to brand name.
