I have studded Hakkapeliittas on my LR3 in Colorado. I would not get studded snow tires again unless I was planning to drive on sheer ice often, especially given how heavy the LR3 is. I have to be careful to avoid turning the wheels when stationary to avoid the studs carving deep grooves in my garage floor and other surfaces. Even so the studs pit my garage floor slightly just from rolling over it in a straight line. I leave little pits in the pavement wherever I go. Studded tires would no doubt make sense for some people's situations, but for me I drive on snowy roads about 10 days a year, rarely on glare ice, and the downside of the studs outweighs the benefits.
Nokian Hakka
- Thread starter brian neesan
- Start date
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
RobRover88
Full Access Member
G'day brian neeson, If you're seriously looking at replacing your OEM wheels with aftermarket rims,
go for the best 18"s - Compomotive from the U.K. NO modifications needed at all as long as you don't go for much bigger tires. The Compo's are superbly designed & made. Lighter & stronger & don't rust like cheaper steel 18"s. Here in Oz we don't usually reside in areas with months of snow or ice, so I will not
offer suggestions regarding snow/winter tire brands, BUT I can confirm that BFG KO2's are excellent in snow & of course are the best option for rough, rocky trails in wet or dry conditions, with their very tough
sidewall construction. Good for airing-down.
The KO2's are also excellent for highway driving - quiet, turn well, do not degrade fuel consumption & wear well. If you stick with a similar sized tire as OEM 19's/20's by fitting 265 X 60/18's you'll have no problem at all. They'll also fit perfectly in the spare wheel well - fully-inflated. The Compo's are not cheap, but worth every cent.
go for the best 18"s - Compomotive from the U.K. NO modifications needed at all as long as you don't go for much bigger tires. The Compo's are superbly designed & made. Lighter & stronger & don't rust like cheaper steel 18"s. Here in Oz we don't usually reside in areas with months of snow or ice, so I will not
offer suggestions regarding snow/winter tire brands, BUT I can confirm that BFG KO2's are excellent in snow & of course are the best option for rough, rocky trails in wet or dry conditions, with their very tough
sidewall construction. Good for airing-down.
The KO2's are also excellent for highway driving - quiet, turn well, do not degrade fuel consumption & wear well. If you stick with a similar sized tire as OEM 19's/20's by fitting 265 X 60/18's you'll have no problem at all. They'll also fit perfectly in the spare wheel well - fully-inflated. The Compo's are not cheap, but worth every cent.
Good advice on the wheels. Difference between Oz snow and ice and here in Canuckistan is the temperature. At temps -18 and below regular tires are like hockey pucks while winter tires are still pliable. This is where they shine; cold and icy.
I've had a lot of Nokian's across LR3 and LR4 for many years. The Hakka Rx (3 or 4 now, I can't remember) is the best pure winter tire, no need for studs, it has extraordinary grip in snow and ice. The WRG3/4 is the best all season tire, winter oriented, with very low noise, great grip and tread wear. I also have been using the Nokia Rotiiva, which is more of an off-road oriented four season tire that has worn like iron, is very comfortable and has good grip in all conditions.
tacos&beer
Member
Off topic - but gotta ask. What do you do for service in Mammoth Lakes? I visit there often & have wondered about owning a Land Rover in a relatively remote place.
Scott Williams
Member
You can go north to Reno, BUT NOT TO THE DEALER for sure... Lived in Tahoe for 16 years and the Reno Rover is horrendous. British 4X4 of Reno as the name implies with Brian Thornhill is off the charts and folks travel hours to see him.
brian neesan
Member
Great tip, thank you.
brian neesan
Member
I've been sure to schedule a my services when I've been in LA. Luckily, no emergency issues have come up. Of course, this is in the back of my mind...
zgpablo
Member
A bit late to this party but I bought a 2014 LR4 about 2 1/2 years ago and it came with a set of studded Hakkapeliittas. I have lived in Aspen Colorado for over 20 years and had VW's, Audi's, a Hyundai Santa Fe and always swore by Blizzaks. After that first season on the studs my life was changed. I have never gotten even close to the same traction around town on snow and ice. My stopping is twice as good as my wife's Allroad with Blizzaks.
Now, I do get a lot of wear on my garage floor and driveway but it's worth it for me. I guess until I need to resurface them both and maybe I'll think again.
Oh, and of course I swap them out for summer. I run them from early November to some time in April usually.
Now, I do get a lot of wear on my garage floor and driveway but it's worth it for me. I guess until I need to resurface them both and maybe I'll think again.
Oh, and of course I swap them out for summer. I run them from early November to some time in April usually.
On the few days where conditions are nasty studs cannot be beat. For me I would just rather limit my travel during these few days and not have to live with all the drawbacks for the 6 months we run our winters. With exposed aggregate driveways and a garage floor with a nice epoxy coating the idea of studs is no Bueno.
How is Aspen? Never been there. I think Dumb and Dumber ruined it for me lol. I just imagine lots of these people around:
How is Aspen? Never been there. I think Dumb and Dumber ruined it for me lol. I just imagine lots of these people around:
