Tires FEDERAL or Nokia
17" of snow We just received an official 17.1" of snow so here is how my 01mv did with a set of Nokian Haks: At the end of the storm I tried to drive uphill to my house on an unplowed residential street. Made it most of the way before getting stuck - the front bumper was pushing snow.
Federal Tire Quality- Just like any tire it truly depends on the model/size. I have had 165/45's and they are junk for daily driving. I am currently rolling on 205/40/16 Federal 595's and I love them.
Ditto on the Nokians from me as well. On my 2nd set after 50K miles and find my speed control chimes going off regularly now (set at 96 MPH) because the ride is just so smooth.
Ditto on the Nokians. On three Touaregs, I've had Dunlops, Pirellis, Falkens, Hankooks and am on my second set of Nokians. It's night and day.
Ride is better than the Michelins they replaced, and traction seems to be excellent, but at 50 lbs. inflation there was a little sidewall flex on fast cornering. Noise is roughly the same as the Michelins; maybe a little quieter. Gas mileage on the trip was 20.2
formoza 165 45's.... i gotz 2 sets. they are great. and fairly cheap.
I got some Federal 215/40/18's from Josh @ Sterling Tire and I think they're great! They stretch well, have a bit of a lip protector and aren't loud. The traction is great, especially in the rain.
safest choice... the NOKIAN WR or WR G2 all-weather plus, year rounders that qualify for severe service emblem. the g2 has low rolling resistance. you can see about a 6% savings in fuel w/ this guy.
Nokian. Don't consider anything else. I have been using the Hakka RSi's for years and they are fantastic tires. With two differend FWD cars (current A3 and old Jetta VR6), I was passing sport utes which couldn't even get up hills in 4WD. The only issue is that the RSi's are very soft and don't last long. For that reason, I will go with the WR's which can be run all season. I would recommend going down to a 16" for potholes and such. Check with Rim and Wheel Works in Waltham. They are a Nokian dealer and can find you some good Rims. I bought some Ronals, but you can't buy them anymore, but in retrospect, I shoulda just gotten some cheap steelies for $50 a pop.
Yes the handling is worse! Yes I feel my ride is compromised when taking corners, braking, and overall feel for the road is reduced.
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