Blizzacks come in two main variates...those with the "special rubber, and those without" The tires like the WS-60's have

"silica-enhanced Tube Multicell compound layered on top of a standard winter compound. The Tube Multicell compound is comprised of thousands of microscopic tubes and cells (which resemble the consistency of Swiss cheese when examined through a microscope) that wick away the water that often forms between the tire's contact patch and the surface of snow-packed and icy roads. This flexible tread rubber compound improves the tire's grip, allowing the biting edges to adhere to the surface with less interference. The bite particles attached to the tubes of the Multicell compound with a special coating, bite into the surface of packed snow and ice to provide extra gripping action. The pores and tubes are uniformly distributed throughout the compound and are constantly being exposed around the tread as the tire wears. This unique tread compound is molded into a directional tread design that features independent tread blocks with 3-D zigzag sipes to disperse water away from the tire's contact patch, further enhancing grip."

Since you have the WS-60's, you DO have this rubber....
If you had the
LM-60's
"Since the current Multicell tread compounds used on Blizzak winter / snow tires are not designed to support H-speed ratings, the Blizzak LM-60 uses a high silica content winter / snow tread compound molded into a directional tread design that features independent tread blocks with 3-D zigzag sipes to disperse water away from the tire's contact patch, further enhancing grip. The combination provides hydroplaning resistance and greater driving and braking force on snow-covered roads."

A very different tire. The same as most any snow tire on ICE.

 

The 16" winter tires and wheels will definitely fit, no speedo worries.

As for the TPMS, I think you can go without, with a dash light warning being the only negative. You will no doubt get more feedback to this post to confirm the latter. Our Canadian spec. cars do not have the TPM sensors.

 

Blizzak use what they refer to as micro-cell compound, & that is the sticky part. According to the person that I talked to at Nokian the Hakkas do not have a dual compound. I was told it is the same all the way through the tread. My reasoning for buying them was that they would last longer than the Blizzak because of that.

I can tell you from experience that when my WS50 snows were worn to approximately half tread depth they were shot as far as snow use went.

Edit... Zippy thanks for the explanaition. I did not know that there were two compounds used. That sure does explain why the WS tires work better than LM tires in snow & ice.

 

Merging several existing snow tire/wheel threads together.

 

I'm trying to decide between the Blizzak LM-60 and Dunlop Winter Sport 3D... seems like both have gotten favorable reviews. I get the impression that they're likely very similar -- maybe the LM-60 might be a bit better on snow & the 3D would be a bit better on dry pavement?

Does anyone have any thoughts on these?

I'm coming from the Goodyear Ultra-Grip GW3 which I was relatively happy with (awesome in rain and dry pavement, adequate in light snow).. woould consider them again, although they've been discontinued.

 

I have Nokian RSI's, living in Colorado in the mountains I experience all weather. I live at 9'500 feet and drive almost everyday over two mountain passes of 11'000 ft. I have had Blizzaks and Coopers and I really like and trust the Nokians. They are not studded and I have contact with ice and snow almost everyday on Berthoud Pass 11'000 plus ft. I also drive I70 Hwy. and it is usually dry, and am very happy with on dry pavement as well. They were approx. $575.00 for the tires installed.

 

Here is a review I did on my iPikes on another site I belong to, I thought it would benefit some if I posted it here as well:

Brand & Name: Hankook Winter iPike W409's



Tire Type: Studdable Winter Tire

Speed Rating/Service Desciption and UTQG: 88T, No UTQG

Size 185/65/15

Price: $70 per Discount Tire

Vehicle Installed: 2007 MINI Cooper, 1.6L

Miles Driven: 5,000

Conditions: Mixed city and highway, wet/dry, snow up to 5" and ice

Review: I've been sceptical of winter tires since I started driving, I always figured since it never snow much here in southeast lower Michigan that there wasn't really a point to them. Also I didn't think it was worth spending $400 for some tires that I only use for 4 months. However, I was dead wrong.

Since I have nothing else to go off of I can only assume, but these iPike are awesome. The most snow we've gotten at one time was the other day and there was about 5" on the roadway. I had no problem driving around and was overtaking 4x4's with ease. I actually went out in the snow to see if I could get stuck, it was amazing. With a bit of throttle control I managed to drive just fine. I even found a parking lot, came to a dead stop in an 8" drift and then set off. No problems what-so-ever other then getting a bunch of snow in the lower grill.

These tires can be studded but it's illegal to do so in my area so my tires run studdless, it's cool to know I can do it though if I want.

I also drove a good distance in icy conditions and the car never even flinched. I was amazed and a bit mad at myself for being an idiot and not getting these sooner. They are excellent insurance for winter weather.

This was common place for me for the past two winters:


Not any more though!

For dry road driving the tires are a bit squishy and the car rides like and Oldsmobile, kinda floaty and bouncy. They aren't that loud either and the annoying singing noise went away. I've done 80mph on the freeway with these and I felt completely safe. The handling sucks but I only messed that one up about three days after the tires were installed and I forgot I wasn't rocking something halfway stiff any more.

I would easily recommend these tire, and I am fairly confident that winter tires are worth every single penny.

 

Just one comment: you can only put the studs in when the tires are new. Otherwise, mud or whatever gets in the holes and makes it too difficult to do. I think that the iPikes are a great bargin.

 

Hmmm that's good to know, guess you learn something new every day. Thanks for the heads up.

 

Hey. good thread. I needed some help in prepping my 08 MCS. I'll be spending this winter in the mountains of Colorado. I've decided that I want the Nokian Hakkapelitta R 195/55r16 but will need a set of cheap wheels to mount them on. I don't know much about tires and rims and have just been surfing the web to figure it out.

1) Is this a good choice for Colorado?

2) What should i be concerned about when buying rims? I was thinking of just find some OEM 16s but if I can't, is heavier better or lighter in the snow?

3) Any recommendations on where to purchase tires and/or wheels in Northern or Central New Jersey?

Thanks.

 

Once I was heading south in Oregon on Interstate 5 near the California border. My car was fwd with studded snow tires all around. They absolutely wouldn't let me through without chains. Enough to **** off the Good Humor man. No more than one inch of snow on the roadway.

The point is: Only the 15" rims will accept chains. I recommend finding stock 15" alloy because they have the factory specified set backs. Aftermarket rims have set backs that are typically off by a few millimeters. Maybe that doesn't matter, but why not have it right? The setback is not the same for 15" and 16" rims. If you use a Mini rim, you don't have to even check this spec. I found very nice ones for $105, for all four.