Nokian WR 235/60-16 update
Yeah, the WRs have the snowflake in a mountain sihlouette designation, they are great snow/ice tires. But I have been wondering (nervous) about what they would do when the temperatures warmed up. Would they turn into gumbies?
We hit 85f today, and they were absolutely fine. In fact, I can't tell any difference in their handling and personality from when it was 20f. The tire sidewalls only heated up to 111f (after sustained running at 70 mph, 32 psi)) but there was no squealing on turns, mushy response, nothing detectable in normal driving. Maybe in a G-pad test something might show up, but for normal spirited driving, they are still great. I would say that their performance capabilities exceed that of the suspension dynamics of these high center-of-gravity wagons. That's a personal opinion, YMMV.
Remember, these are 235/60's, not XC specification size 215/65's. I had the 215 WRs which were "SUV" designation, and thought they were too rough riding. I love these 235 tires: smooth, quiet, excellent traction in all conditions, and really cool looking. How amazing. Heck, I would buy these tires even if they never saw snow.
My next report will come at 100f, probably in July. I highly doubt that their characteristics will fall off a cliff in the next 15 degrees, but we will see.
'04 XC70, Ice White, Taupe. Original owner (196K miles as of may21). 6 wheel bearings, broken ignition switch, broken turbo downtube flange, failed throttle body, many warped rotors, and a myriad of weird crap. Still my favorite car ever.
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