Carmine has a mix of Nokian tires: WRG 4 and WRG 5, because the "4" is discontinued. Four season tires, no need to change tires winter and summer. Got a flat, need a new tire. Shop put on a Hakkapelitta, which is a winter tire. Manager says it is basically the same, has a bit more rubber, no need to change it for summer. The WRG 5 no longer comes in my size of 185, only comes in a 195 which is a larger tire. He says if I want something else, he will swap it for me. Now Carmine has one WRG4, two WRG 5, and one Hakkapelitta. These are all LRR - low rolling resistance. Northeastern MA. Thoughts?
Ahahaa, no no no. I do not have ANY 195 tires. It is because the WRG 5 is now only available in the 195 size that he switched to the Hakkapelitta. All 4 tires are 185 size.
I have been in contact with Nokian customer service, received this info: We do not recommend leaving a winter tire on year-round as warmer temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit or above 7 degrees Celsius can compromise the compound of the Hakkapeliitta tires, which could leave to compromising your safety. They are now working to locate a tire for me. Thought you would like to know, @bisco.
By the time I get in touch with the tire manufacturer and they get back with me and they spout all the tech . I've already worn the tires out so it's all moot here .
Ahahaaa. So far, I've exchanged 7 emails with the Customer Rep at Nokian. He is now searching for a tire for me. The tire shop I went to can only access the distributor they contract with. Nokian can check with all the distribution warehouses. If he can't find one, he said I may need to buy 4 new tires; but he said not to worry about that yet as he has all my records, knows I've been a long term customer, and he can work something out if it comes to that. Very responsive!
