Nokian tire help!

[xoom]

So after getting stuck in a parking lot last week with my stock RSA\'s, i decided to rush out and get some winter tires. After calling many sold-out stores, I finally found a mazda dealership with Nokian RSI\'s + rims (16\") for 889. I figure this was a pretty good scenario, being able to find a place that was not only not sold out, but also carrying my first choice for winter tires. So to make a long story short, they didn\'t have these in stock when i got there after they said they would, and instead they gave me Hakka 2s, which they insisted were better, and charged me about 60 bucks more. Plus, they gave me 215/55/16 XLs. Being desparate, I went ahead with it... but will this size difference cause any problems? And what exactly does XL mean? And did I get ripped off? I\'d appreciate any feedback!

[dinu01]

Nokian tires are much more expensive than other brands. You probably paid $100 or so more than if you shopped in November. Nevertheless, don\'t be upset, b/c the Nokians are amazing snow tires (and hence their cost)

[majic]

from what i hear.. hakkas are pretty good tires and thus more expensive (like dunlop m3s) anyway, you probably would have gotten a better deal a few months back but i still think ~900 for those tires is pretty good!

now.. wrt the sizing, you should be ok.. just know that when you are going 100kph (speedo) you\'ll actually be going 101kph so not that much of a difference - 55% of 215-205 = 5.5mm so 11mm taller/wider wheel+tire

XL is the load designation meaning \"Extra Load\" so it means they can be inflated to a higher PSi thus providing more \'load\' carrying capacity

[chaser]

Wider than stock snow tires are not usually recommanded because thinner tires handle better in snow as they can \'cut through\' snow easier. But I don\'t know how significant will the extra 10mm make :sarc
Anyway, you won\'t be regreted for getting the Hakkas\'.:)

[xoom]

Thanks for the advice! I can\'t believe how much of a difference it makes... i\'ve been trying to find the slushiest/snowiest roads to test out my hakkas, and I gotta say they\'re unbelievable.