Winter Tire Guide

---

Quick answer: For most Southern Maine drivers, the best choice depends on how often the vehicle must travel during storms, whether it regularly encounters untreated roads and whether the owner wants one tire set or dedicated winter tires. A three-peak mountain snowflake-rated all-weather tire such as the Nokian Remedy WRG5 is a strong year-round option. Drivers who need maximum winter confidence should consider dedicated Nokian Hakkapeliitta winter tires.

Tires in Motion is an authorized Nokian dealer providing mobile tire sales and installation from Kittery to Auburn and surrounding Southern Maine communities. We help match the tire to the vehicle, mileage, route and winter-driving demands, then bring professional installation to your home, workplace or fleet location.

Nokian is one of our featured winter tire lines, and Tires in Motion also carries all other major tire brands. We can compare options across brands, price points and availability to find the right fit for your vehicle and driving needs.

ALL-SEASON, ALL-WEATHER AND WINTER TIRES: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

All-season tires are designed for broad three-season performance and light winter exposure. They can work well for drivers who can stay home during severe weather, but ordinary all-season tires are not the strongest choice for regular travel on snow, slush and ice.

All-weather tires are built for year-round use and carry the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol. They bridge the gap between standard all-season tires and dedicated winter tires. They are a practical choice for many Southern Maine drivers who want one set of tires without giving up meaningful winter capability.

Dedicated winter tires use cold-weather tread compounds and tread designs engineered specifically for snow, slush, ice and low temperatures. For essential workers, frequent commuters, rural-road drivers and anyone who cannot choose when to travel, dedicated winter tires provide the greatest seasonal advantage.

OUR NOKIAN TIRES RECOMMENDATIONS

NOKIAN TIRES REMEDY WRG5: YEAR-ROUND ALL-WEATHER CONFIDENCE

The Nokian Remedy WRG5 is a winter-rated all-weather tire for passenger cars, SUVs and crossovers. It carries the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol and is designed as a four-season solution for changing North American conditions.

Its tread design includes extensive siping and channels that help move water and slush away from the contact area. Aramid-reinforced sidewalls add durability against potholes and road hazards, and the tire carries a 60,000-mile limited treadwear warranty from Nokian. It is also marked Electric Fit for compatible electric vehicles.

Best for: drivers who want one tire set, travel mainly on maintained Southern Maine roads and still need stronger winter capability than a standard all-season tire.

NOKIAN TIRES HAKKAPELIITTA R5 AND R5 SUV: NON-STUDDED WINTER PERFORMANCE

The Hakkapeliitta R5 is Nokian’ non-studded winter tire for passenger cars. The Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV is engineered for SUVs and crossovers with added attention to stability, durability and wear resistance.

These tires are designed for strong winter grip without metal studs. They are an excellent fit for drivers who want dedicated snow-and-ice performance, a quiet ride and low rolling resistance throughout Maine’s cold season. R5 variants are also designed with modern vehicles and EV requirements in mind.

Best for: daily commuters, family vehicles, EVs and drivers who want dedicated winter capability without studs.

FEATURED: THE NEW NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA 01

The new Hakkapeliitta 01 is Nokian’s latest premium studded winter tire for passenger cars, SUVs and crossovers. It introduces On-Demand Grip technology designed to adapt winter traction when conditions become more demanding.

The Hakkapeliitta 01 is built for drivers who regularly face ice, packed snow, hills, rural roads and early-morning travel before roads are fully treated. It combines the control of a modern premium winter tire with Nokian’s newest approach to studded grip.

Best for: demanding Maine winter routes, frequent ice exposure, drivers who cannot wait for roads to be cleared and customers who want Nokian’s newest flagship studded winter technology.

Hakkapeliitta 10 options may also be available for passenger cars, SUVs and compatible electric or hybrid vehicles. Tires in Motion verifies the correct product, fitment and current availability for every vehicle.

WINTER OPTIONS FOR TRUCKS, VANS AND WORK VEHICLES

Nokian also offers winter-specific products for work vehicles. The Hakkapeliitta LT3 is designed for demanding light-truck use, while the studded Hakkapeliitta C4 and non-studded Hakkapeliitta CR4 serve compatible cargo vans, delivery vehicles and recreational vehicles.

For commercial customers, Tires in Motion can evaluate fleet routes, vehicle loads, downtime requirements and seasonal mileage before recommending a winter setup.

WHICH OPTION IS BEST FOR YOU?

Choose a Nokian Remedy WRG5 all-weather tire when you want one set for the full year, mainly travel on maintained roads and need better winter capability than an ordinary all-season tire.

Choose a Hakkapeliitta R5 or R5 SUV when you want dedicated winter performance without studs, drive frequently during winter and value snow-and-ice grip, comfort and low rolling resistance.

Choose a studded Hakkapeliitta when your routes regularly include ice, hard-packed snow, hills, rural roads or severe conditions where maximum winter traction is the priority.

No tire eliminates the need to slow down, increase following distance and drive for the conditions. The right tire simply gives the vehicle a better foundation for braking, steering and acceleration.

WHEN SHOULD WINTER TIRES BE INSTALLED?

Do not wait for the first major storm. Installation should be scheduled when temperatures are consistently falling and before seasonal demand peaks. Installing early also provides more appointment and product availability.

Dedicated winter tires should be removed when sustained warm weather returns. Warmer pavement can accelerate wear on cold-weather compounds.

DO YOU NEED FOUR WINTER TIRES?

Yes. Winter tires should be installed as a complete set of four. Mixing tire categories can create an imbalance in grip between the front and rear axles, especially during braking or cornering.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are all-weather tires the same as all-season tires?

No. All-weather tires carry the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol and are built to provide stronger winter capability than ordinary all-season tires while remaining suitable for year-round use.

Are studless winter tires good on ice?

Quality non-studded winter tires such as the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 are specifically engineered for snow, ice and cold temperatures. Studded tires may provide an additional advantage for drivers who routinely encounter demanding icy conditions.

What does the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol mean?

The symbol identifies a tire that meets a standardized performance threshold in severe snow testing. It is found on qualifying all-weather and dedicated winter tires.

Can you install winter tires at my home or workplace?

Yes. Tires in Motion operates two fully equipped mobile tire shops and performs professional tire installation at homes, workplaces and fleet locations throughout the service area.

What areas does Tires in Motion serve?

Tires in Motion serves Southern Maine from Kittery to Auburn and surrounding communities, including York, Wells, Kennebunk, Biddeford, Saco, Scarborough, South Portland, Portland, Westbrook, Gorham, Buxton, Windham and Lewiston-Auburn.

Can Tires in Motion help choose the correct Nokian tire?

Yes. We verify vehicle fitment and discuss your routes, annual mileage, storm-day travel and preference for year-round, non-studded or studded performance before recommending a tire.

GET A NOKIAN WINTER TIRE RECOMMENDATION

Tell us your vehicle, tire size, typical winter route and whether you prefer an all-weather, non-studded or studded setup. Tires in Motion will recommend an appropriate option, confirm current availability and install it where your vehicle is located.

Schedule mobile tire service online or call 207-730-0169.

Product features, warranties and availability are subject to current manufacturer terms and the requirements of each vehicle and tire size. Tires in Motion verifies fitment before installation.