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Review 2 of 4
Price Paid:
$280.00
from European AutoWorks Year / Model Reviewed:
2007 Hankook iPike W409 Strengths:
Traction, Handling, Tread wear Weaknesses:
A little stiffness/Flat spots at temperatures below Zero F. Summary:
Having used Hankook Snows (W401s and W404s) since 1997 on Saabs and Volvos, I wanted to try the 409s when they were first introduced but still had at least one season left in my 404s; so I delayed. I think that turned out to be two seasons because it was only this past Fall that I thought I could justify disposing of the 404s.
I now have driven 5000 miles on the iPike W409 tires since November, 2007 and estimate that 40% of that was on snow and slush, or otherwise wet pavement and frozen dirt/gravel roads in upstate Vermont. I took the precaution of getting a 4 wheel alignment just before getting these mounted and can now say that I really see no wear and no difference between the front and the rear tires. The composition of the rubber used in winter tires is so soft that I can almost watch the shoulders wear away as I drive around on Vermont's back roads. My tires always wear away from the shoulders inward.
Apart from showing very little wear, the traction has been great, handling has been superb, and I have tested the braking frequently to feel confident that these tires are truly in contact with the road (or whatever is down there under the snow and ice). Hydroplaning is a serious concern up here and I can say I've subjected these tires to some controlled tests in this area too, and really haven't been disappointed. They readily shed all of the ice, snow, sand, mud - whatever that I drive through. If I had known these tires were going to make me feel as much in control of the vehicle as they do under all of these conditions, I would have purchased them at least one year earlier.
When the temperatures are below zero, I notice that the belts take a while to warm up and start flexing after I first start going down the road, but this lumpiness lasts a mere 1/4 to 1/2 mile, after which there is no sensation of flat spots.
Needless to say, I am very pleased and I envision getting at least 3 winters usage (12,000 to 15,000 miles per winter) out of these tires without pressing them. That assumes that I will be getting realigned twice per year. We'll see !
Similar Products Used:
Hankook W401s and W404s
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