[sbrook]

I am using Continental Winter Contact SI ... bought them in winter of 2019 ... didn't take them off over the summer of 2020 since I used only 3 tanks of fuel the whole year! They are still in excellent condition. I've not had any issues with them. Good grip on slippery roads. I had Continental True Contact summer tires on my last car (Suby Foreseter) and was more than satisfied with them. If I had to replace my current winters (and I'm a LONG way from that) then I'd go for the new SI Plus like Jeepman. Winter is basically December through March here so a good set will last a long time unless you're driving hundreds of km daily!!!

 

[sbrook]

This is an age old argument ... While lube eases the rotational torque, it means for the same torque setting as dry, you've put much higher compression torque on the wheel and threads. The result can mean that you cause stretch damage on the base of the stud so, when you come to remove it, it may shear off.below the nut. Others will proclaim that it doesn't.

I've experienced what may be that effect ... so I got a wire brush adaptor for my drill and clean the threads, and a wire brush for a rotary tool (dremel tool) that can clean the inside of the nuts

 

[sbrook]

The latest generation of studded snow tires (with pavement wear performance limits) are permitted on vehicles registered in Northern Ontario. They are NOT permitted in Southern Ontario, except for short periods if the vehicle is registered in Northern Ontario or other locations where studded tires are allowed.