Nokian WR G4 Tire Review (Pros and Cons)
If you’re looking for affordable, high-performance, all-weather tires, then the Nokian WR G4 range of tires is an excellent option. These tires provide a nice combination of performance across all seasons and general safety. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the Nokian WR G4 tires and how to save on your purchase when you’re ready to buy new tires.
Quick savings tip: You can often find special deals online and get tires much cheaper than in a retail store. Discount Tire, for instance, offers a low price guarantee and installs tires for you at a nationwide network of shops. Of course, buying online isn’t for everyone. Ask local tire shops about deals they’re running if this is more your speed. It’s pretty common to see a buy 3, get 1 free deal.
Nokian WR G4 Tire Review
Finland-based Nokian Tyres has a 120-year history in Europe, but has since expanded to North America with a manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio. Known for its winter tires that can handle tough conditions, Nokian also produces a variety of all-season, all-weather, and all-terrain tires for cars, trucks, and SUV. In the last five years, Nokian has not had any recalls in the United States, compared with an average of 9.3 recalls for other major tire brands in the same time period. (Based on data from recallinfo.ustires.org.)
Nokian Tyres introduced the WR G4 in 2018 as a winter-first tire. After its initial success in Nordic regions as an all-weather tire, it continued to be popular among drivers across multiple regions and climates. Rather than marketing the tire as an all-season tire, something that made it difficult for car enthusiasts to agree with, Nokian Tyres markets its tires for all weather, meaning it performs well regardless of the wide range of weather possibilities it encounters.
The tire’s ability to work in a wide variety of weather and climates makes it’s an excellent choice for a wide range of drivers. It doesn’t have off-road capabilities, but on the road, it can handle snow, rain, and dry pavement equally well. Since they’re a winter-first design, they’re an excellent choice for winter driving.
Nokian WR G4 Tires Pros and Cons
| + Pros | + Cons | |
| All-weather rating means the tires are good across many markets and for a wide range of drivers | Ice grip is low, but this is common among all-weather tires | |
| Dry, wet, and snow grip are all highly-rated | Prone to wear out quickly when used throughout the year. | |
| 30-day performance guarantee |
|
Nokian WR G4 Tire Specs
The Nokian WR G4 tires offer the following.
| Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG): | Rating: | NHTSA Says: |
| Treadwear Rating: | 500* | The higher the treadwear number is, the longer it should take for the tread to wear down(…)
Of current tires: 15% are rated below 200 25% are rated 201 – 300 32% are rated 301 – 400 20% are rated 401 – 500 6% are rated 501 – 600 2% are rated above 600 |
| Traction Rating: | A* | Traction grades are an indication of a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement. A higher graded tire should allow a car to stop on wet roads in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower grade. Traction is graded from highest to lowest as “AA”, “A”, “B”, and “C”.
Of current tires: 15% are rated “AA” 77% are rated “A” 7% are rated “B” Only 4 lines of tires are rated “C” |
| Temperature Rating: | A* | Temperature grades are an indication of a tire’s resistance to heat. Sustained high temperature (for example, driving long distances in hot weather), can cause a tire to deteriorate, leading to blowouts and tread separation. From highest to lowest, a tire’s resistance to heat is graded as “A”, “B”, or “C”.
Of current tires: 62% are rated “A” 34% are rated “B” 4% are rated “C” |
*These numbers were pulled from Discounttire.com. UTQG ratings from the NHTSA site were not available for this tire.
| Specifications: | ||
| Limited Treadwear Warranty: | 60,000 miles | The WR G4 tire is also covered by Nokian’s Pothole Protection Warranty. |
| Speed Rating: | H, V, and W | This tire is available in three speed ratings that perform well on a wide variety of cars, trucks, and SUVs. |
| Top Speed: | 130–168 miles per hour | H rated tires have a maximum safe speed of 130 mph, while the W rated tires up to 168 mph. The variation comes across different versions of the tire. |
| Tire Load Index: | 82 up to 103 | The load index indicates how much weight the tire can safely support. |
| Max Load: | 1,047lbs to 1,929 lbs. | The Nokian WR G4 is available in multiple load indexes that can support different vehicle weights. |
Nokian WR G4 Tire Sizes Available
When shopping for new tires, it’s important to find the right size for your vehicle’s particular make and model. The Nokain WR G4 tire is available in sizes 14″ up to 20″, and can fit a variety of midsize and larger vehicles, including crossovers and SUVs. Some compatible vehicles for this tire include the Jeep Liberty Renegade, Honda Pilot LX, Mazda Tribute GT, Land Rover Discovery, Subaru Outback, Hyundai Santa Fe GLS, Ford Escape Hybrid, and Mercury Mountaineer. There are a variety of other vehicles well-suited for the Nokian WR G4 tire, so make sure to check whether this tire fits your specific make and model.
| Tire Sizes Available: |
| Check Tire Sizes On Discounttire.com |
Nokian WR G4 Performance
The Nokian WR G4 is an all-weather tire, so it’s optimal for rain, slush, and snow. Even so, it functions well on dry pavement too. It’s not rated for off-road driving, which can be a downside if you want to take a larger vehicle off-road. However, the tire’s unique blade groove design disperses water away from contact surfaces to ensure safer handling in rain and snow. This tire retains its predictable grip throughout the year, on both the highway and winding backroads.
Nokian WR G4 Warranty
All Nokian tires come standard with a limited warranty that covers material defects or craftsmanship issues within six years of the manufacturing date or five years of the purchasing date, whichever date comes first. The Nokain WR G4 tires also come with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty and a one-year Pothole Protection Warranty. If the tire is damaged due to a road hazard within the first year of purchase, you can have it replaced for free if the remaining tread is greater than 60%. Simply bring the tire and proof of purchase to an authorized Nokian dealer.
Should You Buy Nokian WR G4 Tires?
The Nokian WR G4 tires are an excellent choice for performance and price. If you’re looking to find affordable tires that you can use year-round then these are the tires for you. Traction and stability across multiple terrains and surfaces from the tires mean you can rest assured that these tires perform at their best.The tires aren’t ideal for everyone. If you’re an off-roader, you might be better off finding specialty tires to support your hobby. It’s important to consider your driving style and local conditions when choosing the best tires.
Where To Purchase Nokian WR G4 Tires
Buying a new set of tires is a big investment you’ll want to take seriously to ensure you get the right tires for your vehicle at the right price.
You might think buying tires online sounds like a hassle, but it can actually save you time and money. Online retailers offer a wide selection of brands, including Nokian WR G4, at low prices. They also make it easy to find tires that fit your vehicle. Simply enter your make and model to find the right size tires and start comparing pricing from various online sellers. Don’t forget to calculate installation into your cost, which generally ranges from $15 to $45 per tire depending on the shop you choose.
If you want even less hassle and more savings, Discount Tire is the nation’s leading online tire retailer and it has a huge selection. Its Low Price Guarantee promises you the best deal. Discount Tire will also install your new tires at one of its many store locations. All you have to do is purchase online and set up an appointment for installation — no shipping fees or heavy boxes. Discount Tires’ tire installation typically costs $20 to $27 per tire. This allows you to enjoy the savings of online tire shopping while receiving customer service in-store, all from one company.
If you’re more comfortable buying from your local shop, do your research online so you have a good idea of the tire you want, then ask your local tire or repair shop about current promotions. It’s fairly common to find buy 3, get 1 free deals. Keep in mind, however, that local stores may not have your size or the particular tire make and model you want in stock.
If you simply want the cheapest tires and are less concerned about longevity, check your local area for used tire retailers. Just keep in mind that these tires won’t come with the same warranties as a brand-new set of tires. It’s also advised to replace at least two tires at the same time with a matching set for even wear.
Nokian WR G4 Tire Customer Reviews
Online customer reviews for the Nokian WR G4 tire rate it between 4.5 and 5 stars, with the vast majority of the ratings being near 4.7. Many of the reviews note that the tires are an excellent value for the available performance, and recommend them if you’re looking for high-performance all weather tires.
It’s important to choose the right tires for your vehicle. Different tires are designed using varying technologies that lead to unique traction and handling abilities. Tires are also designed to fit vehicles’ specific makes, models, and trim levels. Once you find the best tire for your vehicle and driving needs, it’s also crucial to keep up with routine maintenance, including tire rotations.
The FIXD scanner and app help you track your vehicle’s most important maintenance and upkeep needs, including tire life. Purchase the sensor and download the app to keep your vehicle and its tires in their best working condition.
FAQs:
Do I Need New Tires?
Tires generally need to be replaced when they fall under 3 mm of tread. Tread depth can be easily tested with a penny. If you have the FIXD app, after measuring the tread depth, the app will be sure to remind you when an upcoming tire replacement may be necessary.
How Do I Pick the Right Tires for My Vehicle?
There is more to picking tires than just a brand name. You should take into consideration how you use the tires, what conditions you’ll be driving in, what your budget is, and what tires fit your vehicle. If you’d like an in-depth guide, check out our Buyer’s Guide to the Best Car Tires (2023), and if you’d like a bit more information on how to find your tire size, check out our article on How to Find Your Tire Size.
Where Should I Buy Tires to Save Money on My Purchases?
Many consumers purchase tires at a local shop or online. Purchasing online can help you get the most bang for your buck. Although the process can seem confusing, in reality, purchasing tires online is no more difficult than purchasing locally. Purchasing online means you’ll also get the tires you’re wanting rather than just what the local shop has in stock.
When purchasing online you can have the tires shipped to a shop in your area and installed on-site. It’s not much different from purchasing locally in terms of the process, and the price is generally lower because of the level of competition to win your business online and the lower overhead costs of the online retailers.
Our first pick is Discount Tire. It is nationwide, price competitive, has excellent in-store customer service, and skilled installation. In California it is also known as America’s Tire.
How Do I Make Sure I Get The Right Tires for My Vehicle When Purchasing Online?
Just like purchasing at a local shop, you’ll want to make sure the tires you purchase meet your driving needs. Make sure the tire is able to handle your local weather conditions, is built for the type of driving you intend to do (commuting / racing / off-roading), has a good warranty, and fits your vehicle. All-season tires are typically a safe bet for most vehicles whose drivers intend only to commute, and there are several brands with great warranties. The most crucial and final step is to check your tire size.
If you cannot verify the tire size you’re purchasing, don’t bother, an incorrect size cannot be adjusted to fit your wheels. This is an unlikely problem as most major online retailers like Discount Tire will list the size of your tire front and center on the product page. Keep in mind that if you no longer have the original wheels your vehicle rolled out of the factory with, you will need to buy a size that fits your non-OEM wheels. If you need help finding your tire size take a look at our instructions for finding your tire size or use Discount Tires’ “Shop by Vehicle” search located on their homepage if you have OEM wheels.
Sources
“Consumer Guide to Uniform Quality Grading.” National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Accessed January 23, 2023, https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/2015uniformtirequalitygrading.pdf.
“Nokian Tyres WR G4.” Nokian Tyres. Accessed January 23, 2023, https://www.nokiantires.com/snow-winter-tires/nokian-tyres-wr-g4/.
“Nokian WR G4.” Tire Reviews. Accessed January 23, 2023, https://www.tire-reviews.com/Tire/Nokian/WR-G4.htm.
Nordeloos, Marc. “Nokian WR G4 Tire: It’s All-Weather, Not All-Season.” MotorTrend. March 31, 2018, https://www.motortrend.com/features/nokian-wr-g4-tire-weather-not-season/.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
