There are a few different models of Hakkas.
The C series tires are made for delivery vans (C is for Commercial), and are a perfect tire for
vanagons.
I used to see three in this series, the CS, CQ, C2, but now I don't see the CS anymore.
The C2 is listed as a year-round tire, maybe only in northern climes.
I run Hakka C2 tires in 195R14 and I agree they are one of the best snow tires you can get.
-Hans

----- Original Message -----
From: "Alistair Bell" <albell@UVIC.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2005 7:01 PM
Subject: Re: sucks in snow!

> Mark writes good :)
>
> to add some reinforcement, get the Hakkapeliitas , studded, all 4.
> Really, they do work, and it is cheap insurance if you plan on driving
> much at all in snow with a 2wd Vanagon.
>
> Alistair
>
> PS while i only use my studded Hakkapeliitas when needed, others have
> noted that they do wear well and will last even year round (the studs
> won't however, and can't be re-studded I believe)
>
>
> '82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94
> http://www.members.shaw.ca/albell/
>
>
> Mark Tuovinen wrote:
>
>> Cindy,
>>
>> If you are going to be driving in snow on a regular basis then invest
>> in some good tires.  I highly recommend Nokian Hakkapeliita C2 tires,
>> especially for those that are not allowed to use studs.  I have driven
>> a number of different vehicles over the years with nonstudded tires,
>> including Blizzaks, Arctic Alpins, NRW's, and many brands of studded
>> tires as well.  Studded tires beat nonstudded tires everytime, but if
>> you can't legally run them then the Nokians are the next best thing.
>> The next most important item for snow and ice is the nut behind the
>> steering wheel, a bad driver can get the best equipped vehicle stuck
>> and a competent driver will go places on summer tires that you would
>> think were impossible.  Start by adding weight to your van over or
>> just in front of the rear tires.  I prefer it just in front of the
>> tires as too much weight in the rear will reduce your ability to
>> steer, just ask the sign I ran over years ago, it did not move when I
>> honked my horn as I ran i
>> t down.  Further proof that both halves of the teenage brain are not
>> connected.  You also may need to plan your route and adjust your
>> driving behavior.  Chose routes that minimize or avoid hills,
>> especially ones that you will have to stop on or at the top and/or
>> bottom of.  The area just before an intersection gets very slippery
>> from snow being melted by the heat coming off engines, exhaust
>> systems, and friction from tires.  Because of this it may be necessary
>> to stay to the side of the road or lane as much as possible, this
>> keeps your tires out of the trough made by the cars in front of you
>> and is often less slippery.  On side streets or low traffic main roads
>> you can, assuming no oncoming traffic or police in the area, either do
>> a rolling stop or stop short of the intersection which gives you a
>> chance for better traction and room to build momentum to get you
>> through it.  A light touch on the gas pedal is a must, spinning tires
>> do not have traction.  The more you drive in sn
>> ow the better at it you will become if you think about what you are
>> doing and how your vehicle is handling.  My daily driver is a 1990
>> Jeep Cherokee with all-season tires, it has been in 4whl drive for no
>> more then 1/2 a mile this winter, and most of that was just so that I
>> would not delay other drivers while trying to cross an intersection on
>> a hill in two wheel drive.  My daily driving does not include any
>> major hills so I do not have studs on the Jeep.  My wife drives more
>> every day so her Audi Quattro has studded Nokian Hakkapeliita's on it,
>> I consider them to be cheap insurance.
>>
>> Mark in Ak since 1969
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Cindy Taykowski <JUNAMOSS@MSN.COM>
>> Date: Thursday, December 1, 2005 10:48 am
>> Subject: sucks in snow!
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>
>>
>>> Hi
>>> I have heard it before. Some have no trouble in the snow. What's
>>> the secret? I am completely stuck in nearly no snow. 4 inches last
>>> night to be precise. I shovel, I use salt, kitty litter and well I
>>> get stuck in the street.
>>> help.
>>> cindy
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>