Topic: '98 Odyssey winter tires

[odman]

I have a first-generation Odyssey (2.3 litre 4-cyl) and am seeking recommendations for winter tires. The size is 205/65/15.

I live north of Toronto (Richmond Hill) and occassionally go up to Orillia, mostly on ploughed roads. Would an ice tire be better than a snow tire? I drive it most of the time but my wife does too with the kids. It's a family van so safety and to a lesser extent cost are important, but high performance speed/handling is less important. I'd like something that doesn't wear out too fast too.

[canadianexpress]

The Hankook Icebear W300 has very good reviews and I highly recommend going with steel rims.

http://www.tiretrends.com/catalog2.php3?tireID=396

[odman]

I hadn't thought of the Hankooks.
What about Michelin X-Ice vs. Blizzaks? Would one be better than the other for this type of situation?

[morty]

X-Ice will offer better deep snow capability and both offer very good ice capability.

[odman]

Thanks! I will look into these and report back.

[canadianexpress]

The Hankook will have a better treadwear.

[random006]

X-Ice will offer better deep snow capability and both offer very good ice capability.

Really?  I thought that it would have been the other way around.  Just goes to show, ya' learn something new every day! 

[ymtoronto]

I hadn't thought of the Hankooks.
What about Michelin X-Ice vs. Blizzaks? Would one be better than the other for this type of situation?

Here is a good test for the x-ice vs blizzak.  They come out pretty close in the end.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/bs_blizzak_revo1.jsp

[odman]

What's the treadwear for the X-Ice versus Icebear? Are there any comparison tests involving the Icebear? I'm no tire expert and hadn't heard of that brand before but I'm open to it as an option. Has anyone driven them both and able to offer comment on how they compare?

 

[morty]

You will get better treadwear from the Hankook, but the X-Ice will excel in ice and deep snow. 2 different tires.