Author Topic: What's THE winter tire this year? (Read 857 times)

Giant Dwarf · « **on:** October 04, 2011, 10:34:02 pm »

I need to get 4 new winter tires for my car (225/45/17) and 4 winters and wheels for my wife's '10 Mazda6 (looking for 17" -- several sizes seem to be available).

I'm in the Tropics of Southern Ontario, so I'm less interested conquering deep snow than I am icy, slushy or just cold roads.

So, what's the preferred winter tire this year? Best value vs. performance?

rrocket · « **Reply #1 on:** October 04, 2011, 10:38:20 pm »

XIce2 IMO. We're repeat buyers. We've owned the WS' in the past, but the tread wore way, way too quickly. The Xice2 treadwear is amazing and grip is very, very good.

Vmango · « **Reply #2 on:** October 04, 2011, 10:42:10 pm »

I have to agree with Rrocket on the Xice.

I had them on my last car and there were absolutely amazing. IMO they're the best winter tire out there.......for a non sport application.

For sport go with the Dunlop winter sports.

rrocket · « **Reply #3 on:** October 04, 2011, 10:43:52 pm »

Quote from: Vmango on October 04, 2011, 10:42:10 pm

I have to agree with Rrocket on the Xice.

I had them on my last car and there were absolutely amazing. IMO they're the best winter tire out there.......for a non sport application.

We have them on the IS300, and they really aren't bad at all for "sportiness". We much prefer them to the LM-25 which was a "sport" winter.

But I don't know of anyone who buys winters for that purpose..

Vmango · « **Reply #4 on:** October 04, 2011, 10:47:57 pm »

The only reason I didn't opt for the Xice on the Rex is because I figured I could go with something a little more sporty for the winter.....you know, considering I hoon all winter long.

But, I've recommended the Xice to anyone who asks what winter to get and EVERYONE has come back to thank me and tell me how awesome they are. The Xice are significantly better in the snow and ice than the wintersport D3s, but are a lot softer. The D3s are fantastic when it's mostly dry....something to consider where you live, Jeff.

mmret · « **Reply #5 on:** October 04, 2011, 10:50:05 pm »

I have always been happy with the Dunlop WinterSports.

Plowed through horrible blizzard conditions driving from Ottawa to Toronto more than a few times passing many cars in the ditch.

Also driven on them in 20 degree temperatures without much of an issue (noticeable, but hardly undriveable).

Have them on both the Z4 and the TSX.

rrocket · « **Reply #6 on:** October 04, 2011, 10:53:44 pm »

Quote from: Vmango on October 04, 2011, 10:47:57 pm

The only reason I didn't opt for the Xice on the Rex is because I figured I could go with something a little more sporty for the winter.....you know, considering I hoon all winter long.

But, I've recommended the Xice to anyone who asks what winter to get and EVERYONE has come back to thank me and tell me how awesome they are. The Xice are significantly better in the snow and ice than the wintersport D3s, but are a lot softer. The D3s are fantastic when it's mostly dry....something to consider where you live, Jeff.

My Audi came with some brand new winters that I never heard of. I didn't care though, because as you said winter is hooning time!!

safristi · « **Reply #7 on:** October 05, 2011, 09:51:47 am »

..Mmret "Passing many cars in the ditch"...is that to avoid the radar and save wear on the sipes...

.....

C'mon Rrocket you live in Fflorida Nnorth...WINDSORE....why ya need Winters

.........

I've ordered Michelin XiXi2's for the Veloster....

but for Hooning in the Hoar Ffrosstt............Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3's would be just the ticket (I'm wavering myself)..see tire rack Ratings and reviews.....

Mike · « **Reply #8 on:** October 05, 2011, 09:53:17 am »

I have X-ice on my WRX, but an older version I think. The SX4 has Sava (from finland) and they are awesome in the snow, but far from sporting.

davidy · « **Reply #9 on:** October 05, 2011, 10:35:44 pm »

I have read poor reviews on the XIce Xi2 on wet, slushy snow encounterd in Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest. Otherwise, it is highly rated.

Very happy with my value priced General Altimax Arctics. For passenger cars, they were rated #2 behind the Xi2's by Consumer Reports. The General Altimax Arctics were rated #3 for truck/SUV tires...#1 was Continental ExtremeWinterContact. #2 Nokian Hakkapeliitta R Sport Utility. #4 Xi2's. #5 Yokohama Geolander I/T G072. #6 Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1.

Dave

Arctic_White · « **Reply #10 on:** October 06, 2011, 12:34:40 am »

Dunlop winter sport 3D is what i used last winter, and have been VERY impressed by them.

johngenx · « **Reply #11 on:** October 06, 2011, 01:32:52 am »

I've noticed that the reviews are getting closer with each year. It's getting tough to pick a poor winter tire. Yay!

Jaeger · « **Reply #12 on:** October 06, 2011, 02:47:32 am »

Quote from: rrocket on October 04, 2011, 10:43:52 pm

We have them on the IS300, and they really aren't bad at all for "sportiness". We much prefer them to the LM-25 which was a "sport" winter.

But I don't know of anyone who buys winters for that purpose..

I don't buy them for sport, per se - it's just that for the most part the "sport"-oriented winter tires tend to feel less like you're driving on 4 marshmallows when the roads are dry - which for me, most winters, is most of the time.

I'll need 4 new snows this year - was happy with the Pirelli Winter 210 Snowsports Ihad on the Altima, but those were many years old and I'm sure there are newer, better entries.

Jaeger

AP · « **Reply #13 on:** October 06, 2011, 09:15:45 am »

FYI - Costco is advertising $70 off Michelins through Nov 27. Their prices tend to be lower than many tire retailers, though the service experience can be a bit lacking. Other retailers may have the same discount code.

AP · « **Reply #14 on:** October 06, 2011, 09:17:13 am »

Quote from: davidy on October 05, 2011, 10:35:44 pm

I have read poor reviews on the XIce Xi2 on wet, slushy snow encounterd in Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest. Otherwise, it is highly rated.

Very happy with my value priced General Altimax Arctics. For passenger cars, they were rated #2 behind the Xi2's by Consumer Reports. The General Altimax Arctics were rated #3 for truck/SUV tires...#1 was Continental ExtremeWinterContact. #2 Nokian Hakkapeliitta R Sport Utility. #4 Xi2's. #5 Yokohama Geolander I/T G072. #6 Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1.

Dave

6th place for the DM-V1 is a suspect rating. I recall ratings that ranked it much better than that.

tortoise · « **Reply #15 on:** October 06, 2011, 10:02:36 am »

Quote from: Jaeger on October 06, 2011, 02:47:32 am

I don't buy them for sport, per se - it's just that for the most part the "sport"-oriented winter tires tend to feel less like you're driving on 4 marshmallows when the roads are dry - which for me, most winters, is most of the time.

My first Gen X-Ice's handled as well or better than the "sport" Kumhos that were on there before and were very impressive on the snow and ice where the Kumhos were just mediocre. They also lasted two full seasons longer. Very smooth and quiet too. But I'm on 195/55's on a light car so I think that plays a bit of a role.

The current answer to the question "What are the best tires" is now going to be: "Well, that depends".

10 years ago the answer would have been "Blizzak" and the discussion was over. Now it depends on what your driving patterns, typical road conditions, class of car, etc.

That said, given how much I liked my X-Ice's I'd buy them if money wasn't an option.

HeliDriver · « **Reply #16 on:** October 06, 2011, 10:39:08 am »

Quote from: AP on October 06, 2011, 09:17:13 am

Quote from: davidy on October 05, 2011, 10:35:44 pm
I have read poor reviews on the XIce Xi2 on wet, slushy snow encounterd in Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest. Otherwise, it is highly rated.

Very happy with my value priced General Altimax Arctics. For passenger cars, they were rated #2 behind the Xi2's by Consumer Reports. The General Altimax Arctics were rated #3 for truck/SUV tires...#1 was Continental ExtremeWinterContact. #2 Nokian Hakkapeliitta R Sport Utility. #4 Xi2's. #5 Yokohama Geolander I/T G072. #6 Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1.

Dave

6th place for the DM-V1 is a suspect rating. I recall ratings that ranked it much better than that.

There was only a 4-point spread between the top six tires (all of which were recommended).

The DM-V1 and XI 2 were the only tires to receive an "Excellent" for ice braking, but the Blizzaks only scored "Fair" in dry and wet braking, handling and rolling resistance.

AP · « **Reply #17 on:** October 06, 2011, 10:55:55 am »

Quote from: HeliDriver on October 06, 2011, 10:39:08 am

There was only a 4-point spread between the top six tires (all of which were recommended).

The DM-V1 and XI 2 were the only tires to receive an "Excellent" for ice braking, but the Blizzaks only scored "Fair" in dry and wet braking, handling and rolling resistance.

Thank you for clarifying.

I used the previous generation XIce on my Mustang GT. I travelled through severe weather with them without significant difficulty. As other have said, though, definitely not a sporting tire. The new generation is apparently even better.

The DM-V1's were excellent on ice with my F150. Since I did not experience much of an increase in noise or drop in fuel economy, I cannot verify the high rolling resistance issue identified by CR.

Flinter · « **Reply #18 on:** October 06, 2011, 10:57:11 am »

We installed a set of General Altimax Arctic's on Ms Flinter's SX4 last winter. I'm sure they don't rate quite as high as some of the top tier winter tires, but I think they are an excellent winter tire for the money.

ktm525 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 06, 2011, 12:26:39 pm »

Even without studs the Arctics are good. My experience with the original Michelins (Arctic Alpins) was mixed. Horrible snow traction with good ice traction. Worst of all is that they howled on wet pavement at highway speeds. I have never heard a tire that was so loud. Michelin has come a long way since those.