Author Topic: Winter tire for AWD SUV - mostly highway (Read 1423 times)

Gunnerbob · « **on:** October 12, 2011, 02:48:07 am »

Noob post alert, so go easy on me.

Got a 2011 Kia Sorento, AWD. The GTA roads here will get some occasional snow dumps but AWD should take care of that for the most part. So I suspect most of my winter driving will likely be on the (cold, dry) highway, with the odd road trip in some nasty stuff once or twice a year. I've searched high and low to find the best deals, and narrowed down my choices to the following, which are all in the same general price range, depending on where I buy them. Less than $100 difference doesn't matter to me, I want the "best" tire:

-Dunlop GrandTrek SJ6
-Continental ExtremeWinterContact
-BF Goodrich Winter Slalom KSI
-Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2
-General Altimax Arctic

Based on the list, my guess is the General can't compete with the others based on my needs. The Conti and BF are both well ranked by various sites such as APA, TireRack, 1010, but may not be as well suited for highway/ice. The Michelins are certainly top contenders across the board and probably best suited for highway from what I understand. Can't find much about the Dunlop except the APA which rates it high. Blizzaks? Meh for highway and tread wear, I think one of these above would be a better option overall.

I'd appreciate any thoughts/info based on some personal experience or fact. No offense, but the "I've heard the _____ are good" response won't help in this instance.

Thanks in advance.

sailor723 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 12, 2011, 05:34:12 am »

I'm not sure I'd be so quick to dismiss the Blizzak's. I ran DM-Z3's on my SRX for three seasons (I'm guessing about 10,000 KMs per year) and they still have at least another season of winter tread left. I wonder if perhaps the Bridgestone's reputation for poor treadlife is based on the tires they were building years ago rather than their more recent designs? I just ordered a set of DM-V1's (#1 rated in the Tire Rack survey) for my new ML so I guess I'll find out.

Gardiner Westbound · « **Reply #2 on:** October 12, 2011, 07:09:30 am »

I switched to General Altimax Arctics last year from Bridgestone Blizzaks due to the latter's outrageous pricing and rapid wear out. The Arctics performed at least as well as the Blizzaks and were reasonably priced. All indications are they will last longer too.

Some say Arctics become noisy as they wear down. I didn't hear excessive noise, but they only have one season's wear. If they really do get noisier I can buy a ton of earplugs for the difference in price, or play the radio a bit louder.

Watch for a sale. I got mine at 30-percent off.

dguthmann · « **Reply #3 on:** October 12, 2011, 08:09:20 am »

I decided to go with the X-Ice Xi2's for my 2012 Sorento AWD. They may not be the best in deep snow, but as you say, AWD should help with that a lot. 95% of the winter most of us are driving on snow-plowed streets anyways.

My previous set of X-Ice's lasted for 6 seasons (8-10k / season), so I can't complain at all.

Shnak · « **Reply #4 on:** October 12, 2011, 08:16:41 am »

Quote from: dguthmann on October 12, 2011, 08:09:20 am

I decided to go with the X-Ice Xi2's for my 2012 Sorento AWD. They may not be the best in deep snow, but as you say, AWD should help with that a lot. 95% of the winter most of us are driving on snow-plowed streets anyways.

My previous set of X-Ice's lasted for 6 seasons (8-10k / season), so I can't complain at all.

I've decided on the same tires for my Sportage as we'll be doing a lot more highway driving this year so good cleared road performance (ice, slush, etc.) as well as treadwear was the main criterias for us. The fact that your previous set lasted you 6 winters is excellent news to me, as we're hoping to get 5 winters out of them, doing around the same 8-10k mileage as you.

sailor723 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 12, 2011, 11:14:11 am »

Quote from: Gardiner Westbound on October 12, 2011, 07:09:30 am

I switched to General Altimax Arctics last year from Bridgestone Blizzaks due to the latter's outrageous pricing and rapid wear out. The Arctics performed at least as well as the Blizzaks and were reasonably priced. All indications are they will last longer too.

Some say Arctics become noisy as they wear down. I didn't hear excessive noise, but they only have one season's wear. If they really do get noisier I can buy a ton of earplugs for the difference in price, or play the radio a bit louder.

Watch for a sale. I got mine at 30-percent off.

I don't know where you're shopping but when I ordered on Monday the Blizzak DM-V1's were actually $1 less than the Altimax Arctics in 235/65/17 ($129 vs $130 at Tirerack.)

ktm525 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 12, 2011, 11:26:57 am »

Quote from: sailor723 on October 12, 2011, 11:14:11 am

Quote from: Gardiner Westbound on October 12, 2011, 07:09:30 am
I switched to General Altimax Arctics last year from Bridgestone Blizzaks due to the latter's outrageous pricing and rapid wear out. The Arctics performed at least as well as the Blizzaks and were reasonably priced. All indications are they will last longer too.

Some say Arctics become noisy as they wear down. I didn't hear excessive noise, but they only have one season's wear. If they really do get noisier I can buy a ton of earplugs for the difference in price, or play the radio a bit louder.

Watch for a sale. I got mine at 30-percent off.

I don't know where you're shopping but when I ordered on Monday the Blizzak DM-V1's were actually $1 less than the Altimax Arctics in 235/65/17 ($129 vs $130 at Tirerack.)

That is a good price. What was your total cost with shipping? Or are you picking them up Stateside?

For a similar size tire (245/65-17) I ended up paying $810 all in (tax/enviro fees/install/balance) or about $200 per.

Gardiner Westbound · « **Reply #7 on:** October 12, 2011, 11:31:55 am »

Quote from: sailor723 on October 12, 2011, 11:14:11 am

Quote from: Gardiner Westbound on October 12, 2011, 07:09:30 am
I switched to General Altimax Arctics last year from Bridgestone Blizzaks due to the latter's outrageous pricing and rapid wear out. The Arctics performed at least as well as the Blizzaks and were reasonably priced. All indications are they will last longer too.

Some say Arctics become noisy as they wear down. I didn't hear excessive noise, but they only have one season's wear. If they really do get noisier I can buy a ton of earplugs for the difference in price, or play the radio a bit louder.

Watch for a sale. I saved over 30-percent buying and installing them locally over TireRack's best price.

I don't know where you're shopping but when I ordered on Monday the Blizzak DM-V1's were actually $1 less than the Altimax Arctics in 235/65/17 ($129 vs $130 at Tirerack.)

Congratulations, you have a good deal indeed! I would have guessed around $210 a tire including foreign exchange, plus bank charges, plus $25 each for local installation. Total cost to the purchaser's front door plus local installation often renders Tire Rack uncompetitive.

I saved over 30-percent buying and installing the Arctics here relative to Tire Rack's best Blizzak price plus installation.

Gunnerbob · « **Reply #8 on:** October 12, 2011, 11:54:01 am »

-Some great responses so far, thank you!

-I suspect I'll be putting on more than 10K on my winter tires, so if I can get 4 seasons out of them and I'd be happy.

-DGUTH: For your Sorento, did you downsize the wheels -1 to 235/70/R16? For tires, steelies, installation, valve stems, taxes in.......I'm looking at about $1025-$1125 total, depending on the specific tire model and purchase location. The Altimax does come out a bit cheaper, but the tread pattern doesn't seem to reflect highway driving design, it strikes me very much as a great winter tire but for those not doing a alot of highway time like me.

-GARDINERWEST: Any suggestions where to keep an eye for sales?

-Anyone picked up tires at Costco, get any deals there? Their website is garbage, guess I have to go in person.

-I've check several places in the US including TireRack and others, and the shipping to Canada plus Customs is crazy expensive. Shipping to US and picking up and installing there, I priced that as well: after tires, rims, installation, gas money there, potential border hassle, plus my time....I'm not saving anything. And if something goes wrong then I have a warranty in another country. I'd like to support Canuck business too, but if the price difference were huge then I'd consider jumping over to the States. But there's barely any difference after all. I'll pass, thanks.

Gardiner Westbound · « **Reply #9 on:** October 12, 2011, 12:06:03 pm »

Quote from: Gunnerbob on October 12, 2011, 11:54:01 am

-GARDINERWEST: Any suggestions where to keep an eye for sales?

Canadian Tire had Arctics on sale last week @ 25-percent off. Installation and balancing are also less costly. Always with CT, never let your car out of your sight.

Hunker down in the bushes and wait for another sale.

SaskSpecV · « **Reply #10 on:** October 12, 2011, 12:18:39 pm »

Quote from: Gardiner Westbound on October 12, 2011, 12:06:03 pm

Canadian Tire had Arctics on sale last week @ 25-percent off. Installation and balancing are also less costly. Always with CT, never let your car out of your sight.
Sit back in the bushes and wait for another sale.

Ain't that the truth! Definitely the worst automotive customer service I've ever experienced. And this is compared to car dealerships & independent mechanics - albeit some of whom are very good, but let's face it - the industry as a whole is not exactly known for setting a high bar for customer service. And CT brings up the rear of that pack IMO. Would take a ridiculously large deal on tires before I bought at CT. But YMMV, and to each his own.

ktm525 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 12, 2011, 12:24:33 pm »

Quote from: Gunnerbob on October 12, 2011, 11:54:01 am

-Some great responses so far, thank you!

-I suspect I'll be putting on more than 10K on my winter tires, so if I can get 4 seasons out of them and I'd be happy.

-DGUTH: For your Sorento, did you downsize the wheels -1 to 235/70/R16? For tires, steelies, installation, valve stems, taxes in.......I'm looking at about $1025-$1125 total, depending on the specific tire model and purchase location. The Altimax does come out a bit cheaper, but the tread pattern doesn't seem to reflect highway driving design, it strikes me very much as a great winter tire but for those not doing a alot of highway time like me.

-GARDINERWEST: Any suggestions where to keep an eye for sales?

-Anyone picked up tires at Costco, get any deals there? Their website is garbage, guess I have to go in person.

-I've check several places in the US including TireRack and others, and the shipping to Canada plus Customs is crazy expensive. Shipping to US and picking up and installing there, I priced that as well: after tires, rims, installation, gas money there, potential border hassle, plus my time....I'm not saving anything. And if something goes wrong then I have a warranty in another country. I'd like to support Canuck business too, but if the price difference were huge then I'd consider jumping over to the States. But there's barely any difference after all. I'll pass, thanks.

My last purchase was from Costco. Their prices and install package are tough to beat, a number of steps above CT IMO. Negatives include having the wait in line (they are busy) and they have very strict sizing rules (size and speed ratings) that they will not vary from.

I had to bring in the wheels seperate and lie.

dguthmann · « **Reply #12 on:** October 12, 2011, 01:38:41 pm »

Quote from: Gunnerbob on October 12, 2011, 11:54:01 am

-DGUTH: For your Sorento, did you downsize the wheels -1 to 235/70/R16? For tires, steelies, installation, valve stems, taxes in.......I'm looking at about $1025-$1125 total, depending on the specific tire model and purchase location. The Altimax does come out a bit cheaper, but the tread pattern doesn't seem to reflect highway driving design, it strikes me very much as a great winter tire but for those not doing a alot of highway time like me.

My 2012 came with 235/60R18 all seasons. I did downsize, but to 235/65R17. Total price was $1250 with OEM-fit 17" steelies, all inclusive, tax in. Plus, $70 rebate cheque from Michelin should be in the mail soon!

sailor723 · « **Reply #13 on:** October 12, 2011, 01:41:47 pm »

Quote from: ktm525 on October 12, 2011, 11:26:57 am

Quote from: sailor723 on October 12, 2011, 11:14:11 am
Quote from: Gardiner Westbound on October 12, 2011, 07:09:30 am
I switched to General Altimax Arctics last year from Bridgestone Blizzaks due to the latter's outrageous pricing and rapid wear out. The Arctics performed at least as well as the Blizzaks and were reasonably priced. All indications are they will last longer too.

Some say Arctics become noisy as they wear down. I didn't hear excessive noise, but they only have one season's wear. If they really do get noisier I can buy a ton of earplugs for the difference in price, or play the radio a bit louder.

Watch for a sale. I got mine at 30-percent off.

I don't know where you're shopping but when I ordered on Monday the Blizzak DM-V1's were actually $1 less than the Altimax Arctics in 235/65/17 ($129 vs $130 at Tirerack.)

That is a good price. What was your total cost with shipping? Or are you picking them up Stateside?

For a similar size tire (245/65-17) I ended up paying $810 all in (tax/enviro fees/install/balance) or about $200 per.

I'm paying $1394 for for four DM-V1's mounted and balanced on Moda Alloys with TPMS sensors installed. That's including $170 shipping to Calais Maine UPS depot(about an hours drive away)

carcrazy · « **Reply #14 on:** October 12, 2011, 01:41:57 pm »

Try Kal Tire - relativelly good service but not sure about prices. Go to the store ready to buy and perhaps they'll match whatever price you have from another store (I think they do that).

Sir Osis of Liver · « **Reply #15 on:** October 12, 2011, 02:14:19 pm »

I got Blizzak WS-70s in 216/65R16 for the Outback. They came in at $650 tax and mounting included at Costco.
If you are doing higher mileage, the Michelins would be a better choice. I think they would have run another $120 over what I paid.

Canadian Tire didn't have that size Altimax, and asking the clerk only brought a look of deep confusion.

sailor723 · « **Reply #16 on:** October 12, 2011, 02:16:02 pm »

It doesn't take much to bring a look of deep confusion to the face of a CT clerk.

Gunnerbob · « **Reply #17 on:** October 12, 2011, 02:45:34 pm »

Heh.

I heard back from JoyCity in Markham. For 235/70/16 tires, black steelies, installation, balanced, and taxes IN:

-General Altimax Arctic: $790
-Yoko Geolander GO72: $860
-BFG Winter Slalom KSI: $885
-Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT: $935
-Blizzak DM-V1: $1050

Sadly, no Latitude Xi2 available. But these prices beat anything I've found so far by a good margin. The Altimax is tempting but I'll admit I'm considering the BFG Winter Slalom KSI for the price/performance.

I've got an email into SimplyTire, waiting to hear back. I checked Kal Tire, they do price match but the fine print says their prices don't include valve stems or balancing. Gonna stop by GCR Tire tonight on the way home, hopefully they have a decent selection beyond Bridgestone/Firestone. Haven't checked Costco yet, I think they'll be the make-or-break one to beat.

Sir Osis of Liver · « **Reply #18 on:** October 12, 2011, 05:01:57 pm »

Quote from: Gunnerbob on October 12, 2011, 02:45:34 pm

Heh.

I heard back from JoyCity in Markham. For 235/70/16 tires, black steelies, installation, balanced, and taxes IN:

-General Altimax Arctic: $790
-Yoko Geolander GO72: $860
-BFG Winter Slalom KSI: $885
-Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT: $935
-Blizzak DM-V1: $1050

Sadly, no Latitude Xi2 available. But these prices beat anything I've found so far by a good margin. The Altimax is tempting but I'll admit I'm considering the BFG Winter Slalom KSI for the price/performance.

I've got an email into SimplyTire, waiting to hear back. I checked Kal Tire, they do price match but the fine print says their prices don't include valve stems or balancing. Gonna stop by GCR Tire tonight on the way home, hopefully they have a decent selection beyond Bridgestone/Firestone. Haven't checked Costco yet, I think they'll be the make-or-break one to beat.

Given those prices, I'd get the Altimax. Excellent winter tire.

Minou · « **Reply #19 on:** October 12, 2011, 05:22:46 pm »

Don't dismiss the Contis. I have a set (downsized to 235/70-16 with black steelies) on my FWD Santa Fe. They were slippery the first week but all good after that. For dry/bare pavement, noise, ride and general GTA use, I'd put them near the top of the class if price is competitive with others.