SUV Tires Michelin X-ice or studded

[GarthH]

Hi all

Winter is just starting to show up in our area - about 4 inches on Sunday and most of the week have flurries in the forecast.

I've been trying to figure out what would be best 4 studded snow tires or the Michelin X-Ice. I have not found any reviews that I feel are worthwhile. Has any one done a comparison?

Thanks for your advice.

Garth

 

[hazmat]

Haven't tried the Michelins. I've got Nokian's on my car (Accord) and wife's SUV (Pilot).

Mine are the hakkapellitta WR2
She has the hakkapelitta SUV

Neither are studded, but you can stud the SUV version. I've run Bridgestone blizzaks on 3 different cars. I much prefer the Nokians - better traction & they wear better.

Nokian Tires

 

[GaryM]

Check out The Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels for tire information. Their site is full of information including reviews from users. Prices may not be the best by the time you pay for shipping and local mounting. But if you're will to mount them your self it's a better deal.

 

[GarthH]

Thanks Gary. I've done quite a bit of looking on the web for such a review and that was the first I've seen. Not a big fan of Bridgestones, had them on a older Acura, they performed well but one tire fell apart - the steel band were actually poking through. The tires were on the car when I bought it otherwise I would have taken them back.
Never-the-less the test was pretty clear. Looking at the tires they look very aggressive - what I personally think is necessary. That is why I stuggled with the X-ice - look too smooth but they implied the rubber was softer and allowed better handling and braking. Traction seems to be close to breaking in a theory so I think their quickie test seems believable.

Thank you again.

Garth

 

[automech]

Studless snows are nice for all but the most demanding use. If your are on improved roads with reasonable snowfall and no hocky rink ice to contend with you will be good with them. Studs give the better traction for ice, plowing, and extreme use, but with them you have to put up with noise on pavement, and I think longer stopping distances due to tendency to lock up especially on wet roads.