Winter tires

[Theo9]

Looking for any recommendations on the winter tires I should get. I live in Maine and get ALOT of snow so I need something made for that. Looking at Michelin X-I’ve Xi3, any opinions on these. Like to hear if people have high opinions on other winter tires also.


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[MN Blue S4]

I’ve been running X-Ice3 for the last four Minnesota winters. Awesome winter tires. Never even been close to getting stuck with them. Wear is great too. They’ve got at least two more winters left on them. Dry road performance is ok but not great. They’re definitely not a performance tire but I’m more than happy to trade great snow and ice performance over dry road handling for our long winters.

[Theo9]

I’ve been running X-Ice3 for the last four Minnesota winters. Awesome winter tires. Never even been close to getting stuck with them. Wear is great too. They’ve got at least two more winters left on them. Dry road performance is ok but not great. They’re definitely not a performance tire but I’m more than happy to trade great snow and ice performance over dry road handling for our long winters.

Thanks for your response, sounds like they match exactly what I’m looking for! I have no need for dry road performance as I drive more on snow caked roads than dry.


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[Quix]

Agree about Michelin X-ICE XI3, great winter tires, very quiet, do not wear as fast as Pirelli Sottozero.

[m1k3d3]

I've run 4 sets of Michelin X-Ice3's over 3 vehicles and they're the best studless snow tire you can get IMO.

That said I hated them on the S4. The side walls are way too soft and the steering response is horrible as a result. I ended up replacing them with Michelin Alpin PA4s which are far better for my use case. I'm lowered so chances are I'm not going to get into anything that the PA4s combined with Quattro can't handle.

Since you're in Maine dealing with a lot of snow, I'd go X-Ice xi3 or Blizzak WS90.

[sepheroth86]

I have run Blizzaks, Firestone Wintergreen, and Nokian Hakkapellita.

The Blizzaks and Nokians are by far the best of any that I have tried.

Although my 1999 A6 has gone through 18" or more of snow with the Winter force tires. Which in my opinion are not nearly as good as the others.

[Caffeen]

I just put some Blizzak DMV2s on, and we're set to get more snow here starting next week, can report back then

[fstr n u]

I've run over 18 different winter tires (studded and non-studded).
Michelin X-Ice are a good ice tire...not superb with snow
Blizzaks are middle ground..good on snow and ice
Nokian Hak's studded and non are our family favorite...they do everything just that little bit better than the others.

[Neil F]

Cannot comment on snow tires but I do trust tire rack tests

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=193

[coop3422]

I have Blizzak's on the S4 because that's what came with it and they have a season or 2 left. They seem fine, but we haven't had much snow yet. When they wear out, or when I get new summer 19's and move my 19" rotors to winter duty and need new winter tires, I'll be going back to Nokian Hakkas. Had them on my old Infiniti, and have them on our family MDX. Fantastic tire. We have the R2 I believe.

[evanb]

Thanks for your response, sounds like they match exactly what I’m looking for! I have no need for dry road performance as I drive more on snow caked roads than dry.


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In Tucson?!?

[Theo9]

In Tucson?!?

No hahah, I should probably change my location. I was in Tucson for schooling but I live in northern Maine. Which is where I am for the winter.


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[MrFunk]

To be honest - any new snow tire is going to be great.
If you can go with 18's for size even better.
I prefer studless ice and snows tires over performance snow tires as they are simply better in snow and ice which is the whole point.

I highly suggest a second set of wheels for the snow tires so that you're not mounting tires on the same rim over and over which is a lot of stress on tires.
I've been running Pirelli Ice Zero tires in a 19 inch size and we have been very impressed - https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...m=245HR9IZFRXL
They are selling for $235 per tire in a 225/45/19 size (OEM)

[sepheroth86]

To be honest - any new snow tire is going to be great.

100%

Any snow/winter tire will be a crap ton better than even a great all season tire.

[ndirish1994]

To be honest - any new snow tire is going to be great.
If you can go with 18's for size even better.

Agree 100% with this. I have 18'' Nexen wingaurd sport 2s. Haven't thought I needed something better after the last 2 Maine winter's with them.

[S4'ed]

My vote is for the xICE-3 or the Blizzaks.
I have used both.
The Blizzaks are better in snow, but wear faster and handle worse on dry roads.

[mpepin07]

We finally got some snow where I’m at so I was able to take a spin with the new Blizzaks. Thoroughly impressed with their performance. Also very quiet on both snow and in dry conditions. I would highly recommend them.