Winter Tire Questions...looking for advice - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

TibHockeyPlayer · 10-01-2008, 01:48 PM

Hi, just a couple questions I have about a set of Michelin X-Ice winter tires I'm about to purchase. I have a 2001 Honda civic Lx, and the tire size for those is 185/70r14. However on the Canadian tire website (where I'm purchasing the tires from), it doesn't list that size for this tire. The closest one is 185/75r14 89Q. My first question is, does this make a significant difference, and will it be ok to install these on my car.

Secondly, I keep reading about the Nokian Hakka's being the best, but I've always been okay on my all season tires during the winter, and so I don't want to spend a lot, hence the Michelin X-Ice. If anyone has tried the Michelin X-ice before, how are they on ice, is it good enough for city driving? Is it a noticeable upgrade on all season tires during the winter or is it minimal?

Lastly, should I get the balancing with the installation at the extra cost?

Thanks for any help, I'm a noob at all this.

Bobblehead · 10-01-2008, 01:58 PM

Are you saying you are planning on using X-Ice (winter tires) as all seasons?

BlackArcher101 · 10-01-2008, 02:00 PM

X-Ice's shouldn't be used as all-seasons unless you want them to last less than a year. The soft rubber compound and hot asphalt do not go well together.

How about the Nokian WR... a winter tire that can be used all the time year round... one of the few with that capability. Well worth the price tag IMO.

Check out http://www.1010tires.com/tires.asp
Enter your vehicle year and model and it will show what tires are available to you.

TibHockeyPlayer · 10-01-2008, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

Are you saying you are planning on using X-Ice (winter tires) as all seasons?

sorry about my wording, I made an edit now. What I meant to say was I have always used all season tires during the winter, but I'm planning on buying these X-Ice. Thx.

BlackArcher101 · 10-01-2008, 02:07 PM

What are you planning on using come spring time?

Also, to compare the different between tire sizes and how they will affect your car, go here: http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp

You can use the 185/57-14 just fine... speedometer will only show a 3% difference (which is negligble unless you are speeding by quite a bit)

TibHockeyPlayer · 10-01-2008, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackArcher101

X-Ice's shouldn't be used as all-seasons unless you want them to last less than a year. The soft rubber compound and hot asphalt do not go well together.

How about the Nokian WR... a winter tire that can be used all the time year round... one of the few with that capability. Well worth the price tag IMO.

Check out http://www.1010tires.com/tires.asp
Enter your vehicle year and model and it will show what tires are available to you.

Yea, I edited my original post, and no I won't be using my winter tires as all seasons. The Nokian are cost about 200-300 more than the X-Ice when I called around, although I don't doubt that their great given many good reviews I've read about Nokians. Thanks for that link btw.

BlackArcher101 · 10-01-2008, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TibHockeyPlayer

Yea, I edited my original post, and no I won't be using my winter tires as all seasons. The Nokian are cost about 200-300 more than the X-Ice when I called around, although I don't doubt that their great given many good reviews I've read about Nokians. Thanks for that link btw.

It might be worth it considering you are really buying two sets of tires in one. Factor in the cost of a dedicated winter + cost of an allseason or summer performance tire and you'd be approaching the cost of the WR. Just something to think about as well. Unless of course you like running different wheels in the summer, which would negate the cost savings. In that case, it's better to run a dedicate winter tire on one set and a all-season/performance tire on the better set.... saves money from switching the tires back and forth to the wheel sets.

And get the balancing!! It shouldn't even be a question. And usually the cost is included in the installation.

worth · 10-01-2008, 02:13 PM

The replacement this year for the WR's are the G2's. Not sure on price, but if you have to replace your all seasons, you may want to consider this. Since you're buying winter tires, you're going to need summer tires as well, unless you already have them.

I don't have any experience with Michelin winter tires, but I have driven with Blizaks and Nokians. I'm waiting for the new Nokian Hakka R's to come into Kal Tire to put on my car. Nokian is the only winter tire I will ever buy again. Paying more is worth it for the additional ability you get with these tires.

REDVAN · 10-01-2008, 02:23 PM

I am getting winter tires put on in the next few weeks. Although the weather this week is starting to make me think about that.

I'm probably going to just get whatever kaltire recommends since the all-seasons I got on in springtime from them are awesome. Looks like Nokian will be the winner.

Also, this will be my first year with winter tires, and I am really looking forward to seeing if there is a difference in my grand am. I just didn't feel as safe last year, running on just my all-seasons.

BlackArcher101 · 10-01-2008, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REDVAN

I am getting winter tires put on in the next few weeks. Although the weather this week is starting to make me think about that.

I'm probably going to just get whatever kaltire recommends since the all-seasons I got on in springtime from them are awesome. Looks like Nokian will be the winner.

Also, this will be my first year with winter tires, and I am really looking forward to seeing if there is a difference in my grand am. I just didn't feel as safe last year, running on just my all-seasons.

Difference from all-season to a regular winter is very noticeable. Going to a Nokian will be like night and day.

REDVAN · 10-01-2008, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackArcher101

Difference from all-season to a regular winter is very noticeable. Going to a Nokian will be like night and day.

My dad got winter tires last year, and I drove his car around a bit.

It was night and day, and I am looking forward to seeing what happens in my car.

As much crazy talk as I do in the standard driving threads, I need to be in control so that I can get out of the way of people who don't know what they are doing in the winter, or actually stop quickly if need be.

After seeing the difference in performance on a vehicle last winter, I am sold. Used to think getting two sets was hogwash but it's NOT!

worth · 10-01-2008, 02:37 PM

There would be a lot less accidents in the winter time if everyone had a true set of winter tires. It truly is unbelievable the difference they make.

tvp2003 · 10-01-2008, 03:05 PM

Thanks to CP, we replaced our crappy all-seasons last month with Nokian WR's. We're definitely looking forward to the first snowfall

atb · 10-01-2008, 03:26 PM

This is a really good winter tire thread from last year:

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=50449

From some research it seems Nokians are rated at the top, considering getting a set myself this year.

I-Hate-Hulse · 10-01-2008, 03:33 PM

I had the X-Ice for the last 4 years on my old Accord and it was rock solid on icy days. In Calgary you want a tire that addresses ice and hardpack snow rather than deep snow, so the X-ice is perfect for that.

Just make sure you get the newer model X-Ice Xi2's on and not the old X-Ice. There are a few new improvements including new micro-pump holes, a longer lasting rubber compound, but most importantly, a T speed rating, instead of Q.

I agree that Nokian is the best, but they are about 20% more expensive. I was looking at about $1200 for Nokian, but Costco has a promotion on for $15 a tire that made them come in at $900. Nokians are better, but not enough to justify the extra $300 IMHO.

I just put a set of X-Ice Xi2 on my new Subaru 3.0R - I'm hoping that'll make it an unbeatable winter machine....

BlackArcher101 · 10-01-2008, 05:26 PM

FYI, I have heard that effective after today, Nokian is raising their prices.

Dion · 10-01-2008, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worth

There would be a lot less accidents in the winter time if everyone had a true set of winter tires. It truly is unbelievable the difference they make.

Uh oh.... I sense another winter/all season tire debate coming on

Locke · 10-01-2008, 06:33 PM

I never used to use winter tires, but a couple years ago a friend got me a killer discount on some Pirelli Scorpions. Amazing difference.

REDVAN · 10-16-2008, 04:16 PM

BUMP

So I just had my Falken Ziex ZE-912 (from Kal Tire) switched off of my Grand Am, and had some Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi put on.

Both of those tire sets are overkill for the car, but you can really notice the difference.

So far, since it's dry conditions, I really notice the brutal handling my car now has, as compared to the summer tires. Of course, this will not matter when there is 6inches of snow because I'll have no problems then! BRING ON THE SNOW!!!!!

burn_this_city · 10-16-2008, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dion

Uh oh.... I sense another winter/all season tire debate coming on

I'll get the ball rolling..

Winter tires suck.. What a waste of money..!! You must be a horrible driver..

Oh yeah and get out of the left lane