Winter Tire Recommendation

[heddie]

Hi all,Ride: 2003 vibe base model.I currently have Michelin's X-Ice which came with the car (bought the car used). Last year was my first winter with the X-ice and I must they are horrible tires. Felt I was taking my kids life everytime we drove.I think my 4 season tires might work better. I've had Blizzaks previously on my old protege ( 13") and they where better (but I still found myself slipping somewhat).Would anyone have recommendations for a goo snow/slush tire. I live in montreal, canada where the winter can be extreme.thanks for any comment.

[star_deceiver]

Firestone Winterforce, fully studded!!! They're awesome tires, see for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ssF1A6BKZY Here's some blowing snow and black ice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t_i78hi3cg

[moonstonemike]

When picking a snow tire I look at a few basic things 1)The rubber compound. Usually the softer the better because as the temperature drops the rubber hardens and a softer tire =better grip2)Thread pattern. For snow tires I look at two basic features. How wide and deep the space is between treads and how many wavy slits are on the treads. The slits theoretically bite into the ice better. So a tire like the Michelin x-ice would be good on ice (but with less space between the larger treads it doesn't clear snow as well) but a tire like Hakkapeliitta 10 is very clunky with no real slits which makes it better suited in deep snow. There is two I would recommend based on price and quality.The Firestone Winterforce like star_deceiver recommended and the Arctic Claw Txi I've purchased three sets of the arctic claws for me and my family's cars and they are a great tire. Inexpensive and it has a very clunky tread which is great for snow and slush and still has lots of slits which helps grip in icy condition. They are also studdable. They are pretty soft so they aren't too loud. They last set I bought were 205/60/16 which will also give you a little more ground clearance which is always helpful in winter.

[heddie]

thx for the info. any comments on the General Altimax Acrtic ?

[star_deceiver]

They're alright! Shop around though, some places charge a lot more then others!

[Vince0259]

I had General Altimax Arctic on a corolla and they were great tire. No problem with big snow storm and it was really easy to get of a snow bank. On my vibe, I had Hankook I-Pike with stud. They were excellent tires too. Good shopping!