Winter tires - which do you like? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

WyoToyo · 04-06-2011, 03:28 PM

New to me 2006 Camry. Live in WY where the wind never stops blowing. Roads in winter are regularly snowed over and icy. Thinking that I will want snow tires for next winter and there seem to be some pretty good rebates on tires right now.

I have been seriously considering the Michelin X-Ice Xi2's. Anyone have any experience with these?

What are other winter tires should I consider?

LE05 · 04-06-2011, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyoToyo

New to me 2006 Camry. Live in WY where the wind never stops blowing. Roads in winter are regularly snowed over and icy. Thinking that I will want snow tires for next winter and there seem to be some pretty good rebates on tires right now.

I have been seriously considering the Michelin X-Ice Xi2's. Anyone have any experience with these?

What are other winter tires should I consider?

they're not bad tires, but i liked the bridgestone blizzaks i had in previous winter seasons. the michelin had pretty good ice traction, but were not as good as i expected in loose slushy granulated snow. as soon as these tires wear down (which will take forever, cause these last pretty long!), i'm switching back to blizzaks.

workerant · 04-06-2011, 07:48 PM

Tirerack have lots of tests and reviews on snow tires, u should go check them out.

George350 · 04-07-2011, 05:22 PM

I ran the blizzaks this past winter.. Took it off on March 1st.. If you have street parking and its ice covered you can easily pull into and get out of the parking space without spinning.

***Punks_Not_Dead5*** · 04-07-2011, 06:24 PM

on my 02 i have Falken EuroWinters and love them...

One my XLE i have the Michelin Alpine Ice or whatever they are called and they're also amazing but very pricey.

I have had the X Ice(first Gen) on my 02 for 2 winters and they were great, my sister now uses them on her Accord.

Used the same on the 06 Matrix, same awesome tires.

Hope that helps some.

fukdomestic · 04-07-2011, 06:35 PM

I have the Cooper Avalanche and it rocks the roads! I know a guy who has a nice link with a tire dealer. Got em all brand new for $600 cash out the door for 17" wheels.

***Punks_Not_Dead5*** · 04-07-2011, 07:06 PM

^ i was told those are awesome as well, My cousin is a tire dealer and mentioned them to me...same price too!

***Yazovets*** · 04-07-2011, 07:59 PM

I had a set of Michelin X-Ice tires when my Camry was younger.

Now I use a new set of Toyo Garit KX winter tires. I find these Toyo tires to be certainly superior to the Michelins. Why?

Well, to begin with, the Toyos produce far less howling noises at all speeds. Secondly, cornering is better with the Toyos because of stiffer sidewalls. Thirdly, the Toyos appear to resist hydroplaning more.

Honestly, I have driven all sorts of cars with Michelin tires and I find these tires to be generally over-rated. They're just not that good - not in grip, not in hydroplaning resistance, and certainly not in price.

troidus · 04-09-2011, 02:21 AM

I've been running Blizzaks on my '04 for the last three winters and have been happy with their snow traction, but the do howl and squirm on dry pavement. When they wear out (probably get one more season out of them), I'll see what's current. BTW, I got them from tirerack mounted and balanced on a set of new steelies for cheap.

WyoToyo · 04-15-2011, 12:21 PM

Thanks for all the good feedback everyone,
I've had pretty good experiences with Michelins and I trust the brand, so naturally I thought of the Xi2's first. I know a fair amount of people that are running the Blizzaks and are really happy with them. I haven't thought about the Toyos, but they could be a good option as well.

How many winters are you all seeing out of a set of winter tires?

***Yazovets*** · 04-17-2011, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyoToyo

Thanks for all the good feedback everyone,
I've had pretty good experiences with Michelins and I trust the brand, so naturally I thought of the Xi2's first. I know a fair amount of people that are running the Blizzaks and are really happy with them. I haven't thought about the Toyos, but they could be a good option as well.

How many winters are you all seeing out of a set of winter tires?

I have the Blizzak DM-V1 tires on the Benz ML in the family. They are also excellent tires - again much quieter than the Michelin X-Ice tires. They squirm less on dry road, too.

I generally only use any set of tires for 3 years. In other words, a set of winter tires last me 3 winters. It's not that they go bald a the end but the tread is significantly worn down so I like to be safe and buy a new set.

But that's just me and my superstition.

LE05 · 04-17-2011, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyoToyo

Thanks for all the good feedback everyone,
I've had pretty good experiences with Michelins and I trust the brand, so naturally I thought of the Xi2's first. I know a fair amount of people that are running the Blizzaks and are really happy with them. I haven't thought about the Toyos, but they could be a good option as well.

How many winters are you all seeing out of a set of winter tires?

i've gone 2 seasons with the blizzaks ws60s, they wore out fast. you may getter better wear with the newer version, the blizzaks ws70s. i have a feeling these michelin xi2's i currently have will last 3 seasons.

Billiam · 04-17-2011, 09:40 PM

Firestone WinterForce is a great tire and very afforable.

Redline_Me · 04-17-2011, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billiam

Firestone WinterForce is a great tire and very afforable.

I had those for 2 winters and they are still good. Never got stuck with them. The only problem just like most winter tires is that they are loud on the highway. But the price is great.