Topic: Michellin X-ice tires

[2kwk4u]

A little snow fell here overnight.  Enough to cover the streets an inch or so deep.  So I decided to finally see how the new winter tires actually do in snow before too many streets got plowed and salted.

Let me say first of all, though, that I have little memorable frame of reference.  It's been many years since the last time I drove a RWD car in snow.  Also, I haven't driven my Kappa on snow before - on ANY other tire. 

The long and short of it is that they performed "admirably,"  but I wasn't exactly stunned by their performance.  They won't transform a relatively lightweight, short wheelbase RWD turbo car into a competent winter driver.  I'm certain they did better than the stock GS-2's would have by a long shot, but I can't help but think there are better snow tires.  Maybe they're more capable in ice, as the moniker implies.

Still though, I'm satisfied with them.  I just won't buy them again next time I need winter tires...  and I'll drive my wife's VUE in conditions like this whenever possible from now on.  Even with only FWD, no traction control, ABS or stability control, it just feels more capable.  I kind of expected that too, though.

Next time it's Blizzaks.

[DeepBlueGXP]

I ventured out in the snow with my GXP and I didn't have any issues with the Continentals.  Even with the slight incline and lack of plowing, I was able to accelerate up my road.  On the other hand, our G6 with FWD and traction control couldn't make it up the road.

[Critterman]

My Sumito's got me to work this morning, there was some wheelspin starting up going up the hill in front of my house at 1100 rpm but she soldiered on.  Just had to be carefull until I got to roads that had seen some traffic.

[2kwk4u]

Didn't get a chance to try the VUE before they plowed and salted.  I was able to climb inclines in the GXP steeper than your road, Joe.  I had a little trouble on one on the way back home.  I think it was a bit icy, though.  I was able to snake my way up in 1st gear.  Doubtful I would have been able to do that on all seasons.  Not sure if the VUE would have gone up without some momentum.  It has Fortera triple treads on it, which are awesome tires for that car.  They're considered all-seasons, but they meet whatever criteria to qualify as winter tires as well and get the little mountain/snowflake logo.

[JimmyBaja]

No snow ridin' for the coupe    , I'll be driving the AWD HEMI Jeep!

[Treeman]

Hmmm.... I'm likin' the sound of the Continentals more and more.  Currently, I am driving in messy weather my old Altima with all seasons that my daughter gets next year when she starts driving (yikes!).  Starting to sound like winter tires/wheels are not worth the extra expense around here.  I still a tad bit worried about the dry grip I would give up with the Contis.  Maybe Joe can give me a demo next time I'm down there?

[Rogue]

We took "Bessie" Pat's 1994 Ford Explorer 2WD out in the snow, she's our best bad weather vehicle, glad we keep her for just this.  Kitty litter, ice melt & shovel in the back....didn't have to use for ourselves.  All other vehicles stayed parked until the roads cleared.

[NormSky]

Allot depends on the tire width in the snow. The stock 245mm width is allot of tire for a 2900 lbs car. My C5 Corvette had Dunlap M3 245 width on all 4 corners but was about 200-300 lbs heavier. The Kappa spins them easily in slippery conditions but I have yet to see anything more than an inch of snow.

Norm

[rich71]

my kappa is sleeping for the winter, but my main car has hancook studded snows all around and i like the performance of them. i am a huge advocate of studs for winter. in addition to better ice traction, it helps me maintain "feel" of the road when i am driving. but honestly for winter driving, i just drive quickly down my street first thing, slam the brakes on to get an idea of the traction i DONT have, then go from there......in the snow belt, lake effect area here i think it should be the law to have a separate set of snow tires....i can't tell you how many suvs i pass that are in ditches off the road because people think just because they have 4wd they can drive anywhere.....no traction is no traction, is no traction.....kinda pisses me off actually, but as long as i don't get stuck and i can drive around them.....

[NormSky]

Quebec  drivers face hefty fine if they don't drive on snow ...

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/30/report-quebec-drivers-face-hefty-fine-if-they-dont-drive-on-sn/

Norm