Winter Tires Comparison

[Chedman13]

Anyone have any feedback on these specific winter tires?

I've limited myself to Costco's selection as they have a $15/per tire installation with TPMS, nitrogen, etc... where my local shops charge me anywhere from $25-$50/per tire and charge extra for TPMS install, etc...

Price not being a factor because they are all very close, what are your thoughts? Michelin is the big name here, where their tires you pay a premium for the name. Typically easy to balance, and least issues -- and the only one here to give a 40,000 mile or 6 year warranty.

Unfortunately, it has some bad reviews on slush -- and looking at the thread pattern, it doesn't have deep grooves like the others and I can see where this tire floats. But it also does have the best fuel economy with LLR technology and best thread wear. Probably best for winter with cleared streets.

BFGoodrich's tire looks like a beast.

Michelin - Latitude® X-Ice® Xi2 - $172.99*4+$15*4 - $70 coupon = $681.96
Tread Depth: 11/32"
Speed Rating: 102T = 118 mph

BFGoodrich - Winter Slalom® KSI - $149.99*4+$15*4 = $659.96
Tread Depth: 12.5/32"
Speed Rating: 102S = 112 mph

Bridgestone - Blizzak DM-V1 - $137.99*4+$15*4 = $611.96
Tread Depth: 13/32"
Speed Rating: 102R = 106 mph

Bridgestone - Blizzak WS70 - $134.99*4+$15*4 = $599.96
Tread Depth: 12/32"
Speed Rating: 102T = 118 mph


Blizzak DM-V1


Blizzak WS70


X-ice Xi2


Winter Slalom KSI

 

[GEE50FX]

Ed, I have had great luck with Blizzak tires. I have had 4 different sets on 4 different cars and they always performed on ice and snow flawlessly. My wife had to drive 60 miles each way to work one winter and the roads were very bad at times. I had Blizzaks on my G35X and she always felt safe and in control.

 

[Chedman13]

Thanks for the comment -- how is the thread life and gas mileage? Less priority but still important.

Ed, I have had great luck with Blizzak tires. I have had 4 different sets on 4 different cars and they always performed on ice and snow flawlessly. My wife had to drive 60 miles each way to work one winter and the roads were very bad at times. I had Blizzaks on my G35X and she always felt safe and in control.

 

[GEE50FX]

I never really noticed a big difference in gas mileage although your mileage will decrease in cold weather, with longer idling and driving conditions.
As to tread wear, this will be my 4th winter on my Blizzaks on my fx. The tread is still looking good, but then again I don't put a high amount of miles on during the winter. We are usually away for 5 weeks.

 

[matrixx860]

I have the Blizzak DM-V1 on my FX and the Blizzak WS70 on my Grand Prix GT wide track and they are super great in the snow and ice! :good:

 

[Ed@TunerStore]

I had 2 sets of Blizzaks(LM22 and V1) before and they performed great. I use to like Dunlop Graspic more, when they were available

 

[Chedman13]

Dunlop Graspic got higher ratings on online reviews for overall winter, where Blizzak was better at deep snow/ice.

Since most of the roads are cleared, makes sense why you liked them more.

That's the only reason I'm leaning a bit toward's the Michelins -- they have worse ratings, but the are bar none the best in road cleared, cold conditions with best MPG and handling. But that one freak snow storm, I want Blizzak's... can't have it all.

The Michelin's even have a 40k mileage warranty AND LRR (Low rolling resistance, i.e. good mileage).

I had 2 sets of Blizzaks(LM22 and V1) before and they performed great. I use to like Dunlop Graspic more, when they were available

 

[davidcarson48]

I'd go Michelins myself. It seems snows wear quickly, so I like the idea of the treadwear warranty.