Winter tire reviews - #1 Car Club In Kitchener - Waterloo - Cambridge

**Polska_01** · 09-27-2006, 09:08 PM

hey guy n gals, im wondering what kind of tires you guys have used in the past winters and how they performed!

last winter i was using the mechelin X-ice tire (pretty sure of the name) they were OK. I rated these tires 5 - excellent 1 - shit. look below

deep snow:4
ice:1
slush/minor snow:4
wet road:5

im intrested in hearing which tires you guys used because I am in the market for some new winter TIRES!

**chodoctr** · 09-27-2006, 09:13 PM

im partial to the X-ice.....i had them on my jetta, and i could go thru anything with them in the winter...they were awesome!

**Avenger** · 09-27-2006, 10:42 PM

I'd like to see a review on BFG KDWS tires. Though they ARE all seasons.

**Bro Kass** · 09-28-2006, 12:13 AM

I had Goodyear Ultragrips on my old Civic and that car would plow through anything. Never got stuck in that car once.

**WRC_VERNA** · 09-28-2006, 01:05 AM

13" arctic alpins on my light ass car. It's proved to be an amazing tire 'on my car.'

**destrukt** · 09-28-2006, 01:17 AM

Michelin Arctic Alpin PA2, best winter tire of them all

Felt very confident in any situation with those on, easily takes you through unplowed roads without any sliding (at safe speeds). I recommend you look into them.

**S13GG** · 09-29-2006, 03:55 PM

toyo observe GO-2

Toyo rated tire manufacturer of the year 8 years? in a row?

toyo FTW hands down, had SUV's big rigs, police etc try to keep up with me in these tires in 1+ foot of fresh snow and no one could..

GO-2 + HICAS owns all

**Crimson** · 09-29-2006, 04:04 PM

I also use X-Ices for the winters on my car, and they are amazing! Obviously you can't floor it on ice or snow, but I've never been at a point where I can't get out of a parking spot after it has snowed a lot, and no spinning out on corners! 5/5 for me compared to all-seasons.

**Duro5341** · 10-02-2006, 10:53 PM

ok guys lets think about this.......seriously

The Michelin X-ice in a beautiful tire, but way over priced. Our winters aren't that bad around here

Seriously go to Walmart, and buy there 14" wintermarks for a whole $200 tax in cash, and carry..............how can you beat $50 a tire. 15" tires are $30 more

I work at a tire shop, and we sell a compreble Snowmark tire, along with the X-ice, ultra grip, and ultra Grip ice........and there selling them for $20 below our cost......you can't beat that price

Walmart wins again, taking money away from the professional shops.................

Just my 2 cents
Duro

**Jimmy** · 10-04-2006, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duro5341

ok guys lets think about this.......seriously

The Michelin X-ice in a beautiful tire, but way over priced. Our winters aren't that bad around here

Seriously go to Walmart, and buy there 14" wintermarks for a whole $200 tax in cash, and carry..............how can you beat $50 a tire. 15" tires are $30 more

I work at a tire shop, and we sell a compreble Snowmark tire, along with the X-ice, ultra grip, and ultra Grip ice........and there selling them for $20 below our cost......you can't beat that price

Walmart wins again, taking money away from the professional shops.................

Just my 2 cents
Duro

You're right our winters aren't that bad around here, but when we get shitty weather, i want to be able to go where i want to go without having to worry, that's why i'll never chince out with snow tires and i don't recommend any of my friends to

**WRC_VERNA** · 10-04-2006, 01:25 AM

agreed. I'll never cheap out on winter tires. (there is no such thing as an all-season tire in my mind.. it's more of an all-season compromise).

Even when there's no snow down. I like my AA's for the cold weather traction.

**Silverstoned** · 10-04-2006, 12:00 PM

I've been using 195/65/R15 Toyo Observe G02-Plus for the last 2 winters. Very happy with their performance in slush, deep snow, packed snow. Decent Ice performance too.

Remember to get the skinniest tire you can for good snow performance. Wide tires just float along the top of the snow whereas skinny ones sink and grip.

Check out how skinny Rally cars winter tires are.

Studs would be nice too.... But not street legal.

**ids748** · 10-04-2006, 01:01 PM

^^^^those tires are perfect fir for my car hum.............how much did they run you when you bought them?

**S13GG** · 10-04-2006, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverstoned

I've been using 195/65/R15 Toyo Observe G02-Plus for the last 2 winters. Very happy with their performance in slush, deep snow, packed snow. Decent Ice performance too.

Remember to get the skinniest tire you can for good snow performance. Wide tires just float along the top of the snow whereas skinny ones sink and grip.

Check out how skinny Rally cars winter tires are.

Studs would be nice too.... But not street legal.

^this guy knows his stuff GO-2 FTW...

and studs are legal in ontario, I just do not know how far north you have to be for them to be legal, also legal in Quebec last I heard

**WRC_VERNA** · 10-05-2006, 12:24 AM

"illegal"

skinny tires FTW.. it's all about the 155/80/13's

**Avenger** · 10-05-2006, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WRC_VERNA

"illegal"

skinny tires FTW.. it's all about the 155/80/13's

There are cars out there that those actually fit on??? I mean BESIDES Yugo's and Lada's? I thought they just stocked those so they could advertise: "prices starting from $29.95". When I look at tires at Canadian Tire.......I look at the list, and I go ALL the way down the list........and the size I need isn't even at the bottom of that page

Best prices I've seen on snow tires is at Sam's Club (I'm sure Costco is the same).

**BlueFamilia** · 10-05-2006, 10:14 AM

If anyone wants a good deal on Michelin or BFG winter tires let Me know. I have one set of coupons still available. But im not giving them away haha so make an offer. I'll take trades or cash. 44% off retail price FTW!

**mazdaspeedpower** · 10-05-2006, 01:21 PM

I've used Michelin Artic Alpines that I'm pretty sure where discontinued and changed name to X-ice, so I've had 4 alpines, and now 2x-ice and the old 2alpines with a spare. I've found them to be friggin amazing snow tires under most situations. Including some brought on by my own little bits of mischief out on access roads up north and they handled it awesome.My car was easier to control than with it's FWD and these snows than my buddies Audi with AWD and all-seasons. I know they are damn expensive, but I think they're worth it, especially considering their dry road performance and lack of humming. they are a fairly quiet snow tire which makes me happy.

**ids748** · 10-05-2006, 01:54 PM

DAHHHHH. im in a horrible tire situation. one just had a buldge so i only replaced that one under a road hazzard warrnty. Im having one hell of a time figuring out wat friggin winters i want....my budget is about 500 for rubber i have the steelies but i want to get the best damn possible tires i can.

**rough** · 10-05-2006, 02:01 PM

I have had Motomaster Icetrak's (canadian tire brand) and they lasted me 4yrs through NS winter's

I'm going to be getting Toyo Observe's HT (i think that's the model) for my wife's accord this weekend. Look like a nice tire to me and the price was right for 17's

woot.

I'll be running some Hankook winter's for my civic this winter as well which should be good too.

Once the snow flies I'll report on how they do

**Bubba21** · 10-06-2006, 03:41 AM

2 winters on my kuhmo kw19's
and they still get me thru everything
i like them, they keep me planted, id recommend to anyone!

**MatalicPGT** · 10-06-2006, 03:00 PM

I work at TireCo on Fairway road here is what i found with all the winter tires we stock

X-ice and Lattitue X-Ice are awesome in the snow and ice because i have gone to testing sessions for my work for these tires. Tested them on the ice at the Aud. Work great.

BFG Winterslolems are awesome in the snow but aren't that good on a really ice'y situation.

alpine and arctic alpine are great winter performance tire and have the best sizes to offer to the public.

bridgstone blizaks are also really good in the snow but they seem to get really chewed up fast and are usually really only good for about one winter.

just my reviews

**ericlee303** · 10-06-2006, 03:36 PM

I use Wal Mart's Dunlop Graspic...awesome grip in deep snow and ice, cheap for a 195/55/15, but the sidewalls are uber soft, so high speeds are out of the questions and hard/sudden cornering are squirmy.

09-27-2006, 09:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
Polska_01 VM Member Posts: 1,016 Location: Kitchener Join Date: Jan 2005 Ride: 1995 del sol SI Fav Mod: Brembo Brakes Class: Street	Winter tire reviews hey guy n gals, im wondering what kind of tires you guys have used in the past winters and how they performed! last winter i was using the mechelin X-ice tire (pretty sure of the name) they were OK. I rated these tires 5 - excellent 1 - shit. look below deep snow:4 ice:1 slush/minor snow:4 wet road:5 im intrested in hearing which tires you guys used because I am in the market for some new winter TIRES!

09-27-2006, 09:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
chodoctr VM Member Posts: 824 Join Date: Nov 2005 Ride: 1990 Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo Fav Mod: Class:	im partial to the X-ice.....i had them on my jetta, and i could go thru anything with them in the winter...they were awesome! ------------------ 1990 Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo - new stereo comin this spring! 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix 2000 Honda Odyssey

09-27-2006, 10:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
Avenger VM Member Posts: 2,440 Location: Kitchener Ontario Join Date: Mar 2004 Ride: 2002 Chrysler Intrepid R/T Fav Mod: Class:	I'd like to see a review on BFG KDWS tires. Though they ARE all seasons. ------------------ Rob 2006 Honda Civic DX coupe 1.8L 140HP/128ft/lbs - HID's 2002 Intrepid R/T 3.5L HO 244HP/250ft/lbs - Bone Stock 15.5 @ 90MPH

09-28-2006, 01:05 AM	#5 (permalink)
WRC_VERNA VM Member Posts: 2,742 Location: K-W Join Date: Feb 2005 Ride: 2001 Hyundai Accent Fav Mod: Class: Street	13" arctic alpins on my light ass car. It's proved to be an amazing tire 'on my car.' ------------------ B. 92 Stallions of fury at the flywheel

09-28-2006, 01:17 AM	#6 (permalink)
destrukt VM Member Posts: 2,261 Join Date: Feb 2005 Ride: a car Fav Mod: Class:	Michelin Arctic Alpin PA2, best winter tire of them all Felt very confident in any situation with those on, easily takes you through unplowed roads without any sliding (at safe speeds). I recommend you look into them. ------------------ 1 3 5 2 4 6 R

09-28-2006, 12:13 AM	#4 (permalink)
Bro Kass VM Member Posts: 245 Location: Cambridge Join Date: Mar 2005 Ride: 1995 Eagle Talon Fav Mod: Class:	I had Goodyear Ultragrips on my old Civic and that car would plow through anything. Never got stuck in that car once.

09-29-2006, 03:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
S13GG VM Member Posts: 837 Location: K-W/Wasaga Join Date: Jun 2004 Ride: 1989 USDM Silvia --1995 240SX (Kouki converted) Fav Mod: SR20DET or Z32 brakes Class: Street	toyo observe GO-2 Toyo rated tire manufacturer of the year 8 years? in a row? toyo FTW hands down, had SUV's big rigs, police etc try to keep up with me in these tires in 1+ foot of fresh snow and no one could.. GO-2 + HICAS owns all ------------------ SR20DET Tuned by BLITZ Yeah thats right, BLITZ MA-F@CK@ I didn't get the nicky HARDCORE for nothing

09-29-2006, 04:04 PM	#8 (permalink)
Crimson VM Member Posts: 111 Location: Cambridge Join Date: Apr 2005 Ride: Fav Mod: Class:	I also use X-Ices for the winters on my car, and they are amazing! Obviously you can't floor it on ice or snow, but I've never been at a point where I can't get out of a parking spot after it has snowed a lot, and no spinning out on corners! 5/5 for me compared to all-seasons. ------------------ 1997 Tiburon 2.0L

10-02-2006, 10:53 PM	#9 (permalink)
Duro5341 VM Member Posts: 558 Location: Ontario Join Date: Mar 2005 Ride: 1990 Chev rolet Cavalier Fav Mod: 3800 S/C swap Class: Street	ok guys lets think about this.......seriously The Michelin X-ice in a beautiful tire, but way over priced. Our winters aren't that bad around here Seriously go to Walmart, and buy there 14" wintermarks for a whole $200 tax in cash, and carry..............how can you beat $50 a tire. 15" tires are $30 more I work at a tire shop, and we sell a compreble Snowmark tire, along with the X-ice, ultra grip, and ultra Grip ice........and there selling them for $20 below our cost......you can't beat that price Walmart wins again, taking money away from the professional shops................. Just my 2 cents Duro

10-04-2006, 01:25 AM	#11 (permalink)
WRC_VERNA VM Member Posts: 2,742 Location: K-W Join Date: Feb 2005 Ride: 2001 Hyundai Accent Fav Mod: Class: Street	agreed. I'll never cheap out on winter tires. (there is no such thing as an all-season tire in my mind.. it's more of an all-season compromise). Even when there's no snow down. I like my AA's for the cold weather traction. ------------------ B. 92 Stallions of fury at the flywheel

10-04-2006, 12:00 PM	#12 (permalink)
Silverstoned VM Member Posts: 1,782 Join Date: Apr 2005 Ride: 1960 Citroen DS Fav Mod: Class: Strip	I've been using 195/65/R15 Toyo Observe G02-Plus for the last 2 winters. Very happy with their performance in slush, deep snow, packed snow. Decent Ice performance too. Remember to get the skinniest tire you can for good snow performance. Wide tires just float along the top of the snow whereas skinny ones sink and grip. Check out how skinny Rally cars winter tires are. Studs would be nice too.... But not street legal.

10-04-2006, 01:01 PM	#13 (permalink)
ids748 VM Member Posts: 686 Location: Kitchener, Ontario Join Date: Feb 2005 Ride: 98 Honda Accord 2DR Fav Mod: Class:	^^^^those tires are perfect fir for my car hum.............how much did they run you when you bought them?

10-05-2006, 12:24 AM	#15 (permalink)
WRC_VERNA VM Member Posts: 2,742 Location: K-W Join Date: Feb 2005 Ride: 2001 Hyundai Accent Fav Mod: Class: Street	"illegal" skinny tires FTW.. it's all about the 155/80/13's ------------------ B. 92 Stallions of fury at the flywheel

10-05-2006, 10:14 AM	#17 (permalink)
BlueFamilia VM Member Posts: 3,214 Location: Kitchener. Join Date: Mar 2004 Ride: 2003 Protege5 Fav Mod: Mazda hood deflector. Class: Street	If anyone wants a good deal on Michelin or BFG winter tires let Me know. I have one set of coupons still available. But im not giving them away haha so make an offer. I'll take trades or cash. 44% off retail price FTW! ------------------ Joey 2000 Fuji heavy industries Impreza 2.5RS Coupe. 2003 Mazda protege 5. RIP April 9/08.

10-05-2006, 01:21 PM	#18 (permalink)
mazdaspeedpower Trippin' Balls Due To Mazda's Speed Posts: 1,097 Location: Kitchener Join Date: Aug 2005 Ride: 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege Fav Mod: Spec Stage 3 Clutch Class: Street	I've used Michelin Artic Alpines that I'm pretty sure where discontinued and changed name to X-ice, so I've had 4 alpines, and now 2x-ice and the old 2alpines with a spare. I've found them to be friggin amazing snow tires under most situations. Including some brought on by my own little bits of mischief out on access roads up north and they handled it awesome.My car was easier to control than with it's FWD and these snows than my buddies Audi with AWD and all-seasons. I know they are damn expensive, but I think they're worth it, especially considering their dry road performance and lack of humming. they are a fairly quiet snow tire which makes me happy. ------------------ 2003.5 Titanium Grey Mazdaspeed Protege-2.0L 5spd Turbo 1996 Cavalier-2.2L 3psd(AT)

10-05-2006, 01:54 PM	#19 (permalink)
ids748 VM Member Posts: 686 Location: Kitchener, Ontario Join Date: Feb 2005 Ride: 98 Honda Accord 2DR Fav Mod: Class:	DAHHHHH. im in a horrible tire situation. one just had a buldge so i only replaced that one under a road hazzard warrnty. Im having one hell of a time figuring out wat friggin winters i want....my budget is about 500 for rubber i have the steelies but i want to get the best damn possible tires i can.

10-05-2006, 02:01 PM	#20 (permalink)
rough Super Moderator Posts: 2,746 Join Date: Jan 2005 Ride: 1976 Datsun 280Z Fav Mod: Class:	I have had Motomaster Icetrak's (canadian tire brand) and they lasted me 4yrs through NS winter's I'm going to be getting Toyo Observe's HT (i think that's the model) for my wife's accord this weekend. Look like a nice tire to me and the price was right for 17's woot. I'll be running some Hankook winter's for my civic this winter as well which should be good too. Once the snow flies I'll report on how they do ------------------ Life can change with every breathe, and it can end before the next. Datsun 280z- awaiting LS1 install to be the LSZ of my dreams Mods to come:224/224 cam, valvesprings, hardened pushrods, hugger headers, P&P TB, LS6 intake, loud pipes What you didn't hear me? or you didn't understand?

10-06-2006, 03:41 AM	#21 (permalink)
Bubba21 VM Member Posts: 1,830 Location: Kitchener, Ontario Join Date: Sep 2004 Ride: 2004, Mazda 3 GT Fav Mod: LED Tails Class: Street	2 winters on my kuhmo kw19's and they still get me thru everything i like them, they keep me planted, id recommend to anyone! ------------------ \'04 Titanium Grey Mazda3 GT/GFX/Tints

10-06-2006, 03:00 PM	#22 (permalink)
MatalicPGT VM Member Posts: 381 Location: Kitchener Join Date: Sep 2005 Ride: 1995 Eagle Talon Fav Mod: Huge Turbo Class: Street	I work at TireCo on Fairway road here is what i found with all the winter tires we stock X-ice and Lattitue X-Ice are awesome in the snow and ice because i have gone to testing sessions for my work for these tires. Tested them on the ice at the Aud. Work great. BFG Winterslolems are awesome in the snow but aren't that good on a really ice'y situation. alpine and arctic alpine are great winter performance tire and have the best sizes to offer to the public. bridgstone blizaks are also really good in the snow but they seem to get really chewed up fast and are usually really only good for about one winter. just my reviews ------------------ MoonlightEclipse

10-06-2006, 03:36 PM	#23 (permalink)
ericlee303 VM Member Posts: 61 Join Date: Jan 2005 Ride: 2000ITR PY #795 Fav Mod: Class:	I use Wal Mart's Dunlop Graspic...awesome grip in deep snow and ice, cheap for a 195/55/15, but the sidewalls are uber soft, so high speeds are out of the questions and hard/sudden cornering are squirmy. ------------------ 1994 4AGZE Supercharged Toyota Corolla 2000 PY Integra TypeR #795