Michelin X-Ice 3: 215/50R-17

[#87]

Originally Posted by zex

Was thinking the same way, did a quick search with those sizes and found this General Tire Altimax Arctic, it had good reviews on Canadian Tire and a quick google search.

Any opinions on this?

Don't expect do much of any spirited driving on those tires. They are Q rated (99 mph) and soft as marshmallows. They are great in snow though.

[pastuch]

Originally Posted by hyper4mance

I went with 215/55 x-ice 3 for the stock rims but haven't mounted them on yet. 55's were a decent amount cheaper since I got them under $570 shipped. According to the tire calculator, the diameter increases 21mm but I think it should be fine. I'll let you know if I run into any issues.

Hyper have you mounted yet? How did it go?

[hyper4mance]

not yet... sandy aftermaths still felt... just got power back after 3 days so im pretty happy just to have lights and heat

[RazorHawk]

I just ordered X-Ice3 205/55R16 rims, tires, and tpms from a local shop who is on this forum, gave me what I think is a great deal. Once they get in, as long as everything goes well, I will be recomending this shop highly. They are getting the stuff in fast, they have been very good on the phone and through the pm system here, and the prices were good.

[dsgerbc]

I put my Xi3s (in 205/55/16) on today as a test-fit, and they are quite slippery on asphalt @48F. Could be the outer layer though, but my TCS/VSC had to work extra hard today, until I put'em in sport mode. The ABS also activates fairly soon. Hope it gets a bit better on dry. Don't remember Xi2s being that slippery, but I first mounted them when it was much colder.

[RazorHawk]

Thanks for the heads up, its still getting up in that range in the afternoon around here, I will be careful until I learn the new tires!!!

Originally Posted by dsgerbc

I put my Xi3s (in 205/55/16) on today as a test-fit, and they are quite slippery on asphalt @48F. Could be the outer layer though, but my TCS/VSC had to work extra hard today, until I put'em in sport mode. The ABS also activates fairly soon. Hope it gets a bit better on dry. Don't remember Xi2s being that slippery, but I first mounted them when it was much colder.

[rawbz]

Originally Posted by dsgerbc

I put my Xi3s (in 205/55/16) on today as a test-fit, and they are quite slippery on asphalt @48F. Could be the outer layer though, but my TCS/VSC had to work extra hard today, until I put'em in sport mode. The ABS also activates fairly soon. Hope it gets a bit better on dry. Don't remember Xi2s being that slippery, but I first mounted them when it was much colder.

That's a shame, I have my Xice3s reserved to be put on tomorrow and was hoping to still maintain a touch of performance on them.

How is the handling otherwise? I presume the traction control comes on upon acceleration? Or are you sliding out on turns the primacy's could easily handle?

[dsgerbc]

It's better today, so it could be just a slick outer layer.
Handling in city is okay, somewhat squishier but not bad. A bit more wandering on the hwy.
I got TSC activating on acceleration all the way through first/second gear yesterday and VSC (I presume) in some corners. In sport mode, however, it's fine. It doesn't slip enough for the nannies to kick in.

[#87]

You are going to notice that on all snow tires. The better they are in the cold, snow, and ice the worse they are going to be in performance and handling departments.

[rawbz]

apparently there is new tire break-in...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...e.jsp?techid=5

some lubrication so it doesn't stick to the mold.. tirerack calls for 500 miles to peak performance.

[dsgerbc]

Originally Posted by rawbz

apparently there is new tire break-in...

Yeah, I was expecting that, just a little less of it. I normally don't put my winter sets on until there's snow or sub-freezing temps in the forecast, so the effect is usually smaller. On the other hand, 500 miles is ballpark for summer or A/S tires. Winter tires will scrub it off sooner in warm temps.