the hunt for winter tires!
10-11-2009, 02:47 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: QC
Posts: 11
the hunt for winter tires!
I have a 06 A4 Avant and live in the Gatineau Hills. I'm looking for a tire that will get me and my family to the ski slopes and back and still perform on the highway....(however I must admit snow and ice performance comes first!).....the local dealer is suggesting Michelin Pilots on 16" rims however from what I've read I'm leaning more to the X-ice. I would very much appreciate comments concerning either product. Thanks!
Last edited by chelseaa4; 10-12-2009 at 07:34 AM.
10-13-2009, 10:01 AM
#2
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 38
Re: the hunt for winter tires!
I picked up a set of the Pilots for this winter for the same reason. I was running the Hankook iPike for the last two winters and found the highway driving horrible though snow traction was good.
What have you read that makes you lean towards the x-ice instead?
What have you read that makes you lean towards the x-ice instead?
10-13-2009, 10:29 AM
#3
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Toronto
Posts: 40
Re: the hunt for winter tires!
I had Pilots on my last car (mazdaspeed 6) and they were awesome. Gripped the road really well and I never had a problem on snow or ice and even on an ice-filled-uphill. Unfortunately they were my first and only snow tires (for now) so I don't know how they compare to anything else.
I also need some new rims/tires so I'm still looking around but I'm liking the x-ice xi2. If you're set on the X-ice, go for the xi2; the originals wear out way too quickly apparently (from what I hear/read online).
Hope this helps!
I also need some new rims/tires so I'm still looking around but I'm liking the x-ice xi2. If you're set on the X-ice, go for the xi2; the originals wear out way too quickly apparently (from what I hear/read online).
Hope this helps!
10-13-2009, 11:28 AM
#4
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Ottawa, ON
Posts: 102
Re: the hunt for winter tires!
The x-ice reviews on tirerack are average.. not that many people would buy them again.
I had the same choice and am going with the Toyo Garit KX, it seems a good compromise between pure winter performance and pure ice/snow tire.
I had the same choice and am going with the Toyo Garit KX, it seems a good compromise between pure winter performance and pure ice/snow tire.
10-13-2009, 04:31 PM
#5
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: mississauga
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Re: the hunt for winter tires!
I had a set of X-Ice's on my Jetta GLI.. They were absolutely amazing in the deep snow, but a definite comprimise in dry or sporty conditions. Just ordered a set a Pilot Alpin PA3's. Hoping they're much better in dry and sporty conditions, and based on tirerack's reviews, should handle great in the snow, but likely not as good as those in the "Studless Winter" category.
10-14-2009, 08:56 AM
#6
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: QC
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Re: the hunt for winter tires!
Thanks for the feedback all....right now it looks like it's down to the PA3s or Xi2s......seems to be a trade off as the xi2s seem to show better in snow and ice however the PA3s seem to sacrafice a little in the snow and ice for better high speed performance???...what to do??....I want my car to drive like an audi (even in winter) not like a chevy malibu!
PS.....any advice on rims??
PS.....any advice on rims??
10-14-2009, 11:33 AM
#8
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 97
Re: the hunt for winter tires!
I'll put my vote in for Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D. Excellent tires. Ranked #3 on Tire Rack with a robust sample of opinions (over 2 million miles reported by reviewers).
From Tirerack.com you can get them for US$112 each plus there is a $50 rebate for a set of 4 (not sure if eligible in Canada). You can get rims for US$100 each. I see you're in Chelsea, so it's an easy drive (1 hour) to Ogdensburg, NY to pick them up for cheap! Just pay taxes at the border as they're duty-free. Note this is completely legit as Tire Rack has authorized installers thorughout the US to which they'll ship your order.
This is what I did last year from Ottawa and saved a ton.
PM me if you'd like more details.
From Tirerack.com you can get them for US$112 each plus there is a $50 rebate for a set of 4 (not sure if eligible in Canada). You can get rims for US$100 each. I see you're in Chelsea, so it's an easy drive (1 hour) to Ogdensburg, NY to pick them up for cheap! Just pay taxes at the border as they're duty-free. Note this is completely legit as Tire Rack has authorized installers thorughout the US to which they'll ship your order.
This is what I did last year from Ottawa and saved a ton.
PM me if you'd like more details.
Last edited by plg_cp; 10-14-2009 at 12:24 PM.
10-14-2009, 01:54 PM
#9
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Ottawa, ON
Posts: 102
Re: the hunt for winter tires!
Tire rack didn't have the 3D in my size. and I was afraid of rim fitment issue so I ended up buying from TalonTire.com - Your One Stop Solution for All Your Tire Needs!
10-14-2009, 02:33 PM
#10
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 97
Re: the hunt for winter tires!
Tire rack didn't have the 3D in my size. and I was afraid of rim fitment issue so I ended up buying from TalonTire.com - Your One Stop Solution for All Your Tire Needs!
The 16" 3D fit great on my '06 A4 with standard brakes, though there was not a ton of extra clearance for calipers. 17" certainly would have fit, but I understand the narrower tire of a 16 is preferable for winters.
I think any of the suggestions on tires in this thread would work great as they all seem to be solid choices.
Last edited by plg_cp; 10-14-2009 at 02:36 PM.
