Yaris in SNOW ... how should you drive?

[A-Dingo-Ate-My-Baby]

Originally Posted by Scubaru Steve

one thing that Michelin doesn't advertise is that their Xi2 is actually an entry level winter tire. they are for the person that rather drive on good winter days and want a quiet winter tire. In my area we need something a lot more aggressive. but in the end they are much better then an all season.

well, my actual real world driving experience

a) entry level ? this is Michelin -only- studless winter tire that will
fits 14 inch rims, and it gets rave reviews (and from me too)

b) there is no compromise in this tire except hydroplaning. My yaris climbed
the hell out of steep 13 and 14deg hills coated with powder, packed powder, packed wet snow, and ice spots. traction control only kicked in a tiny bit, the rest was all grip grip grip and it drove around extremely well

c) ya I think in a different post I did say if you are constantly on snow, such as Canada, get something else, like a blizzak. Michelin are great for occasional 1 or 2 weeks of snow, 5-8 times a year, the rest of time dry roads
...but the tread will last longer than any other winter tire...this is a good point here

d) that nokian M+S vs Michelin M+S. that model nokian will hydroplane on you in
conditions a Michelin Harmony M+S won't. people use M+S the most hours they drive a car. and Michelin tires are hands down the best engineered for what I do anyway...my driving is a ton of 80mph in all weather. don't need to hydroplane and I never do with Michelins M+S (xice do hydroplane so I slow down to 65 when using those in the wet)

if I can clarify I mean: any M+S Michelin with large circumferential grooves is the best tire...period. and yes they can do extremly well in snow vs any other M+S -and- last a long time. I need to add 'last a long time' and also 'Michelins stay round longest of any tire' no one can make a better carcass than Michelin. other tires will develop warps or flat spots under conditions Michelin tires just laugh at

e) yes there are a dozen excellent tires and depending on where you live and
how you drive can dictate what tire is best. no one tire will work for everyone.

Michelin xice defy physics though...they have insane grip but they look like they don't...appearance-wise. stick them on some rims and stick them on a car and put that car on ice and snow and stand back...they only lack in the hydroplaning department... and on wet tar they can be made to slip if you are extra aggressive.