Automotive

Winter tires michelin x - ice 2 vs winter claw extreme grip

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  • Nov 14th, 2012 11:16 pm
Member
Dec 15, 2010
211 posts
12 upvotes
Richmond Hill

Winter tires michelin x - ice 2 vs winter claw extreme grip

Hello all, just wondering if the cheapest snow/winter tires still better than any all seasons. Example would be michelin x - ice 2 vs cheap china made winter claw tires. Price difference is round $400 for a set of 4. Saving is substantial and I have read some reviews that the michelin tires Re top rated but does it really worth it?

Any one using the winter claw extreme grip snow tires and any feedback will be great appreciated?
14 replies
Deal Expert
Oct 20, 2001
18709 posts
1326 upvotes
Sauga
Winter Claw tires are rated "below average" by APA -- http://www.apa.ca/WinterTires2011-PassengerCars.asp (SUV tire ratings are at http://www.apa.ca/WinterTires2011-SUVs.asp )

You're better off buying nearly-new used tires than going with cheaply made new ones. You have a Venza, right? Here are some options:
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle ... Z426358933
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle ... Z419757571
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle ... Z427822999
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle ... Z423580159

(17" and 18" tire size options are listed at http://www.tirerack.com/snow/WinterPack ... dClar=4cyl )
Deal Fanatic
User avatar
Jun 7, 2001
7994 posts
2226 upvotes
Alberta
Why not get a better quality winter tire like the General Altimax Arctic or Hankook I*Pike W409? I have had entry level winter tires before....Arctic Claw TXI. They are much better than all season tires...but are behind in performance against solid winter tires like the Generals, Hankooks, Blizzaks and Michelin X Ices. Have CT price match Discountsontires.com price on the Generals. CT will add shipping...shipping to Ontario is reasonable (out west the shipping is outrageous)....compare with CT's occasional 25% off sale on the Generals.

Dave
Newbie
Jul 29, 2012
16 posts
1 upvote
MONTR
Hey Guys, i have a similar question. My tires are 235/65R18 and there are not many choices at CT. General artimax arctic doesnt have my sizes. I'm wondering if the Continental Cross Contact is acceptable vs Michelin x ice or hankook ipike which are alot more expensive. Continental are around 175 per tire, Hankook 250 and Michelin x ice 2 286
Deal Fanatic
User avatar
Jun 7, 2001
7994 posts
2226 upvotes
Alberta
gr33dy wrote: Hey Guys, i have a similar question. My tires are 235/65R18 and there are not many choices at CT. General artimax arctic doesnt have my sizes. I'm wondering if the Continental Cross Contact is acceptable vs Michelin x ice or hankook ipike which are alot more expensive. Continental are around 175 per tire, Hankook 250 and Michelin x ice 2 286
Have you check with Tirerack to see if there was another tire size that would fit your vehicle?....pick your vehicle, year and trim level and see what winter packages are available. Often there are minus sizes available (one or two rim sizes smaller that will clear your brake calipers).

Dave
Newbie
Jul 29, 2012
16 posts
1 upvote
MONTR
Hey Dave, I checked and i can possibly downsize to 17 inch. Its a Nissan Murano SV 2012. I was thinking about keeping my OEM alloy wheels...so downsizing means i have to buy 17 inch steelies which r relatively expensive. Do you think Continental's are good enough? Its 175 at my local CT per tire.
Deal Fanatic
User avatar
Jun 7, 2001
7994 posts
2226 upvotes
Alberta
gr33dy wrote: Hey Dave, I checked and i can possibly downsize to 17 inch. Its a Nissan Murano SV 2012. I was thinking about keeping my OEM alloy wheels...so downsizing means i have to buy 17 inch steelies which r relatively expensive. Do you think Continental's are good enough? Its 175 at my local CT per tire.
Continental ContiCrossContact Winter 235/65-18 is regularly priced at $183.xx/tire. Looks to be H-rated which is more of a performance winter tire rather than a true winter tire. Since you are in Montreal where it averages about 8 feet of snow during an average year (similar amount to what my previous city in the BC northern interior gets), I probably would pass on it and get a true winter tire.

Look at getting discount steel rims from Costco or CT. Winter tires mounted on a separate set of 17 inch steel rims will extend the life of your tires if you are planning to keep your SUV more than a few years (assuming that you have storage space for a 2nd set of mounted tires). If you are only keeping the SUV 2-3 years, then it may make sense to use the stock 18 inch rims for both sets of your tires (3 season and winter). Personally, I recommend spending the $$ now and get a second set of wheels....you could always sell them later too.

235/70-17 would be the best match to your stock 18 inch...almost the same overall tire diameter (-0.25%)...however, tire selection for that size is limited. More tires in the 245/70-17 (+1.59%...less than 3%...okay). Check out the prices on the 17 inch steel wheels (hubcentric is usually the best). Here's a very good price on a 245/70-17 in your neck of woods (little or no shipping...others have posted that they don't allow local pickup)...General Altimax Arctic 245/70-17 for $159.xx/tire http://www.discountsontires.com/dimensi ... 95-68.html General and Continental are owned by the same company. Generals have had good ratings in the past: http://forums.redflagdeals.com/merged-w ... a-1089871/

I have the General Altimax Arctics 245/75-16 on my 4x4 truck...studded (I wouldn't stud them again unless I am often driving on ice...studding costs ~$20/tire and are noisy). Best winter tires that I have owned. Really good bang for the buck IMO.

Costco has the Blizzak DM-V1 in 235/70-17 and 245/70-17 for $186.xx and $187.xx, respectively. Since you have stock 18 inch wheels, they may not sell you these tires (they are fussy about speed ratings too). 235/65-18 are $207.xx for the DM-V1 at Costco. Installation is extra at $15/tire.

Dave
Member
Dec 15, 2010
211 posts
12 upvotes
Richmond Hill
I ended up bought the michelin x - ice xi2 from tire rack $880 shipped
Deal Addict
Aug 21, 2006
1872 posts
1231 upvotes
you mean shipping to states. you will have to go pick them up?
Bestcaller wrote: I ended up bought the michelin x - ice xi2 from tire rack $880 shipped
Deal Fanatic
Oct 1, 2004
5862 posts
268 upvotes
kcirtap78 wrote: you mean shipping to states. you will have to go pick them up?
Tirerack can ship to your door. You can check the shipping/tax/duties at checkout and see how much it costs you.
signature edited for rule violations
Deal Addict
Aug 21, 2006
1872 posts
1231 upvotes
yes i know but tirerack usually 140-160 to ship tires. plus usually another 150$ for tax and duties and what not that you only see on final checkout...

example
245/65R17 Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 Blackwall
You chose not to provide vehicle information In Stock 4 $146.00 $584.00
Shipping Sub-Total: $160.78
Order Total
Shipping Total: $160.78
Excise Tax: $0.00
GST: $33.34
PST: $66.55
Duty: $40.88
Provincial Tire Fee: $12.00
Brokerage Fee: $30.00
Order Total (USD): $927.55

flyz wrote: Tirerack can ship to your door. You can check the shipping/tax/duties at checkout and see how much it costs you.
Deal Addict
Aug 21, 2006
1872 posts
1231 upvotes
NM. OP never said tires were 235.65.18 that was another poster. Move alone my bad lol
Newbie
User avatar
Apr 21, 2012
85 posts
5 upvotes
NORTH YORK
Bit late but enjoy the Michelin tires. They won't leave your ears ringing after a drive and pretty good on ice too. One thing to note though, these tires kind of spin/slip/dig (?) a bit more than the other tires in deeper snow (think snowstorm). You never actually get stuck though. It just keeps clawing its way through. Very different sensation compared to the Toyo Observe G-02's I had before. Definitely quieter...

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