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Snow Tires

Created September 21, 2008, at 11:55 pm by wjpm

First Day of Autumn -- sad to say winter is coming :-(

Looking froward: what snow tires work best for my '08 Honda Civic Hybrid???

To me: the order of importance: 1) good traction. 2) MPG and 3) low noise.

Peace

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MSantos
Senior Member

3 years ago

Hi wjpm:

The only winter tires I use and recommend for HCH-II and Prius owners is the Michelin X-Ice tires mounted on a regular steel rim set.

Cheers;

MSantos

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wjpm
Junior Member

3 years ago

Thanks .... but am curious: what do you know about the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60? It rates high at tirerack.com

Why do you recommend the Michelin X-Ice?

Also, where can I get a regular steel rim set? What do you recommend ?

Thanks

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MSantos
Senior Member

3 years ago

Hi wjpm:

The feedback that we've gotten from is that the Blizzak's are excellent on snow and Ice... but they seem to wear very fast for some folks.

The Michelin X-Ice have aced many of the tests on ice and snow surfaces while being very quiet and offering excellent fuel economy. They also seem to wear more slowly than most other snow tires. My personal experience is that the Michelin tire technology is consistently superior and therefore able to justify the results I seek, traction and FE being the two most important for my hybrids.
The price of these vary a bit as they can be slightly more expensive than the competition depending mostly on where you buy them.

The regular Rims can be obtained at a dealer (the standard Civic DX rims are preferred). As long as the steel rims follow the same specs you can also buy them at any other third party shop or vendor.

Cheers;

MSantos

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wjpm
Junior Member

3 years ago

Thanks MSantos...

I'm a dummy here, though: why do you recommend the snow tires be put on different rims than the standard ones? What would the benefit be?

Also, do you ever recommend the Fuel System Cleaning places like Jiffy Lube offers?

Thanks

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wjpm
Junior Member

3 years ago

Oh yeh ... I forget to add...

I keep my tires at 42psi. Would you recommend the same for the snow tires?

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MSantos
Senior Member

3 years ago

Hi wjpm:

Why different rims? Because the winter will destroy the OEM rims with the salt and sand often used on the streets and also because the entire wheel is easier to install or remove when the time comes. Switching the rubber on the same OEM rims will also kill the rims and it becomes expensive after a while to pay every time you need the rubber switched.

I would never take my car to the likes of Jiffy Lube for anything. Sorry.

Always keep your tires at the max rated PSI marked on the tire or 2 PSI or so lower than that value. Some winter tires have the max rating set at 51 PSI, and in that scenario I suggest 48-51 PSI pressures.

Cheers;

MSantos

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manojjonam10
Senior Member

3 years ago

Michelin-X ice tires are the best choice for winter tires. They are usually mounted on a steel rim which gives you good traction and low noise.

Rachel

3 years ago

I have a HCHI and am thinking about getting winter tires this year. This thread has been about newer models of the hybrid, I'm wondering if the same tires would be good for my model.

Also, I'm just wondering if this makes sense. Basically, I like to ski a lot, and we get a fair amount of snow in the mountains where I live. Sometimes what keeps my car from going up a road is just the sheer amount of snow & nothing is going to fix that but getting a high clearance vehicle. But we had a couple times last winter sliding around a bit.

I do have chains and use them when I really need them. But I'm wondering if winter tires will give me that extra edge (and peace of mind). Probably.

Rachel

3 years ago

I'm doing a little research and am seeing Cooper Weather-Master S/T 2 available for my car (HCH 1) at discount tires. Anybody have experience with these or know how they compare with others for both performance & MPG?

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Peggy
Junior Member

3 years ago

Just bought Michelin X-Ice2 for my HCH. Tires centre was suppsed to balance and check inflation. Checked tire pressures when I got home and found that all the tires are between 25-28.5 psi (yikes...I hope my tire guage is just wrong). They are inflated with nitrogen. Any one know whether nitrogen is available at gas stations, or is that only available at the tire centres? Also, can I add regular air to my tires, if there is nitrogen in them right now?

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Mendel Leisk
Senior Member

3 years ago

I would just add regular air, at least up to the spec, (I've almost forgotten what that is, is it 32psi?), or higher, at your preference. Do check the inflation when the tires have fully cooled, first thing in the morning is the best time, but let the car sit at least 2-3 hours.

Nitrogen is claimed to less subject to pressure changes with changing ambient temp's. As far as I know that is the only reason some places are pushing it. I would not be concerned adding regular air.

joev

2 years ago

Best tires in Northern Michigan... <90 inches of snow last winter> are the Blizzaks ws-60. Hands down the BEST. I personally bought Firestone Winterforce M&S directional tires put on steel rims. Saved some $$$ with the Firestones, good enough and cheaper then the Blizzaks. I put them on steel rims so I may put the tires/rims on my vehicle every year myself. Saves money after the initial investment. I bought used spare tire rims from the junk yard. Paint them with an excellent black primer... and you are good to go.

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