Tire: X-Ice Xi3
Category: Studless Ice & Snow
UTQG (treadwear): Not rated
The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 is a fantastic overall dedicated snow and ice tire. It definitely sits in the top three for me, in this particular performance category. It was developed to work across a wide range of vehicles and comes in sizes ranging from 15" to 19". This particular tire is also a low rolling resistance tire, which means it will give you better fuel economy compared to other tires in the category. The Xi3 has a silica-based winter tread compound that gives you firmness at higher temperatures and flexibility at lower temperatures to increase traction on ice and snow. It also features what are called micro-pumps and Cross Z Sipes, Michelin's own technology, to give you great traction under all winter weather conditions. Michelin says that you should only install these in sets for four for safety reasons.
From all the folks I've talked to that have run this tire, I think by and large they are in agreement that it is at the top of the studless ice & snow list. Some say its the best, some don't, but everybody agrees that it's at least in the top 3. For being studless, drivers note particularly that the Xi3 has great traction on ice. Who would have thought? You'll find that these tires last in the 40,000 miles range, so par for the course. Overall, this is a very strong tire in the category, and definitely worth your consideration if you live in a harsh winter area.
