Need new tires: Michelin snow tires or Harmony?

[Pegleg]

I have a Legacy Sedan (1999). 195/60-R15 tires. Michelin's site rates
the Harmony better as a snow tire than the Arctic Alpin or Pilot. Is
this true?
My local dealer (I'm in the mountains of western North Carolina) says
quite a few people are buying the Alpins for year-round driving.
I'm on a steep road, so when it snows, it's bad though we normally
don't get too much snow.

My questions:
1. Is the Alpin (Arctic or Pilot) driveable year-round?
2. If so, what is the life span. (I should say that it will be MUCH
lower here, we have a 1/2 mile hill and have to brake almost the whole
way down.)
3. Is the Harmony as good in snow or ice?

I know there is a replacement tire for the X-One, the Hydro Edge, but
it looks too much like the Aquatred, and I've heard that requires a
different style of driving.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[Felix Crashalot]

Winter tires will be ruined during the hot summer days. Nobody will
give you a mileage rating for a winter tire in summer conditions.
Being just a little agressive will ruin them within a year. Your
dealer will be happy to sell you another set every two years.

Four season tires may give decent winter driving during the first two
years. If the pavement gets icy this is where the 4-season tires are
in trouble. If the temperature gets to zero F or less, you're also in
trouble with an all-season tire.

I have Harmonys on my Legacy. Although they are quiet and will
probably last long, I would not buy those again as the steering is not
as responsive as with my previous XH4s, they have that "balloon"
feeling. I live in Montreal, and I use a separate set of wheels with
winter tires.

The cheapest winter tire will perform much better in snow or ice than
any four-season tire. If you have enough snow to make it hazardous
during winter, you may want to consider buying a set of cheap steel
wheels with cheap winter tires. During summer you wouldn't have to
compromise in buying a tire that will not make your car fun to drive.
It will be cheaper than a new set of winter tires every two years of
so.

 

[DC]

No. If it says it's that then it's a misprint.

The cheapest winter tire will perform much better in snow or ice than
any four-season tire. If you have enough snow to make it hazardous
during winter, you may want to consider buying a set of cheap steel
wheels with cheap winter tires.

True, the cheapest winter tire will perform better in winter than
any all-season. Decision criteria for winter tires involves the following:
- deep snow vs. ice/packed snow vs. wet/slush traction
- treadlife
- road noise (don't underestimate this one - loud tires get annoying fast)
- cost
-construction and brand

The more money you pay, the better the traction/treadlife/road noise, but
more importantly, the better the quality (this is a general statement, there
are exceptions I'm sure). The way I see it, your life is in your hands when
you drive, -especially- when you drive in winter. So get the best winter
tires you can afford, and if you can't afford much, then pick one criteria
that matters most to you, and get the best tire you can that excels at
that criteria.

 

[J999w]

road noise (don't underestimate this one - loud tires get annoying fast)

I love the sound of snow tires ..... whirrrrrrrr.

After all, I'm driving my car, not sitting down for a nap !

:^]

jw
milwaukee

 

[John Moriarity]

The more money you pay, the better the traction/treadlife/road noise, but
more importantly, the better the quality (this is a general statement, there
are exceptions I'm sure). The way I see it, your life is in your hands when
you drive, -especially- when you drive in winter. So get the best winter
tires you can afford...

I agree 110%! I had Arctic Alpins on our 2000 OBS
last winter, and they are the best winter tire I've ever had.
In my opinion, better than studs. I have hit the brakes
hard on ice, and not even triggered the ABS. I expect
to get at least three more winters from them.

Our winter does not often bring deep snow, but we
have slush and black ice frequently. I rolled and
totalled my Toyota 4X4 pickup last year while going
only 35 mph, when I hit a patch of black ice on a
curve. All season tires! Luckily, I was unhurt
(shoulder harness).

Buy the best you can afford. Your life is at stake.

John Moriarity
Alturas, CA

 

[Tony Hwang]

Hi,
Nokia is better than Michelin which I have. Next time, I am getting
Nokia.
Tony

 

[JDC]

I have had Artic Alpins the last three winters on my Outback. They are great
except when there is lots of snow, not a bey agressive tread. They are
really an ice tire. They also have soft sidewalls so are a bit soft for year
round use, but I still like 'em. If I were to do it again I would get
Nokia's.

 

[Yourawahoo]

If it were myself, I would get the bridge stone blizzak. Superior snow traction and wear.

 

[DWee]

I have a Legacy Sedan (1999). 195/60-R15 tires. Michelin's site rates
the Harmony better as a snow tire than the Arctic Alpin or Pilot. Is
this true?
My local dealer (I'm in the mountains of western North Carolina) says
quite a few people are buying the Alpins for year-round driving.
I'm on a steep road, so when it snows, it's bad though we normally
don't get too much snow.

My questions:
1. Is the Alpin (Arctic or Pilot) driveable year-round?
2. If so, what is the life span. (I should say that it will be MUCH
lower here, we have a 1/2 mile hill and have to brake almost the whole
way down.)
3. Is the Harmony as good in snow or ice?

I know there is a replacement tire for the X-One, the Hydro Edge, but
it looks too much like the Aquatred, and I've heard that requires a
different style of driving.

Thanks,

Bob

As far as I know. Harmony is one of the best all-season tires in the market today. If you want a lasting tread life, then I suggest you go for this.