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It is never easy to rank the best tires, particularly for the winter season.
The reality is that there are several quality winter tires on the market, but most consumers each have specific and varied needs that ensure that there is no one right tire for everyone.
These needs especially vary depending on where one lives. Motorists driving daily in Montreal will not have the same needs as those living in rural areas, simply because the intensity of winter is not the same from one region to another, nor is the efficiency of the snow removal services.
That said, year after year at this time, comparative winter tires are everywhere, and they all demonstrate that some tires are better balanced, and simply better, than others. It is also particularly noticeable that the same tires tend to finish near the top of all these various rankings, no matter who or which organization is responsible for compiling the lists.
Without further wait, here are the top 5 winter tires of 2016. To establish the ranking, we integrated the results from various comparisons from reputable sources such as the APA, Consumer Reports in the United States, and CAA-Quebec.
Nokian Hakkapelitta
The undisputed king of winter tires, the Nokian Hakkapelitta is offered in two versions, 8 and R2. The Hakkapelitta 8 is definitely the most rugged and extreme of the two variants, and it can even be equipped with studs directly from the Nokian factory.
With or without studs, the tire’s performance both on ice and on snow is ahead of the competition according to the vast majority of evaluations worldwide. In return, the 8 is known for being noisier when the road is clear compared to the majority of its rivals.
For this reason, Nokian also offers the Hakkapelitta R2. Equally impressive, it is also a bit quieter than the 8, and thus better suited to urban driving when the roads are clear.
Bridgestone Blizzak
Introduced to the market more than 20 years ago, the Bridgestone Blizzak has always been known for its performance on ice while being an excellent tire in the snow as well. The first generations of the Blizzak had the reputation of being more or less durable, but Bridgestone made some improvements in that regard with the WS80, the latest iteration of the Blizzak. Longevity issues are less a consideration than they were before, and the Blizzak WS80 is now in position to compete with any other tire on the market on all fronts.
More affordable than the Nokian Hakkapelitta, the Blizzak WS80 is also quieter than the WS70 it replaces.
Continental Winter Contact Si
Continental is a brand known for its performance tires intended for sportier vehicles. Even with winter tires, Continental emphasized sportiness, especially with the previous-generation Extreme Winter Contact. Then, two years ago, Continental replaced it with the Winter Contact, a more balanced winter tire capable of being as effective on a performance coupe as it is on an affordable sedan.
Quieter than the Extreme Winter Contact, with a more balanced behavior on both snow and ice, the Continental Winter Contact has a directional tread which means owners need to ensure proper rotation.
Michelin X-Ice Xi3
It is true that the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 is among the most expensive winter tires, but it is also one of the most durable tires on the market. Motorists in the Montreal area and other urban areas will also enjoy improved comfort on dry roads, and its overall stability. A bit more efficient on ice than it is in deep snow, it is nevertheless well-balanced in addition to being easy to find thanks to an extended distribution network.
Add to this frequent promotions at this time of the year on the Michelin X-Ice Xi3, and it becomes easy to understand why this tire is so popular.
Toyo Observe GSi 5
The Toyo Observe GSi 5 is a durable and efficient winter tire that offers good value for your money. Toyo winter tires have always performed well during winter tests for the last two decades, and are often praised for their behavior in deep snow. They are therefore a good choice if you must often contend with roads that are not cleared as quickly as you would like. That said, the Toyo Observe also holds its own on icy roads.
As you can see, quality tires abound. Regardless of your budget, you will find a safe a durable winter tire in the list above.
This article was written in collaboration with Pneus Touchette and TireLand. Come and have a chat with one of their specialists in one of the five locations in the greater Montreal area to discover the winter tire that best suits your needs and fits your budget. Find out more about their promotions on winter tires today, as well as their storage packages.
