In the southern regions of Russia, some drivers prefer not to use winter tires. Most conscientious drivers in the south change their cars as soon as the first snow falls. At the same time, the lion’s share of sales in the Southern Federal District are friction tires or “Velcro”. The editors of “Yuzhny Avtomobil” decided to check how good Michelin X-Ice Snow friction tires are in our conditions.
We decided to install a set of Michelin X-Ice Snow non-studded tires, size 175/65 R14, on the editorial Lada Granta. In our configuration, the car is factory-installed with Pirelli Cinturato 185/55 R15 summer tires on cast wheels. For winter tires, stamped VAZ disks were purchased separately, on which Michelin winter tires were put.
Even at the time of tire fitting, the mechanic who changed our wheels, expertly noted the quality of the rubber, recalling that Michelin has excellent tires that last for several seasons. And indeed, visually the rubber looks good, pleasant to the touch and not oak, and due to the V-shaped tread pattern and large blocks, the tire looks like a mud tire.
Eight years ago, the main friction tire from Michelin was considered the X-Ice 3 model, which was produced from 2012 to 2020. This tire has been repeatedly recognized as one of the best in the segment. In 2020, it was replaced by the new non-studded tire X-Ice Snow.
The main feature that the manufacturer claims for the new model is not only better grip on snow, ice and frozen asphalt, but also that the rubber has become more wear-resistant. The mileage of Michelin X-Ice Snow is 23% higher than similar tires from competitors.
New rubber compound
Michelin X-Ice Snow uses a new rubber compound, which is called Flex Ice. The peculiarity of the mixture is that at low temperatures the tire will not become stiff, but will be elastic. At moderate temperatures the tire will remain moderately hard. This effect is achieved due to the inclusion of polymers.
These same inclusions wear out a little faster and form microcavities. On ice, they absorb the ice film, and on snow, the roughness helps to cling to the road surface. The V-shaped tread itself also helps to drain snow and water from the contact patch of the tire with the road. The French manufacturer abandoned the central drainage channel. Micheline X-Ice Snow tires use two types of sipes: variable thickness (to remove water film from the contact patch) and U-shaped (help to achieve greater block rigidity during maneuvering).
Models designed for SUVs have a double frame – to increase strength and improve directional stability. The proprietary Flex-Ice rubber compound should increase the service life of the tires. Simply put, Michelin X-Ice Snow tires should last not three or four seasons, but five. The tire can be selected for almost any car. The X-Ice Snow model is available in 136 sizes for wheels with a diameter of 13 to 22 inches. There is a separate variation of this rubber for crossovers and SUVs Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV.
Impressions
Frequent temperature transitions through zero, snow with rain or ice are ideal conditions for using friction tires. There are no severe frosts in the south of Russia, therefore, friction tires are better suited for asphalt use than studded ones. The southern winter is comparable to the off-season in central Russia.
Making noise on the asphalt with studded tires is a dubious pleasure, but Michelin X-Ice Snow wheels also provide acoustic comfort to your ears and do not produce a hum at high speeds. At the same time, the tire really lives up to its name “Velcro” and it essentially sticks to cold asphalt, providing good grip on the surface.
Also, if snow slush appears, the V-shaped pattern and U-shaped sipes effectively combat it. In fact, the tire produces the effect of a tractor track, when it pushes the snow slush out with the help of tread blocks, creating a more effective contact patch. On asphalt with small traces of snow slush, the car behaves quite obediently. On thin ice that forms on the asphalt in the morning, the X-Ice Snow tires allow you to confidently move off with virtually no slippage.
As for braking on ice, the Flex-Ice rubber compound again contributes here, as well as the variable thickness of the sipes in the central part of the tread, allowing the tires to better cling to the icy surface. The braking distance of a car on Michelin X-Ice Snow tires has become 4% shorter. This is proudly stated by the manufacturer.
The new tires promote active driving, and the tread helps improve handling on snow and improves traction on slippery surfaces. To sum up, we can say that by changing summer tires to winter Michelin X-Ice Snow tires you don’t really feel the difference.
Summary
Prices for Michelin X-Ice Snow tires in our configuration at the time of testing ranged from 5,700 to 6,000 rubles per piece, or approximately 22,000 – 24,000 rubles per set. Compared to competitors, the tires are slightly more expensive, but there are several undeniable advantages. Firstly, the quality of manufacture is head and shoulders above the competition.
Secondly, the polymers in the rubber compound make the tire surface uneven as it wears out. This property allows the tire to maintain its drainage efficiency and improves grip on ice and slush, even when it has been driven for more than one season and is partially worn out.
Thirdly, thanks to the new rubber compound, the tire will last much longer. In other words, X-Ice Snow tires last for another season at the same rate of use. Even if you pay a little more for the tires up front, you will save money in the longevity of the tires in the long run.
