Michelin's Innovative Winter Tire: A Breakthrough for Electric and Gas Vehicles
Introducing a new tire to drivers is no simple task for manufacturers. To most consumers, tires appear as round, black, and costly necessities, with little visibility into the years of research behind their chemistry and design. Similarly, convincing the media presents its own hurdles. Testing beyond computer simulations relies on unpredictable weather and driving consistency. For instance, if one tire stops a car faster on ice than another, it might be due to the ice's condition rather than the rubber's quality.
Rigorous Testing in Quebec's Snowy Conditions
To showcase its latest innovation, Michelin recently conducted demonstrations on a snowy racetrack in Quebec. The new X-Ice Snow+ tire replaces the current Snow model as the company's mass-production winter option. Engineers tout enhancements in traction, fuel efficiency, and durability. While the tread pattern remains unchanged, the real advancement lies in the chemical composition of the rubber.
Tire rubber is crafted from a base of elastomer, supplemented with silica as a filler and additives known as plasticizers—typically oils that adjust properties across temperatures. David Griese, Michelin's winter product category manager, explains, "We revamped two of the three main components and fine-tuned the third. A new elastomer and oil type were introduced, with slight adjustments to silica levels. In simple terms, we transformed the compound for a breakthrough."
Performance Claims and Competitive Edge
Michelin asserts that the X-Ice Snow+ delivers superior grip and braking on snow, ice, and cold wet or dry roads. It also excels in comfort and longevity compared to rivals and performs equally well on electric vehicles (EVs) and gas-powered cars. EVs pose greater demands due to their increased weight and quieter operation.
To verify these claims, testing involved an icy slalom course in a Chevrolet Equinox EV, pitting the Michelin tires against competitors like the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and Continental Viking Contact 8. All are top-tier "Tier 1" tires, prioritizing performance over cost, unlike more affordable Tier 2 or Tier 3 options.
Pricing and Market Comparison
Current pricing for the Michelin X-Ice Snow tire ranges from $250 for a 16-inch size (suitable for a Honda Civic) to $286 for an 18-inch version (fitting a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid), plus taxes. The new Snow+ is expected to retail similarly upon its release next season. In contrast, Tier 2 tires from brands like Nordman or Sailun may cost about $50 less, while lesser-known Tier 3 options could be $100 cheaper.
Lower-cost tires often bear only "M+S" (mud and snow) ratings, sometimes with a three-peak mountain snowflake symbol. More advanced winter tires for severe conditions now feature an "Ice Grip" symbol—a mountain within a triangle. Michelin tires produced in Nova Scotia also carry a Made-in-Canada stamp on their sidewalls.
On-Track Results and Real-World Testing
While declaring a clear winner was challenging, the Michelin tires demonstrated comparable steering and braking capabilities on slippery surfaces. Further testing in gas-powered GMC Terrains on an icier course revealed impressive grip levels. On a snow-filled road with 30-centimetre ruts in Toyota RAV4s, the Michelins maintained a steady path, whereas other brands exhibited more bounce and occasional bumps against snow banks.
Additional trials with front-wheel-drive Toyota Corollas on snowy tracks, using tires shaved to 4/32-inch tread depth (twice the legal minimum but worn from the original 10/32 inches), compared the Michelin to Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 tires. The Michelin outperformed, though the comparison wasn't entirely fair. Bridgestone's Blizzak models use a Multicell compound in only the first 55% of tread depth, with standard winter rubber in the remainder, making them highly effective initially but less so as they wear.
Longevity and Warranty Advantages
Bridgestone now offers the pricier Blizzak 6, with consistent tread compound for extended life. Similarly, Michelin claims improved durability for the X-Ice Snow+, though they advise against using any tire beyond 10 years. Griese notes, "It varies by location, but we're confident you can gain an extra season of performance." For drivers logging 5,000 to 10,000 kilometres per winter, the Snow+ may add that distance or one more season compared to its predecessor.
Among competitors, Michelin stands out with a tread-life warranty. Others avoid mileage guarantees for winter tires due to accelerated wear in summer use. Michelin currently provides a 60,000-kilometre warranty for X-Ice Snow tires, with plans to increase it for the Snow+. Purchasers also receive three years of complimentary roadside assistance, covering flat tire changes or tows to dealers.
The writer participated as a guest of the manufacturer, with content not subject to approval.
