I've had a set of 175/65R-15 Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60 on order with TireRack since 9/1/08. After 3 full month's of waiting, they are still passing along back-order delays (latest a possible 12/5 ship)! Seriously!

My problem is that these are the ones I wanted for our Minnesota blizzard conditions but they want me to consider these alternatives:

The Winter 190 Snowcontrol is Pirelli's Winter tire

The X-Ice is Michelin's Studless Ice and Snow winter tire

What to do...live with my existing All Season Conti's and wait it out or take a second choice?

We're expecting a heavy snow season, if that helps. thanks

 

I have the Michelin X-Ice snow tires on my wife's Prius and daughter's Honda. They work pretty darn well. I put on some Dunlop Wintersport 3Ds on my MINI last winter and I really like the way they handle.

 

If I was in your situation I'd cancel my order & buy a set of Nokian Hakkapeliitta snow tires. I'm using Hakka 2 in 185-65-15 size & they are great. They have new models out now & I believe they will even preform better than the 2's. I'd look at the 4 or 5 model. Seeing as you live in MN you should be able to find some locally.

I bought my last set from Greer Ent. (414.545.2296)

The Blizzak ws 60 is supposed to be a good tire too, but it won't be much good if you are waiting for yours when it snows.

 

My brother had X-ice's on his last car, they work really well.

I have Michelin Pilot Alipin PA2 on mine - I prefer a "performance winter" over a Blizzak-type true winter since we don't get but three or four big blizzards. The PA2's do great in all but the deepest snow (but come on, at that point it's a clearance issue), stick to ice, and still maintain traction on dry cold pavement and don't wear as fast since the tread is a little harder.

 

To be honest, any winter tire will be great.

Being where you are Jimmy I'd go with a snow type tire. I'm guessing that will be the best choice in the great white north.

 

Well the Blissaks arrived the day before our first blast of snow. Took the MINI out at 4AM this morning to go to the gym. Snow had drifted to a foot or more in places and outside temp was -8. What a great ride!! Being the first one down the road on fresh snow and feeling the Blizzaks bite was quite a thrill. Perfect handling and control. If I gave her too much throttle, the DSC would let me know. What a car! Can't wait for the next 6 months of Winter!! Motor on.

 

Seeing that snowy pic makes me homesick! Have fun!!

 

Looking at the weather, it seems like the arctic blast even reached Houston!

Where is home to you?

We just got another dumping tonight, so here's looking forward to another MINI snow adventure in the morning!!

 

Finland - "The Land of the Thousand Lakes", actually I read there are about 187,888 lakes so it's a bit of an understatement.
It's a bit cooler here due to the cool breeze you sent us, but nothing close to what you have. We had a balmy 44 to 47 degrees today, and probably around 39 tonight!!