Can we compare Performance Winter Tires with Snow/Ice - "directly" based on Tire Rack surveys (http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp&type=W&VT=C&width=195%2F&ratio=5 5&diameter=16&tireSearch=true),

or are the survey results done "within" categories, i.e., even though a performance winter tire (e.g., Pilot Alpin) is rated "best" with an "8"; does it equal the same "best" of "8" (X-Ice) in the Snow/Ice category?

I am asking since it looked like some of the performance winter outperformed the dedicated winter in some of the snow/ice ratings - which does not make sense when you think about the tire characteristics that make a good sow/ice tire (vs. perfromance tire).

The Pilot Alpins were good enough on my WRX with AWD, but I am thinking of going with X-Ice for my MCS with FWD to end up with a similar level of security in heavy snow/ice.

thanks,

tim

 

Tim,

My feeling is that the ratings apply within a respective category only.

You can ask Alex@tirerack for comparison shopping.

I think if you have heavy snow then dedicated winter tires would be best.

Also when the snow is heavy and road conditions are poor, you have to slow down but at least good tires are going to allow you to get home safely and not get stranded or stuck with no or minimal traction.

 

Thanks - appreciate it. tim