Exam #3
The final evaluation was done on tires worn down to 4/32 of an inch. In this exercise, the Mazda3s were rubbered in Nokian Hakkapeliitta R, Goodyear UltraGrip Ice and the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70. All equally and artificially worn out, each tire with car was put through a series of medium speed turns, hard braking zones and some especially icy surfaces. This test was the most real-life-like of the lot.
As well as the Michelin X-Ice 3s' performed, I was expecting the Blizzaks to do poorly but they did a fine job. The Michelins' once again demonstrated their superior lateral adhesion to slippery surfaces.
What this entire event put forth is that the Michelins are highly competent tires in a large number of situations. What it also did was remind that the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice tires are also highly effective in many instances, minus the lateral grip. Incidentally, lateral grip is what will help prevent over and under steer.
The Michelin X-Ice 3 will be available in 33 sizes when it goes on sale this fall. Michelin promises more in 2013 and by then, 90% of all winter-tire buying consumers will be covered.
On the topic of dollars and cents, Michelin may charge more but then you always get what you pay for. You know what I mean. The iPhone 4 wasn't good enough, you had to get the 4S. The 4 would have done the job but the 4S takes better pictures, and so on and so forth.
The Michelin X-Ice 3 will give you as good or better grip in all situations, last longer, offer a better warranty and more peace of mind.
The final evaluation was done on tires worn down to 4/32 of an inch. In this exercise, the Mazda3s were rubbered in Nokian Hakkapeliitta R, Goodyear UltraGrip Ice and the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70. All equally and artificially worn out, each tire with car was put through a series of medium speed turns, hard braking zones and some especially icy surfaces. This test was the most real-life-like of the lot.
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| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com |
As well as the Michelin X-Ice 3s' performed, I was expecting the Blizzaks to do poorly but they did a fine job. The Michelins' once again demonstrated their superior lateral adhesion to slippery surfaces.
What this entire event put forth is that the Michelins are highly competent tires in a large number of situations. What it also did was remind that the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice tires are also highly effective in many instances, minus the lateral grip. Incidentally, lateral grip is what will help prevent over and under steer.
The Michelin X-Ice 3 will be available in 33 sizes when it goes on sale this fall. Michelin promises more in 2013 and by then, 90% of all winter-tire buying consumers will be covered.
On the topic of dollars and cents, Michelin may charge more but then you always get what you pay for. You know what I mean. The iPhone 4 wasn't good enough, you had to get the 4S. The 4 would have done the job but the 4S takes better pictures, and so on and so forth.
The Michelin X-Ice 3 will give you as good or better grip in all situations, last longer, offer a better warranty and more peace of mind.
 |
| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com |
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