Beware using Michelin Energy Saver tires in the snow!

That's why I always suggest using Nokian WRg2 or WRg3 tires from Finland. They are LRR all weather tires that have the snowflake emblem (good as most snow tires on ICE/Snow).

JeffD

 

Pretty much all tires but snow tires are not good in snow, and no tire is good in ice.

 

i suppose it depends on the driving conditions and driving style as well.

 

Funny, I've been driving the Michelin Energy Savers through last winter and this one and haven't noticed anything unusual. Yeah, snow tires are always better, but all-weather tires are always good for a game of slip-and-go, and the Michelins don't more slippery than any other all-weather tire I've driven upon.

KBeck

 

Keep in mind, believe the Energy Saver has 2 versions: Regular and A/S (All Season).

I take the OP to mean the Regular is less good in snow. It's the A/S version that comes more highly recommended, and going from memory here, but I think the A/S will continue to be made, not sure the other version is still avail.

 

please don't try to start a scare. I have these on my car and we have received a TON of snow and ice in NW indiana area in the past 6 weeks, i've had no issues. you have to be cautious

 

What is your general location, and how many miles are on these tires?

 

The Energy Saver A/S rates fairly low for snow and ice traction. I generally don't recommend them for winter use in regions that get a lot of snow. The Nokians are a better choice or even the Ecopia EP422 if you want to maintain higher fuel efficiency and low cost.

 

I LOVE these "expert" opinions from folks who either live where there rarely is snow, or who don't list in their profile their location (got to assume that they are also in temperate climates)!

Also, driving technique has a lot to do with it! Those not used to driving in snow are quite likely to over do it!

Bottom line: Unless you regularly have over a foot of snow, keep your winter tire "advice" to yourself!

 

Well that eliminates about 90% of the country. I'll keep my advice to myself. Thank you!
I understand you get buried in the white stuff and know how to drive in it.

 

Here in Minnesota, my set of Energy Savers A/S have been just fine. I haven't had any trouble getting around with them.

As a year-round tire, they're a decent choice.

 

But John,
You don't drive in 12 inches of snow on a regular basis either! We live to far south I think.

 

Why so negative? Are you arguing against reviews and ratings from customers and companies like Tire Rack and Consumer Reports? Personally, I've found both of the later to be fairly accurate when comparing tires I have tested.

Regardless, snowy regions generally experience long periods of time when temps are below 45F. Therefore people in those regions really should go with a winter tire that is designed to remain pliable in cold temperatures. That advice is based on facts.

 

I've used Michelin Energy savers rather than the original Bridgestones, as I found them to have a longer life (possibly harder compound). I used them through the winter of 2012/13, and had no problems in the inch or two of snow we had in East Anglia. The traction control / ESP made for some 'fun', as on empty roads you could try and accelerate hard and watch the light show whilst the car try to sort out your mistakes.

No problems when driving carefully, just leave a huge gap behind the car in front.

Regards,
John

 

The op must be on the summer energy savers, as no more word has been received, but if the op is on all season's, technique comes into play.

My Studded Nokians are great on ice, it's slush that offers a challenge.

 

Actually, your profile indicates that you probably DO QUALIFY to speak on the subject (go by your location often((2 weeks ago)) on our way to visit our daughter in St. Paul. It's the folks who don't have their location in their profile(like the OP on this thread) that ticks me off.

Our 2007 Prius had the Energy Saver A/S for some time and did quite well in one snow storm in Maryland a couple of years ago where we were essentially pushing snow on an un-plowed side street.

 

I doubt that ANY tire on a Prius would allow it to handle 12+ inches of snow. Our Prii only have 5.5 inches of ground clearance!

I got home during an intense October snowstorm last year with more than half worn Nokian WRg2 tires. My wife's Jetta with reasonably new Conti AW tires was immovable in the same snow. The following week Nokian WRg2 tires went on her Jetta and this year both cars (New Nokians on my Prius) have handled 6 in snowfalls with no difficulty.

There are differences between AW tires; you need a rubber compound that stays soft in cold weather.

JeffD

 

I wouldn't put Nokian WRG2's in the same league as snow tires. They are sort of half way between all-seasons and snows. I've seen traction tests online that attest to this. They are good, they do have the snowflake symbol. Used year 'round they'll last better than a snow, but I'm sure their wear will be faster.

We've got Nokian WRG2 on our previous Civic Hybrid (still in the family). When I got them everyone was sold out of snows. They were a big improvement over our worn all-seasons, I didn't regret it then, or now.

They've worn now to where the "snowflake" wear bar is almost toast, ie: time to change them if you're intention is good snow traction. My son (he's got the car) is saying he wants X-Ice next time, I'd agree.

We've been using 195/65R15 X-Ice on our Prius, and love them. Very quite, decent RR, pretty much neck-and-neck with our OEM Michelin Pilot in 215/45R17

(I see there's a WRG3 now, tread pattern looks very similar)

 

Snow tires are not equal either. I borrowed a jeep-like Mitsubishi with heavily lugged tires last week. In 4WD it barely got up my driveway due to ICE. My Prius and my Wife's Jetta made it up easily. Again, look for a tread rubber compound that stays soft in colt weather (usually uses organo-silicon compounds) if you want good winter traction.

The Nokian WRg2 (LRR) tires get about 50k miles (at the end they are not good for snow as noted, but still "reasonable" on ice). That is the same wear pattern I saw on My earlier Michelin MVX4+ (LRR) tires. Their main advantage over real snow tires (I'd consider the Nokian Hakkepedias as well as the X-ice, the Finns know Winter!) is that they are on the car when a surprise weather event occurs.

Just an aside: The other highly thought of winter tire is the "Blizzak" which only has great traction for the first half of its treadwear (dual layer tread compound and only the outer half stays soft).

JeffD