John Mahler's top winter tires

Nov 07, 2008

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Listed here in random order are John Mahler's best tire picks. With tires there is a correlation between cost and performance. Research costs, so if you want the latest and greatest tires, be prepared to pay more. Prices below are the full list price, based on a 16-inch wheel.

Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60

This is the ice tire that started it all, multicell compounded now fortified with embedded grit

Pro: Awesome grip

Con: Only the first 55 per cent of the tire is awesome, rest is average

List price: $263-$368

Yokohama Ice Guard IG20

Yokohama's multicell compound also contains carbon flakes

Pro: Awesome ice traction, it works in the snow, too

Con: Softer ride than I like, no speed rated versions

List price: $222-$326

Michelin X-Ice Xi2

Michelin's entry into getting water off the ice

Pro: Works great on ice but not as well as multicell

Con: Mushy ride and steering response

List price: $213-$251

Pirelli Sottozero

The big dog in high-performance winter tires

Pro: Sizes to fit all super cars, delivers traction under all conditions; on pavement acts like a sport tire

Con: Price, low speed noise

List price: $389-$445

Michelin Pilot Sport Alpin3

The latest winter sport tire: they got it right with this one

Pro: Traction in the worst of winter

Con: Limited sizing, floaty ride at highway speeds

List price: $305-$393

Yokohama W.drive

All-weather winter tire that stays on the car year round

Pro: No tire changeover, severe snow rated, can get through most winter conditions

Con: Noisy at city speeds, price

List price: $378-$536

Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3

Awesome winter sports tire, designed and made in Germany

Pro: All-around good grip, handles dry pavement well

Con: Design getting old, could be updated, turn-in slow

List price: $296-$359

BFGoodrich Winter Slalom

Michelin's "mom and pop" tire, good quality at a good price

Pro: Excellent traction in deep snow

Con: Not the best on ice, noisy at highway speeds

List price: $152-$196

CTC Nordic Ice

Cheap and cheerful tire that works

Pro: Made by Goodyear, good on ice

Con: Design several years old, deep snow leaves it beached

List price: $111-$114

Continental WinterContact TS810

Snow design for powerful sedans

Pro: Gets through the deep stuff

Con: Not so hot on ice, price

List price: $210-$270

Gislaved NordFrost

Finland understands how to go in ice and snow

Pro: Great traction in any condition

Con: Limited sizing, mushy feel on pavement

List price: $160-$164

Nokian WR

All-weather tire, severe snow rated, stays on car all year

Pro: Goes, stops and turns under all but worst conditions, huge size and speed rating selection

Con: Big sizes wander at highway speeds, lots of tread depth so feels squirmy on highway

List price: $185-$267

Toyo Snowprox S952

Snow tire for bigger sedans with some power

Pro: Snow go is good

Con: Noisy at highway speed, snow go is only good

List price: $280-$318

Dunlop Winter Sport 3D

Latest technology in finding balance between all bad condition grip

Pro: Gets you through almost any weather

Con: Stiff ride, thumps over bumps

List price: $252-$361

Toronto Star