Sculldog3

Did a 1200 mile trip through north east US, Montreal, and Toronto in last weeks storm. Took 8 hrs in the snow to do the Montreal to Toronto leg, rough roads. Xi3's performed flawlessly, couldn't be happier.

Fat Mike

I originally bought some 17" steel rims and winter tires for my 2014. When I went to get them mounted, we discovered that the clearance to the brake caliper was on ~1mm and given the gravel they put on the roads here, that was too tight for the shop's liking. Not sure if it was just cuz I went down a size, but Acura told me that they don't know of any steelies that have a good clearance right now. Ended up returning everything and ordering the OEM size xice2's and mounted on the factory rims. Will be looking for a solution this year that doesn't involve spending too much on a new set, as Costco only charges $46 to change all 4 tires.

Anyone have any success with steelies??

rosen39

Your best bet is to watch The Tire Rack's web site and look for some close-out rims, or go on Craig's List to find used stock alloy wheels.

YeuEmMaiMai

Drove the RDX in 6+ inches of snow with the factory supplied rubber and it was fine. I am not a speed demon and I have no issues with my 2002 CL-S in the snow either.

It all comes down to driving within the limitations of the vehicle. If I lived somewhere that got BIG snow all the time, I would be using dedicated winter tires.

johnrh

my main reason for driving on 4 dedicated winter tires during the Nov to March timeframe is improved stopping distances on icy roads.

Fat Mike

This! Only the main roads get plowed in Calgary and on the side streets, it just gets packed down. In a big snow year like this one, the side streets end up covered in anywhere from 2" to 6" of rutted out solid ice. Factory rubber is fine for general getting around, but not so great if you need to stop quick or swerve

frp0511

Hello everyone -- I'm way late to this discussion, but, I have to ask the following (re: my 2013 RDX Tech AWD): When I go to Tire Rack and view the recommended tire/wheel package, TR is proposing a 17 inch wheel and tire, but my OEM tires are 18 inch. Why would I move down in size (diameter vs. width)? Should I buy and 18 inch package instead (with narrower tires)?

This will be my first snow tire endeavour, and frankly I'm not very knowledgeable in this area, so any information will be appreciated!!!

rosen39

Frp0511, the main reason in doing a -1" on the rim is to get a higher profile on the sidewall, and a little narrower on the tire. if you hit a pothole, you will not be bending a rim. I bought wheels and tires from The Tire rack, and had them installed with TPMS valves. The Acura recognized the TPMS valves after driving a half of a mile.

mtc46jw

And it's just a caution. Our trip from sudbury to Toronto was the worst snow squall we have been in in many years. Total white outs from above parry sound down to almost Barrie where it magically cleared up. And I mean total whiteouts! You should see the car, must be carrying at least 500 lbs of extra ice! Wheel wells totally full and rest of car covered in dirt and ice!

The performance of the RDX even with the new snow tires was marginal for an AWD at best, and certainly not the equal of the Acura TL with SHAWD, Subaru or Highlanders we have had in the past. All were vastly superior to the RDX. Perhaps we were expecting too much from the cheaper slip and grip part time AWD system it has. Had some nice little 4 wheel slides around some corners. Car Likes to go straight, but it's not into turning and maintaining a solid AWD feeling. Plenty of traction control lighting going in during the trip. Not really unsafe, if you can drive, it's just not as competent as others. Incidentally, Wife refused to drive, so I didn't catch a break either way.

Without the snows on RDX it would have been very slippery indeed and the trip would not have been advisable at all. For example, A newer MDX followed us out from parry sound and he had no problems whatsoever! He then passed us in a flash after a break in the whiteouts and was gone! It would have foolish to try and keep up and doubt we could have even come close.

The new winter tires on RDX are better on ice but only marginally better in snow and ice than NEW OEM tires, otherwise t feels like just an ordinary front wheel drive car. Sure it stops better, but that's about it. So be careful if you have to run a squall in yours in late January.

This poor AWD performance undoubtedly resulted in a more stressful drive to be sure and my neck killing me by the time we got to hotel in Toronto , But we made it regardless. All due to my superior driving skills no doubt! Lol..lol

Anyway, thought you all might want to know of the little CRV/RDX AWD system in extreme conditions. Yes It will get you through in extremes like this but not as well as others and requires a great deal more concentration to accomplish. It was fun for a while but after a couple of hours wore pretty thin.

Cheers

NBP04TL4ME

Nice write up, but no pix?

Sculldog3

Xi3's are or were michelins newest and have been fine..perhaps me, but car is fine in snow, no slipping, no issues.

Minge

Bought a set of these for my Rdx and a set of take off rims and tpm's. I can confidently say I can plow through anything with these tire.

So much so I bought a set for my wife's vw cc and she loves them.

NBP04TL4ME

The Nokians seem to be a niche tire with somewhat of a cult following. They don't have the popularity of the Blizzaks or other snow tires, but everything I have seen or read about them is positive.