PBR1963

I want to put on a set of X-Ice Xi3 on my 2012 TL AWD. Michelin says use the Pilot Alpin PA3. I want to use the X-Ice. Better tire and cheaper. The PA3 is a performance winter tire, all I want is a great ice and snow tire.
The tire size that's stock is 245/45R18.
Ok guys, I know there's a way of getting me the tires I want. Do I have to go to a 17"? There are some smart guys out there, how do I do what I wanna do?
Thanks in advance

Edward'TLS

The Xi3 is only a H-rated snow tire. The AWD TL deserves V-rated snow tires.

PBR1963

I just can't get a good comparison between the X-Ice and the Alpin PA4. I know neither tire I'm going to regret buying but I want to maximize safety and handling.

Edward'TLS

How much snowfall do you get in your region annually ?

PBR1963

It's a crap shoot sometimes, usually 2-3 nice heavy snowfalls. So if I where to categorize I'd say light to medium. I'm in southern Ontario so it's hard to say, global warming and all.

Edward'TLS

If you require exceptional snow traction in the winter, then the Michelin X-ice and the Bridgestone Blizzak are the snow tires of choice.

However, good snow traction and performance are always at the opposite ends of the chart. So you'll have to decide which factor (snow traction or performance) is deemed more important to you, or go for something in between as a compromise.

In my area, I get at most 5 days of a couple cm each of snowfall during the entire winter season, so high performance winter tire is of my paramount choice.

I have previous used the Alpin PA3 snow tires. Even though they aren't as good as the X-ice/Blizzak in deep snow condition, they are still very capable snow tires on snow and ice. The best part is dry road performance. The Alpin PA3 has unbelievable dry road traction for a designated snow tire. In the dry, the Alpin PA3 will even perform like a high performance all-season tire.

I used to keep cursing myself for not putting the summer tires back on, whenever I was riding on snow tires on a dry and sunny day during the long and dull winter months. But not any more with the Alpin PA3 snow tires due to their amazing dry road performance.

This winter, I'll try out the brand new Alpin PA4 which is said to be even superior than the Alpin PA3.

Tonyware

I am thinking of getting the Alpin PA4 fairly soon. But on what rims? I don't want to use my OEM rims. Any ideas for rims within a reasonable budget? But please no steelies!! Any deals around?

silkysmooth_96

I too live in Southern Ontario. I bought mine at simplytire in Toronto. They offer a really good package price with many options on the tires you want (with steel or alloy rims). http://simplytire.com/winter/acurapdf.pdf See link for the pricing. The 17" alloy will fit the car no problem, and you can choose from many different kinds (such as BMW M6 etc.) I am running the Blizzak WS60 tires, and I fully understand the car shouldn't' perform like it does with summer tires. However, in the snow and on ice it's amazing. Just drive according to the conditions and you're good (watch for people rear-ending you!)

Last winter was a crap chute. We didn't have any snow to play in. Here's a link to some fun I had in the snow in winter of 2010 with my WS60 tires.

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

nice video!

Edward'TLS

I just have the Pilot Alpin PA4 snow tires (245/40/19) installed on my stock 19" rims this afternoon. The asymmetrical tread pattern looks awesome, and hopefully same with the performance.

Will post a review on this brand new snow tire later on, especially after the first snow fall.

cloud7

I have a set of X-Ice3 installed on my TL SH-AWD 6MT... it's been on it for less than a couple of weeks. Snow traction is exceptional... however, so far it hasn't met my expectation on ice. Yesterday, the temperature got really cold and the roads iced up in my neighbourhood. The tire offered very little grip braking. I wonder if it had to do with the over sensitive ABS on our cars (and typically on all Hondas/Acuras) that caused braking distance to significantly increase on ice.

Mr Marco

THe narrower the better. 225/55/17

jspagna1

^^ Correct. Better for cutting through the snow. Guys why spend all that money on Michelin's. I think they are overrated. Have always run winter tires & wheels on two of the family vehicles. Have always had great experiences with the Bridgestone Blizzak's and General Altimax Arctic.

Edward'TLS

That is for snow.

How about on ice ? Don't wider snow tires contribute more tire surface sipes to increase the total traction on icy surfaces ?

Samba

I have a set of xi2 on my other car. The tire noise is exceptionally low. It is a great tire for the winter; however, when it comes to traction in heavy snow, I missed the Nokian Hakka 2 I had before the xi2.

zovinger

Sigh..... so many variables to consider

My local dealership is offering a PA3+Acura Rims ( with TPMS) package, installed for $1600+ taxes. I'm finding it hard to find a competing offer - SimplyTire.com has decent prices but their wheels dont have TPMS. I dont want to spend 4-5 months looking at the TPMS warning indicator.

Anyone know about reasonable tire package deals in SW Ontario?

Thanks

Livestrong_TL

I would say $1600 is pretty good for 4 wheels, tires, and TPMS. I paid a little less than but, I made the purchase through www.tirerack.com and abviously weren't Acura wheels or TPMS sensors. I've had this set for 3 winter seasons (including this year) and all 4 of my sensors have crapped out on me. I would say it would be worth it to buy from Acura as their sensors are better IMO

jspagna1

I'd get them from TireRack. I ordered them from them for my 2010 TL SH-AWD without the sensors. Really didn't care about having the sensors. Ya the light stays on but three seasons and no problems. I may do the same with the Maxima.

sympley

you guys got some good pricing. I just put in a set of Bridgestone Blizzack 245/40/19 for $1800 install and tires only no rims.
I could not find a place that had Michellin in stock, so for first time ever went with different brand. I have to admit the 19" look killer with winter tires on them. So far no test in snow but had a change in rain and dry conditions and they seem pretty good.

Edward'TLS

What Acura rims ? Acura steel rims or Acura alloy wheels ?

If they are alloy wheels, then it is a damn good deal at $1600; especially that the set of 17" PA3 already costs approx. $1200 in Canada.

zovinger

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward'TLS

What Acura rims ? Acura steel rims or Acura alloy wheels ?

If they are alloy wheels, then it is a damn good deal at $1600; especially that the set of 17" PA3 already costs approx. $1200 in Canada.

95% sure these are steel rims.

Balz

Hey Everyone, new to the site.

I'm leasing a 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD, love my ride.
I've been looking all over and the best price I've received is $1100 (MSR rims with Hercules rubbers).

Don't think you need the sensor, who cares about the light?

Anyways, just waiting for the rims to get in and then I'll be posting a pic.

Comments/Suggestions???

ceb

For all of you who say "I don't need no stinkin' sensors on winter tires" ask yourself this question

Would you rather be stranded on the side of the road on a nice summer day, the sun setting peacefully in the sky or on the side of the road, in a blizzard, in the dead of night?

I would opine that sensors are more important in the winter because they can warn you of a slow leak. You also have a better chance of picking up road hazards in the winter

Balz

I don't disagree with you CEB - well put.

nakacura

Zovinger: Try MTC in Oakville and ask for Howard. Consider Nokian WRG2....I believe its an all-weather tire.

preccord

hi,
does anyone have pictures of what the steel rims (made by Honda) look like? the Acura dealership mentioned the colour is silver.

Samba

I want to add to CEB's comment.
If the car does not detect working TPMS sensors, it will not allow you to disable VSA. In normal driving conditions, you don't want to disable this safety feature; however, when you get stuck in deep snow, you want to disable VSA; otherwise, you will have a little chance to get out of it. VSA will cut gas when it detects wheel spin.

the_razor

I just installed xi3 from crappytire they are on sale 30% off. Really quite tires but I noticed when I am doing 130 km/hr there is some kinda noise. Hard to describe in words But this only on some highways asphalt I am going to try on 407 and see how it sounds since 407 uses a different kind of pavement. This is my first time with winter tires bit picky ...Otherwise below 130 it's quite and very smooth tires.

Edward'TLS

Winter tires tend to emit more road noise than summer and all-season tires, even though they're already a lot quieter than the older generation winter tires.