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Most days in February are cold in Montreal, Quebec, there’s snow on the ground and that’s Winter, okay. This February was no different, apart from the day we were running on tracks north of Montreal in the Laurentian Mountains to official media reveal of the new Michelin X-Ice winter tires.
It has been a blizzard full on.
We came to the snow falling slightly, but when it just didn’t stop falling overnight–and it fell more than 30 cm (11.5 inches for my American friends)–our media drive was postponed to lunch.
Around that point, the large bus scheduled to take us to Circuit Mecaglisse would not even make the snowy trek. It was then that our qualified drivers drove from the track the AWD SUVs fitted with the new X-Ice Tires to come and pick us all up and we caravaned together back up the mountain. Yeah, the same SUVs that we’d drive on the track to test the new tires. That’s the way it works out.
This winter journey has been made even more realistic now, built to thoroughly test these tires for all media to witness.
Through four drive exercises and different tracks, we tested both new and worn tires against the competition and in SUVs and sedans.
We tested both fresh and damaged tires against the competition, both in SUVs both sedans through four drive tests and various tracks.
Obviously, I was expecting the all wheel drive system on the SUVs to give me extra confidence and snow capability. Yet it was a pretty surprise how the sedans did. The sedan really ended up being more fun to drive; it was amazing about the precision and pace I could have in the snow.
Through four drive exercises and different tracks, we tested both new and worn tires against the competition and in SUVs and sedans.
Of course, I expected the all wheel drive system on the SUVs to give me extra confidence and capability in the snow. But how the sedans performed was a lovely surprise. The sedan actually ended up being more fun to drive; the precision and speed I was able to have in the snow was fantastic.
Testing the worn tires on an ice track against a competitor meant that I could actually feel the grip through a slalom pilon drive around sharp turns and accelerations. I felt more in control and less fearful of sliding off into a snowbank when driving the sedan equipped with the Michelin X-Ice tires, even though they were worn way down to almost bald.
Testing the damaged tires against a rival on an ice track meant that a slalom pilon drive around sharp turns and accelerations really made me feel the grip. When driving the sedan fitted with the X-Ice tires, I felt more in control and less afraid of slipping off into a snowbank, even though they were worn down to almost bald.
The sipes of most winter tires, or the slits in the tread which allow the rubber to move, don’t run all the way down to the tire’s base. They do in the X-Ice tire, giving it a lot of grip over the tire’s entire life.
Testing the worn tires on an ice track against a competitor meant that I could actually feel the grip through a slalom pilon drive around sharp turns and accelerations. I felt more in control and less fearful of sliding off into a snowbank when driving the sedan equipped with the X-Ice tires, even though they were worn way down to almost bald.
Most winter tires’ sipes, or the slits in the tread that allow the rubber to move, don’t run all the way down to the base of the tire. They do in the X-Ice tire, giving it a lot more traction throughout the life of the tire.
We had a qualified driver at our side for each drive, and on the deep snow (extra deep thanks to the blizzard that just wouldn’t let go!) he told me to keep the pedal to the floor for the entire drive period. Tell me what? To drive a track with the pedal to the floor to avoid getting stuck was thrilling, and a little frightening! He had me drive in and out of the deep ruts throughout the drive length to show how the tire can really climb effectively through snow.
I was more comfortable with the X-Ice tire as compared to the other tire and we were able to push through without getting stuck.
The new X-Ice tire will be available worldwide in 2020-2021 and in Halifax, Canada, 85 per cent of all supply is produced. Tires manufactured here will bear the logo of Canada’s Maple Leaf right on the wheel. Just so you know it’s authorised and checked by Canada.
Disclosure: I was a guest of Michelin in Quebec; travel and accommodations were provided. All opinions are my own. The snow? That’s the magic of Quebec.
Written by: CONNIE PETERS
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