Lexus: Winter Tire Reviews
A good set of winter tires could make a tremendous difference while driving. Here is a review of four popular brands of winter tires.
This article applies to the Lexus IS, RX, GS, LS, and ES (2005-2013).
Tires serve as an integral part of a car's performance, handling, and safety in rough terrain and "less than ideal" weather conditions. Winter is one of those seasons that brings on a varied and often harsh combination of these factors. A proper winter tire can spell the difference between disaster and safe travels.
In the table below, we are comparing the prices for 225/45/17 size tires. Prices will vary depending upon your tire size.
Bridgestone Blizzak |
Dunlop Winter Sport |
Michelin X-Ice |
Continental Extreme Winter Contact | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $148 | $159 | $171 | $126 |
Size |
225/45/17 |
225/45/17 |
225/45/17 |
225/45/17 |
Performance | Wet, Snow, Ice | Dry, Wet, Snow | Dry, Cold, Wet, Ice | Dry, Snow |
Tread Life | 5 years | 6 years | 6 years | 6 years |
Warranty | First 1/32" of wear |
1 Year / First 2/32" of wear |
6 years/ 40,000 mile Manufacturer's Treadwear Limited Warranty |
1 Year / First 2/32" of wear |
Best Quality: Michelin X-Ice
Best Value: Dunlop Winter Sport
Bridgestone Blizzak
Price: $148
Size: 225/45/17
Performance - Wet, snow, and ice
Tread Life - 5 years
Warranty - First 1/32" of wear: Details
Known as the most popular winter tire, the Bridgestone Blizzak is a choice you can't go wrong with. Best for conditions containing harsh glare ice and packed snow, these tires will stand up to the test of weather in any condition. Recommended if you are looking for harsh weather condition tires.
Dunlop Winter Sport
Price: $159
Size: 225/45/17
Performance: Dry, wet, and snow
Tread Life: 6 years
Warranty: 1 year / first 2/32" of wear: Details
A quality tire with good value, the Dunlop Winter Sport is the best of both worlds. It's fairly priced and provides all the features of many of the comparable Winter tires available. Recommended if you are looking for quality tires for less money.
Michelin X-Ice
Price: $171
Size: 225/45/17
Performance: Cold, dry, ice, and wet
Tread Life: 6 years
Warranty: 6 years / 40,000 miles (when worn to 2/32" depth)
Michelin X-Ice is a well balanced tire that is capable of handling snow and ice in the harshest conditions. With one of the best warranty plans available, it's a good tire but slightly more expensive than comparable brands and styles of winter tires. Recommended if you are looking for great tires and don't mind spending the money.
Continental Extreme Winter Contact
Price: $126
Looks: 225/45/17
Performance: Dry and snow
Tread Life - 6 years
Warranty - 1 year / first 2/32" of wear: Details
A light tire with a light price tag. It offers many of the same features of some of the comparable winter tires available. Overall, a good bang for your buck. Recommended if you are looking for a great, reputable tire with a good price tag.
Related Discussions and Sites
- Club Lexus Winter Tire Buying Advice - ClubLexus.com
- Lexus Winter Tires -Tirerack.com
- Lexus Winter X-Ice Tires - Michelinman.com
- Lexus OEM Wheel Specs -MyIS.com