Michelin X-Ice Xi2 vs Toyo Observe G-02 Plus

[evileddie]

I went with the Toyo's and am pretty happy with them so far...(although I haven't really tested them).

Went to a local dealer, got them installed in 30 minutues with rebate form in hand...

[02MP5MT]

winter boots installed yesterday, 16" LE refinished alloys with matching lug nuts and 215/65/16 Toyo Observe G02 rubber.  no harsh weather in the forecast yet. sorry about the barrel distortion in 1st picture.  noticed some positive camber up font, alignment probably a good idea.  could use a new intermediate steering shaft as well.  it never ends.  the Yoko AVID TRZ treads looked new after 5000+km and the 10 spoke XLE rims were stamped MADE IN CANADA, EH! 

anyone have troube finding the complete DOT number on the Toyos?  There seems to be only a partial number on the one side.

happy and safe winter driving!

[Nathan@1010tires]

10 spoke XLE rims were stamped MADE IN CANADA, EH! 

anyone have troube finding the complete DOT number on the Toyos?  There seems to be only a partial number on the one side.

As far as I know all Toyota alloys made for North American are made right by us, on Annacis Island in Delta, BC.

The date stamp is only on one side of the tire, at the end of the DOT. Either check another tire or if they purposely put them all to the inside which some shops do, you'll have to crawl under there with a flashlight.

[Art]

On my Toyo Observe G-02 tires the complete DOT number is always on the side with the yellow valve stem alignment circle.  The DOT C X L F molded info is on both sides of the tire.  The additional stamped 95K2307 (in my case) number is only on the alignment circle side.  Since they are directional you can see the full DOT on outside of 2 tires (including the pictured one above) and on the other 2 tires you will have to crawl underneath or remove them.

[02MP5MT]

^thanks Art.  found 2 stamped on the outside with 3009 last 4 digits, nice and new.  next time i feel like crawling under the van i'll check the other two.

[DKaz]

D'oh mine's 2809, 2 weeks older than yours. Lol.

[webcou]

Can anyone suggest a good winter tire for a 2006 Ford Fusion?  Tire size is R17 and Ford suggests Michelin Tires but I've been reading everyone's experiences and am totally confused as to what I should actually buy.  My Auto Service Centre suggests MaxTrek but I see they are made in China and not generally well thought of.  We live in Montreal and need the tires to cope with city conditions (snow, slush and ice) and some long-distance highway driving.  We were thinking of getting tires and rims but have no idea where to go or what to buy. Would appreciate any practical input.  Thanx.  webcou

[02MP5MT]

webcou

presumably your stock size is 225/50/17 so you should be able to drop the size to 205/60/16 or 215/60/16 (less expensive tires and rims) if you choose dedicated 16" rims.  you can call your Ford dealer to confirm.  these are popular sizes so you sould have lots to choose from (pending availability).  the Michelin xicexi2 should serve you well, although you may find better value from the Toyo observe g-o2 plus or Dunlop graspic ds-3.  Bridgestone blizzak ws-60 is another top premium choice.  some less expensive alternatives are General altimax arctic, Hankook ipike w409 and Goodyear (Canadian Tire) nordic.  there are many resources online for reviews.  a reputable tire shop in montreal would be a valuble resource, perhaps someone here can recommend one.  starting a new thread like "winter tires-ford fusion montreal" might be more useful.  how many km you drive in the winter and how long you plan on keeping the vehicle may be contributing factors to your decision.  lots of manufacturer rebates on now as well.

other sizes that might work for you: 215/55/16, 225/55/16, Toyo Observe Garit KX are availble in those sizes among others.

happy shopping!

[DKaz]

For starters, get a set of 16" steel wheels, 17" winter tires are expensive and remounting/balancing is expensive. Changing over complete wheel and tire sets is cheap or even free if you do it yourself.

There are so many choices out there. Is ice the main concern and is Montreal usually good at clearing snow right away? The Michelin X-Ice Xi2 is a great ice tire and decent enough on snow. Will you be trekking more through snow but still need good ice traction? Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60, Yokohama Ice Guard iG20, Toyo Observe G-02 Plus, or BF Goodrich Winter Slalom KSI are for you. Need hardcore snow traction and ice not as big of a concern? General Altimax Arctics, Gislaved Nord*Frost 5s, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5s or Rs are for you. Are you a spirited driver who cares more about taking advantage of wet/dry pavement while maintaining decent snow traction? Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25, Michelin Pilon Alpin, and Dunlop SP Winter Sports are for you. Many many choices out there.

FYI quite a few of us, myself included, chose the Toyo Observe G-02 Plus. I paid $913 out the door for 205/60R16 with steel wheels. 205/60R16 is compatible with your Fusion.

[random006]

webcou,

Firstly, welcome to the forum.  It's a good, if slightly crazy at times, place to be.

Secondly, definitely get a dedicated set of rims.

Thirdly, going down a size, at least in terms of width, might afford you a better grip.  You can indeed save money by dropping a size in terms of radius but it might raise other questions.  I'll have to bow to the tire gurus here.  If you are not at all sure about quality of the lesser known brands, stick with the main brands (Yokohama, Michelin, Toyo, Bridgestone (Blizzak)).  I don't think you can go wrong with those.  The shop you finally pick will help you there.

Speaking of shops, I use Alignements Desjardins on de Maisonneuve Blvd. West.  They are quite good but they are only one of several in the area (NDG, either on de Maisonneuve or St. Jacques).


Hope this helps!

[davidy]

Remember to check the load rating of your stock tires (see driver's side door label). MINUS sizing (ie. dropping at least one nominal size) may lower your load rating.

Dave

[blur911]

here are many resources online for reviews.  a reputable tire shop in montreal would be a valuble resource, perhaps someone here can recommend one. 

http://www.talontire.com/
I've never actually been there, but have bought quite a few race tires from them.  I understand they have a good rep.