I’m looking at winter tires for my van. I’ve used three different iterations of the Michelin X-Ice tires with good results . I’m currently considering the Michelin Snow SUV , the newest iteration. Another consideration is the Bridgestone DM-V2. The Tirerack ratings are almost identical on these two tires. The Michelin tires are $20/tire higher. My main consideration is that the Bridgestone tire starts at 13/32nds tread depth and the Michelin tire starts at 10/32nds. Is tread depth enough to sway towards the Bridgestone, all else being equal? Price aside.
More tread depth better?
- Thread starter otis24
- Start date
Starting tread depth is no indication of treadlife unless you know how quickly each tread will wear.
Size is 235/65/17
Moving up one size to 245/65/17 you can find tread depths up to 16/32.
Have a look at Radar Tire AT5 in 235/65/17.
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^ that is good advice if tread depth is the only criteria for selection.
AT tires are known to pass snow traction test (aka 3MPSF sign) solely on geometry of the tread, the compound does nothing on ice.
I would buy newer snow/winter design regardless of starting tread depth (reasonable staring value 4/32 would be strange, unless track tire).
Krzyś
PS Bigger tread depth the worse handling in the dry, possibly better hydroplaning.
AT tires are known to pass snow traction test (aka 3MPSF sign) solely on geometry of the tread, the compound does nothing on ice.
I would buy newer snow/winter design regardless of starting tread depth (reasonable staring value 4/32 would be strange, unless track tire).
Krzyś
PS Bigger tread depth the worse handling in the dry, possibly better hydroplaning.
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- Jul 15, 2023
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Don’t overthink. Buy the tire that tests out best where you need it to be good.
