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Éric Descarries
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Mid-range tires
Éric Descarries
Hits: 2
What follows is a chapter devoted to “mid-range tires.” Be careful not to interpret that term as meaning lower-quality tires. In fact, most of these products are manufactured by the same major brands discussed in the previous chapter, and they have a reputation for satisfying the majority of motorists who equip their vehicles with them.
The main difference is that these tires do not necessarily feature the very latest technologies. However, they may use technologies that, only a few years ago, were considered revolutionary.
Incidentally, several of the tires listed below can be studded, but this generally has to be requested before the tires are mounted on the wheels.
01
BFGoodrich
This brand is part of the Michelin Group and offers its T/A KSi winter tire, known for performing well both in snow and on ice while remaining more affordable for budget-conscious motorists. It is not studdable.
02
Nordman
Did you know that the Nordman brand offers tires derived from previous generations of Nokian Hakkapeliitta products? The Nordman 9 is an advanced mid-range tire with several notable features. It is also available in a studded version.
03
Firestone
The Firestone brand is part of Japanese giant Bridgestone despite its American origins. Its Winterforce winter tires fall within the mid-range category and may be of particular interest to SUV owners. Note that they can be studded.
04
Cooper
American brand Cooper was acquired by Goodyear, which took the opportunity to revise the technology used in several of its products.
In its winter tire lineup, we find the Evolution Winter for passenger cars as well as the Discoverer range for SUVs and pickup trucks. Certain Cooper models are offered at attractive prices.
05
General Tire
Did you know that General Tire is a former American brand that eventually came under the ownership of a European manufacturer? In this case, that manufacturer is German giant Continental.
Among its winter tires is the AltiMAX Arctic X, a quality product aimed at this segment. Note that the AltiMAX is also available in an all-weather version approved for winter use, the 365AW. The Arctic 12 is also offered in a studded version.
06
Laufenn
As mentioned earlier, Laufenn represents a more accessible product line from South Korean manufacturer Hankook.
Its winter tire is known as the I FIT Ice. It is also available in a studdable version. As mentioned in the chapter on approved all-weather tires, Laufenn also offers the G FIT 4S all-weather tire.
07
Falken
Growing in popularity, Falken is a brand associated with Japanese tire specialist Sumitomo Tires. It offers winter products such as the Eurowinter and Winterpeak F-Ice.
Its lineup also includes the Espia EPZ as well as the Aklimate all-weather model approved for winter use.
08
Kumho
Kumho is a quality South Korean brand that offers WinterCraft winter tires, including the studdable Wi31 version.
Many comments praise its grip in deep snow, and prices are clearly competitive.
Budget tires
Not every motorist has a budget that allows them to purchase premium tires from major brands. As a result, several manufacturers, including major tire companies, offer safe and reliable products that are less advanced from a technological standpoint but are sold at a more affordable price.
Note that we have not included every brand, since many of these products are marketed through captive channels, such as large retail chains. Still, here are a few examples that represent this category well.
09
Uniroyal Tiger Paw
Uniroyal Tire, which is part of the Michelin Group, is perhaps one of the best examples of what a major tire manufacturer can offer in the budget segment with its Tiger Paw Ice & Snow 3 and 4.
These tires can be studded. Thanks to their aggressive tread design, they perform well in deep snow, although they can be somewhat noisier.
10
Cooper
Once again, let us remember that Cooper is now part of the Goodyear group.
Despite ongoing efforts to update the brand's technologies, its catalogue still includes several quality products at affordable prices. Cooper also manufactures several types of tires for pickup trucks and SUVs.
11
Giti Radial
The Giti brand comes from Southeast Asia, but it operates manufacturing facilities in China and, more recently, in the United States.
For several years, it has offered products such as the Savero and Champiro IcePro. These budget products can be surprising in terms of durability and, above all, variety. Several models can be studded, while the Giti WinterPro2 is also aimed at electric vehicles.
12
Sailun
Established in our market for several years now, Chinese brand Sailun continues to improve its products. Some of these products are now sold under Canadian Tire's MotoMaster brand.
Its own winter tire line is called Ice Blazer, and certain versions can be studded. More recently, Sailun, which operates development centres in Canada, introduced an all-weather model approved for winter use, the Atrezzo 4S.
13
Westlake
This other Chinese brand has also been present in our market for several years. The models it offers include the SW, SL and Z ranges.
They can be described as reliable products, although for now they remain behind some better-known brands in terms of performance and technology. Even so, these winter tires can satisfy motorists working with a more limited budget.
There are also many other discount tire brands, some with names that are more or less familiar. Before choosing this type of tire, it is always best to find out where it comes from and who manufactures it.
Studded tires
As mentioned several times throughout this feature, many tire brands offer models with studs installed at the factory or added later by the retailer.
Some more advanced products come with their studs already installed at the factory. In certain cases, the studs may even be fixed securely in place, as with the Continental IceContact XTRM developed with input from Canada's Groupe Touchette.
On some less advanced tires, studs may have a greater tendency to come loose with use.
Before choosing studded tires, remember that some locations — cities, states or other jurisdictions — do not allow them. Certain roads with more fragile surfaces may also be subject to restrictions. Consult the document prepared by my friend Piero Facchin elsewhere in this feature for more details.
Incidentally, major Finnish tire manufacturer Nokian has launched a new tire, the Hakkapeliitta 01, whose studs automatically adapt to driving conditions.
If this tire achieves the success anticipated, expect other winter tire manufacturers to take an interest in this technology as well!
Tires for electric vehicles
You may already know that electric vehicles are generally heavier than their gasoline-powered equivalents. As a result, this additional weight can affect braking, handling and even tire durability.
Add to that the quiet operation of electric vehicles, which can make tire noise on the road more noticeable. That sound is not masked by the powertrain in the same way it may be in a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine.
In response, several tire manufacturers offer EV-specific products that incorporate, among other things, insulating materials inside the tire casing to help reduce road noise.
However, most major tire manufacturers also indicate that several of their premium products are compatible with electric vehicles. It therefore becomes a matter of choosing the product that best suits the application.
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