[shawn_]

I know there have been various threads on the topic of winter tires for the Model 3, but I wanted to do a poll amongst the owners who have or are thinking about buying winter tires for their cars. Specifically the 18" variant because it's the most common (and what I have ). Please vote and post why you think those tires are the best. Please include your experience with performance, handling, road noise, stopping distance and the lost (or not) of regen with the recent 2019 software updates. I've tried to include the most common winter tires, but if i've missed something please post and I will update the options.

 

[shawn_]

For background information on the regen issues over the last year have a look at this thread ...
https://teslaownersonline.com/threads/who-has-lost-regen-with-winter-tires.9387/

 

[Bigriver]

I have the Michelin’s and voted for them as “the best” although I’ve never tried any others, so it is somewhat of a biased vote. 😁 I also can’t really provide details on all the thing you specified, other than to say they really worked well for me and with no adverse effects. No notable road noise nor change in efficiency relative to the 18” OEM all season. No regen issues because I have an AWD.

 

[iChris93]

the lost (or not) of regen with the recent 2019 software updates.

I believe Tesla fixed this for all tires.

I have the SottoZero 3 on my winter wheels.

 

[TeslaM3-KT]

No love for Blizzaks?

 

[Mike]

I have the Michelin's and voted for them as "the best" although I've never tried any others, so it is somewhat of a biased vote. 😁 I also can't really provide details on all the thing you specified, other than to say they really worked well for me and with no adverse effects. No notable road noise nor change in efficiency relative to the 18" OEM all season. No regen issues because I have an AWD.

Everything @Bigriver said, except I have the SottoZero's (I bought the winter package off the shelf from Tesla).

Edit: I'm RWD....

 

[shawn_]

No love for Blizzaks?

My bad. I just didn't see them when I was searching yesterday. Added now.

 

[MNScott]

AWD and I'm putting the Nokian R3's on this vehicle. I have 19" rims, dropping down to 18" and buying a cheap set of rims so I have an easy swap-out. My first full winter with my Model 3. It was between the X-Ice3 and Nokian for me. Found a good deal here in MN on the R3's (after a price match, 10% discount for MN Tesla Club, 10% rebate) that made it very price competitive to go with the Nokians. I looked at the set from Tesla and was tempted...but I will save at least $400-$450 going with my setup (given - no Tesla branded 18" rims...but it's winter so I really don't care).

Scott

 

[D. J.]

Super happy with the X-ice that I had installed on 18” Aero wheels that I bought from someone local selling on this forum. Regularly took it up skiing all last winter, dealt great with icy roads and ski area parking lots. And that’s on a RWD MR.

 

[Tom Hudson]

So Tesla sells 18" wheels with Pirelli Sottozero -- but they don't say whether they're the series 2 or 3 -- anybody know what the better option might be for a RWD Model 3? The Series 3 is a little cheaper for some reason...

 

[Dick Blonov]

X-ice for me as deep snow is not my main concern. If it was, or I drove a RWD, then R3's.

Phil

 

[Patronus]

So Tesla sells 18" wheels with Pirelli Sottozero -- but they don't say whether they're the series 2 or 3 -- anybody know what the better option might be for a RWD Model 3? The Series 3 is a little cheaper for some reason...

They are 2s. I called the SC about it.

 

[Flaximus]

Anyone happen to have any links to share to comparisons of these options (e.g. articles, videos, etc)? I need to educate myself on the pros and cons of the various choices. Thanks!

 

[Dick Blonov]

Anyone happen to have any links to share to comparisons of these options (e.g. articles, videos, etc)? I need to educate myself on the pros and cons of the various choices. Thanks!

Here's a small write-up. One thing often overlooked is the weight. The difference can be 5 lbs or more between winter tire brands. Something to consider to minimize the winter range loss.

Phil

 

[Flaximus]

Thanks Phil, and good point!

 

[dsgerbc]

You completely missed studded winter tires, which appear to be legal in BC. I'd definitely run those despite the noise.

 

[garsh]

You completely missed studded winter tires, which appear to be legal in BC. I'd definitely run those despite the noise.

You really only want studs if you're mostly driving on icy or completely-snow-packed roads. Studded tires are much worse than modern studless snow tires in all other conditions.

https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tre...ed/snow-tires-studded-tires-vs-studless-tires
"...breakthroughs in winter tire technology have nearly eliminated the need for studs."

https://blog.tirerack.com/blog/lett...nd-its-hot-so-lets-talk-about-something-cool-
"In their day the studded tire offered the best snow and ice traction ... but, that day was in the 80's" - article from 2009

This is an interesting video by Nokian, demonstrating that even among studless winter tires, there are different design tradeoffs to consider.

 

[dsgerbc]

You really only want studs if you're mostly driving on icy or completely-snow-packed roads. Studded tires are much worse than modern studless snow tires in all other conditions.

It largely depends on the climate. Completely snow-packed is one of those. Something like Vancouver, with frequent freezes and non-flat terrain, is a good location to run studded tires.
One can film an ad where a studded tire has about the same braking distance as a non-studded one. Just do a test in like -30F/C, on 'grippy ice.' In temps closer to the freezing point studded tires are massively better.

I think "modern studless snow tires in all other conditions" is a gross overstatement. There are many kinds of non-studded winter tires.
The 'Ice and Snow' kind largely listed in this poll has to use really soft rubber to be able to grip a bit on ice, which makes them terrible on winter asphalt. A decent all-season tire would beat them on a clean winter road, easily. Studded tires will be similar to A/S tires, and again, outgrip those I&S non-studded tires.

 

[garsh]

There are many kinds of non-studded winter tires.

Agreed. The video I included above helps demonstrate that.

The 'Ice and Snow' kind largely listed in this poll has to use really soft rubber to be able to grip a bit on ice, which makes them terrible on winter asphalt.

But still much better than any studded tire on asphalt. My only point was that studded tires are now a niche product. They're no longer a good choice when the majority of winter driving is on a finished road surface.

 

[Jay79]

Michelin X-Ice and never look back. Got me threw a Michigan Winter with excellent performance. Had them on the T Sportline 18's, it was an excellent two pronged approach to the winter. The wheels dropped almost 10 pounds per corner compared to my stock 20's and allowed me to run a taller profile tire. The X-Ice winter tires bit into the snow nicely and shortened my stopping distance so I felt in control at all times.