Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 vs Michelin X-Ice SNOW: As the winter months approach, drivers in Northern regions must prepare for the challenges of navigating through snow and ice. With many tire options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which is best suited for these harsh conditions.
This article discusses Nordic tires explicitly designed for snow and ice usage in cold, long winters. I will explore the ranking system of All-Season, Winter, Nordic, and Studded tires to understand their benefits and limitations.
Results Of Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Vs Michelin X-Ice SNOW
Tire Rack conducted a rigorous evaluation of four studless ice and snow winter tires at their proving ground. The comparison graph specifically highlighted the performance of the Bridgestone tire as Blizzak WS90 and the Michelin tires as X-Ice SNOW.
The Blizzak WS90 was used as the reference point, with its performance set at 100 for the relevant categories.
Subjective evaluations were also taken into account. In this assessment, a rating scale of 1 to 5 was used, with A receiving a score of 7 and B receiving a score of 6. Notably, A-grade tires outperformed B-grade ones by a significant margin of 5 points.
The comprehensive analysis aimed to provide consumers with valuable insights into the performance of these winter tires under various conditions. This data can assist individuals in making informed decisions based on objective measurements and subjective assessments.
The evaluation of tires designed for Nordic conditions involves rigorous snow and ice testing. This includes detailed assessments of snow performance, focusing on metrics such as acceleration, braking, and handling.
Summer performance of michelin evaluations prioritize wet and dry braking capabilities, as well as noise levels.Commonly used tire sizes for vehicles in this segment include 225/50 R17, suitable for models such as the Audi A4 and Honda Accord.
Throughout these tests, a 2020 BMW F36 430i Gran Coupe equipped with 17×7.5 inch rims serves as the standard testing vehicle.
The data collected from these comprehensive evaluations helps manufacturers to ensure that their tires meet the demanding requirements of Nordic driving conditions.
Tire companies can tailor their products to deliver optimal safety and driving comfort for drivers in these regions by addressing specific performance criteria in both winter and summer scenarios.
Ice Performance | Blizzak vs x Ice
After Vanilla Ice’s hit song Ice Ice Baby was released, a demand for ice performance in tires was born. This became crucial for temperatures below -10 °C, as drivers needed reliable traction on icy surfaces. Bridgestone’s Blizzak WS90 and Michelin’s X-Ice SNOW emerged as top contenders in this space.
In head-to-head testing of Blizzak vs Michelin x ice, the Blizzak WS90 outperformed the X-Ice SNOW when braking on ice at 12 mph, stopping 0.9 feet sooner.
The X-Ice SNOW demonstrated superior ice traction by reaching 60 feet in 0.09 seconds less than its competitor.
These results highlight the nuances of ice performance in tires and cater to drivers who prioritize safety and control during winter driving. Both tire models offer unique advantages, allowing consumers to make an informed choice based on their driving needs and preferences.
X-Ice SNOW:
- -2.8% in ice braking
- +2.1% in ice acceleration
Snow Performance | x-ice snow vs Blizzak wS90
The road tests of Michelin – x-ice snow vs Blizzak WS90 demonstrated a remarkable stopping distance of 4.6 feet shorter than the Blizzak when slowing down from 25 mph.
The X-Ice SNOW exhibited an accelerated distance of 2.3 feet less than the Blizzak when going from 0 to 12 mph. Notably, in track testing, the X-Ice SNOW achieved a quicker lap time of 3.2 seconds compared.
It scored 0.5 points higher for its snow handling than the Blizzak in subjective evaluations. These results highlight the X-Ice SNOW’s exceptional capabilities in snow conditions, making it a strong contender for drivers seeking high-performing winter tires.
X-Ice SNOW:
- +9.9% in snow braking
- +9.3% in snow acceleration
- +2.5% in snow handling (subj)
- +4.8% in snow handling (lap time)
Wet Performance | Michelin X-Ice Vs Blizzak WS90
This decreased grip increases the likelihood of road accidents in wet conditions, making it an essential factor for car safety. The EU label includes wet braking as a criterion for evaluating tires, highlighting its significance.
The X-Ice SNOW tire demonstrated the second-best wet braking performance among its peers. When tested at a braking speed of 50mph, it trailed behind the leading Blizzak WS90 by a distance of 7.5 feet.
These results illustrate the tangible impact of tire choice on wet road safety and underline the importance of considering wet braking performance when selecting tires for your vehicle.
X-Ice SNOW:
- -5.5% in wet braking
Dry Performance
In a comparison test, the Blizzak WS90 demonstrated superior dry braking performance, outperforming the X-Ice SNOW by 3.8 feet when braking at 50mph.
This difference highlights the importance of selecting tires that deliver reliable performance in varying conditions.
With their ability to provide shorter stopping distances on dry surfaces, the Blizzak WS90 tires can offer drivers added peace of mind during daily commuting and emergencies. Choosing tires with enhanced dry-road capabilities can improve driving confidence and safety.
The Blizzak WS90’s impressive dry braking performance underscores its suitability for year-round use, making it an appealing option for those seeking reliable tire performance in diverse weather conditions.
X-Ice SNOW:
- -4.1% in dry braking
Noise | Comfort | Ride Quality
The X-Ice SNOW tires have been rated 7.75 out of 10 for ride comfort and noise, while the Blizzak WS90 received a slightly lower rating of 7.17 in the same categories.
When comparing the two, it’s clear that the X-ounce SNOW tires have a slight edge due to their better ride quality and lower noise levels.
Drivers using the X-Ice SNOW tires will likely experience a more comfortable and quieter ride than those using the Blizzak WS90 tires. This could be particularly beneficial during long drives or urban areas where road noise can be a nuisance.
With a higher rating for ride comfort, the X-ounce SNOW tires may also provide better shock absorption, resulting in smoother handling and potentially less fatigue for drivers and passengers.
X-Ice SNOW:
- +2.9% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Fuel Efficiency
That’s considerable, and improving fuel efficiency can significantly reduce this massive consumption. By increasing fuel efficiency by just 1 mile per gallon across the entire US fleet of vehicles, we could save over 2 million barrels of oil daily.
Focusing on improving fuel efficiency not only helps reduce our reliance on fossil fuels but also has a positive impact on the environment.
A study found that increasing vehicle fuel efficiency by just 5% could reduce around 180 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Price
One of its popular offerings is the X-Ice SNOW tire, which comes at a higher price than its competitor, the Blizzak WS90. The X-Ice SNOW is priced $36 higher than the Blizzak WS90, reflecting Michelin’s advanced tire technology and performance investment.
The X-Ice SNOW tire boasts exceptional grip and handling on snow-covered roads and impressive braking performance in icy conditions. Its optimized tread pattern and specialized rubber compounds contribute to its superior performance in winter driving conditions.
The Blizzak WS90 is a highly regarded winter tire with a slightly lower price point. It provides reliable traction and stability on snow and ice, making it a popular choice among drivers looking for a dependable winter tire without breaking the bank.
Tire size: 225/50 R17
X-Ice SNOW: $212
Blizzak WS90: $176
Difference: +17% more expensive for X-Ice SNOW.
Conclusion
Both Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 vs Michelin X-Ice SNOW have their strengths in different winter driving conditions. With X-Ice SNOW excelling in snow and comfort performance and Blizzak WS90 performing better in wet and dry conditions, the choice ultimately comes down to individual priorities.
Considering the price and intended winter usage, X-Ice SNOW is recommended as a reliable and balanced winter tire option. Consider your specific driving needs before deciding which tire is best for you.
FAQs
Which Snow Tire Is Better, Michelin Or Bridgestone?
Your choice between the Bridgestone Blizzak and Michelin X-Ice tires will be influenced by your specific requirements and the conditions you drive. Bridgestone offers a broader range of options to suit different situations, while Michelin is known for providing a smooth, quiet, and fuel-efficient driving experience. Both tires offer exceptional traction, particularly in snowy and icy conditions.
Is the Blizzak WS90 A Good Winter Tire?
It excels in snowy and icy conditions, performs admirably in slush, and doesn’t experience hydroplaning. It also handles summer driving with ease. These tires are a must-have for your vehicle!
Is Michelin Or Bridgestone More Expensive?
Considering the cost as an investment, they both offer excellent value. While Michelin tires are pricier than Bridgestone’s, they offer a broader selection of more practical tires.
What Does WS90 Mean On Tires?
WS90 on tires refers to the treadwear rating of the tire. The treadwear rating is a standardized measurement that indicates how long a tire is expected to last based on its wear characteristics. A higher number, such as WS90, typically means the tire has a longer lifespan before needing to be replaced.
Snow Vs Blizzak ws90
The enhanced grip not only boosts traction but also minimizes braking distances.The Blizzak WS90 tread design features 30% increased block rigidity, enhancing steering precision, consistency, and durability. This yields a robust tire with an extended lifespan, ensuring smooth winter handling.