Hey guys... Wondering what you previous Maxima owners used for winter tires? Or what your plans are for winter tires for the 2016 model. While I know winter is still a ways out, I am located in MN and it's always in the back of my mind

 

I previously used Michelin Pilot Sports A/S, and most recently Continental Extreme Contact DWS tires. Both were excellent in the snow. I plan on upgrading my tires to the Continentals later this year.

 

Thanks for the reply! I've only had SUV's, so I'm new to FWD & winter tires. Being in MN, I consider it a must. With that being said, where are you located? Just curious if I can get away with an all season tire in MN.

 

One reason you might squeak by with an all-season tire in Minnesota is because the Maxima has only a 4 1/2 " ground clearance, and can't even get over half the speed bumps around where I live in middle Georgia without scraping. So You would not want to be out in your Maxima in more than a few inches of snow/slush.

But you will get a lot more help here as more Yankees read your post. There are a lot of Maxima drivers up north.

I remember navigating the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in mid-August back in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, and they were already 'rolling up the streets' in preparation for winter by that time. The roads were becoming empty, and it looked as if everything was being battened down. I don't think I would survive one of those six month Minnesota winters.

 

I'm in upstate New York. I've never used a winter tire. The Michelin and Continental I mentioned are ultra high performance all seasons. Great in the rain and little snow conditions (2-5"). Anything more than that you prob want snow tires. You can check out Tirerack...both are highly rated with reviews from users from all over. Minnesota I hear has some brutal winters...that said you may want to consider specifically a winter tire. Check Tirerack out.

 

I first used used dedicated winter tires about 15 years ago - and will never go back to all seasons.

For me - the choice always comes down to 'Performance Winter' (much better on dry and wet roads) vs 'Studless Ice and Snow' (better in actual heavy snow and ice). Last time I chose Performance Winter, this time it will come down to Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 vs Michelin X-Ice Xi3.

 

We bought a Jeep GC a couple of years ago and my wife never drives it. So, that will be used during the heavy snow falls. Just looking to find some decent winter tires for the max, as it will be my DD.

Thanks for the input. I have been looking at Tire Rack and Discount Tire. I will most likely go with a winter tire.

Nice. I saw that the X-Ice had great reviews. Now I am just wondering if I should swap out tires every year or get a second set of wheels to throw them on? What do you typically do?

 

I have two sets of wheels. Typically put the all seasons on after market wheels, and winters on the OE wheels.

 

I have been pondering the same question at length, living in Northern Michigan and facing the same long cold winters that you will.

After researching the numerous options and reading tire reviews on a slew of websites, plus using my Consumer Reports website subscription, I have settled of these:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....cleSearch=true

On my previous 2005 AWD Infiniti G35x I preferred Dunlop winter tires. They were a terrific mid priced option, but having gone back to FWD I think these look like a better choice.

 

I have the Michelin X-ice on downsized 17 inch enkei rims. This setup works great in the winter and saves the 19's from the salt. I have the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3's on my Mustang which are the best tire I've ever purchased. Not sure how they go in the winter as my Mustang is stored, but they are excellant in wet conditions and for handling.

 

Thanks for the info. The more I keep looking, the X-Ice looks like the winner. I would like to throw those on my stock 18's and then grab a set of the OEM black 19's for my all seasons.

 

i have pirelli winter carver 255/40/19s rdy for this winter