Winter weather can be challenging for drivers, especially in areas with heavy snowfall. Having the right tires can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience. That’s why it’s important to consider purchasing winter tires, especially if you live in a cold climate or frequently travel on cross-country drives.
When it comes to winter tires, there are many options available in the market. However, two brands stand out for their exceptional quality and durability: the Bridgestone Blizzak and the Michelin X-Ice Xi-3.
To help you make an informed decision, we compared these two top winter tires and put them to the test. Here’s what we found:
![Bridgestone Blizzak](https://tiresinspect.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bridgestone_Blizzak_Ice-400x400-1.png)
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS80
Bridgestone is a well-established tire manufacturer, known for its high-quality tire series. The Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 is one of their most popular models and a testament to their reputation as a top-notch tire manufacturer. The WS80 is marketed as a studless winter tire designed to make driving in extreme weather conditions safe and enjoyable. This tire is a result of the company's commitment to improvement, as it was developed after the successful launch of its predecessor, the WS70. Rigorous tests were conducted to ensure that the WS80 was an improvement over its predecessor in all driving conditions.
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 features the latest in tire technology, using a NanoPro-tech multicell compound. This compound, combined with the tire’s tread design, effectively disposes of water during rotation, keeping the tire dry on wet roads. The compound is also hydrophilic and has bite-sized gaps across the tread, allowing for flexibility in varying temperatures.
In our test drive on snowy roads, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 proved to have better grip and maximum ground contact at all times. The tire’s smaller shoulder blocks and 3D zig-zag sipes also ensure that all encountered forces are dispersed evenly, resulting in a smooth and comfortable driving experience.
Additionally, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 is stamped with the 3PMSF symbol, a quality symbol given to tires that have been tested in the harshest weather conditions. Our tests showed that the WS80s offer better traction, more control on sharp turns, and improved braking capabilities – all the hallmarks of a top-quality winter tire.
In conclusion, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 is a top-notch winter tire that provides better grip, improved traction, and a safe and comfortable driving experience. Whether you’re driving in harsh winter weather or on cross-country drives, this tire is a great choice.
Pros:
Improved grip and traction
A safe and comfortable driving experience
Cons:
The best results are achieved when the tire is installed on all four wheels
The tire’s performance on dry surfaces may not be as good as on snowy roads
In conclusion, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 is a top-notch winter tire that provides better grip, improved traction, and a safe and comfortable driving experience. Whether you’re driving in harsh winter weather or on cross-country drives, this tire is a great choice.
![](https://tiresinspect.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Michelin-X-Ice.png)
Michelin X-Ice Xi-3
The Michelin X-Ice Xi-3 is a high-performing winter tire that has been developed by the renowned tire manufacturer, Michelin. It is the third iteration in their popular X-Ice series and is engineered to deliver exceptional performance in harsh winter weather conditions. As a direct competitor to Bridgestone's Blizzak series, the Michelin X-Ice Xi-3 distinguishes itself with its innovative Cross Z design and self-locking technology.
In terms of product information, the Michelin X-Ice Xi-3 is recognized for its exceptional braking capabilities on wet, slippery and icy surfaces. According to Michelin, vehicles equipped with these tires can stop in 10% less distance compared to other winter tires. The tire is made from Michelin’s Flex-Ice compound and features a unique tread design that sets it apart from other winter tires. The Cross Z sipes are designed to displace snow during tire rotation, while the tiny holes for water help to form a vacuum, which sucks in water and keeps the tire dry.
Our testing has revealed that the Michelin X-Ice Xi-3 outperforms the Blizzak in terms of stopping distance, and our test drivers attribute this to the tire’s unique tread design. If you are a regular on the tracks and enjoy racing, the Xi-3 is an excellent choice for you. Additionally, the tire’s structure provides better handling and longevity, and it has been shown to wear more slowly over time compared to the Blizzak. Furthermore, the Xi-3 can result in improved fuel efficiency due to its lower rolling resistance.
In terms of pros, the Michelin X-Ice Xi-3 has better rolling resistance, improved steering control and handling, a quiet ride, and a slow treadwear rate. Additionally, it performs well on dry surfaces. The tire’s only con is that it may not perform as well on bumpy roads due to its stiff structure.
Pros:
- Better rolling resistance
- Better steering control and handling
- A noise free experience
- Treadwear is quite slow
- The tire runs well on dry surfaces
Cons:
- The tire is a bit stiff so doesn’t perform well on bumpy roads
Comparing The Tires: WS80 and Xi-3
The WS80s have recently seen a new addition in the market with the introduction of the WS90, however, the longevity of the Xi-3 still remains unmatched.
When it comes to grip and stability at low to average speeds, the Blizzak series surpasses the Xi-3. On the other hand, the Xi-3 proves to be the clear winner in extreme weather conditions.
The tread design of the Blizzak series offers superior control and grip, while the Xi-3 excels in high-speed turns and maneuverability. Additionally, the Xi-3 showed better braking capabilities in our tests.
In terms of cost, the Blizzak provides better value for money, while the Xi-3 offers a better long-term investment in terms of longevity.
Likes and Dislikes
The Xi-3 offers better rolling resistance and longevity, making up for its lack of grip. The Blizzak’s deep snow traction is unmatched by the Xi-3. The Blizzak excels in acceleration tests due to its tread layout. The Blizzak is more affordable and is frequently updated with new variants. The Blizzak comes in sizes ranging from 15-19 inches, fitting most vehicles. The performance of the WS80s on dry surfaces was not impressive. The Xi-3 is slightly more expensive compared to the WS80s. The Xi-3 did not perform well on rough roads.
In conclusion, the choice between these tires depends on your specific needs and wants. Both tires have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s up to you to decide which one fits your driving style best. Both the Blizzak and Xi-3 tires can be purchased at a dealership near you.
The Blizzak series has been in the market since 1993 and has undergone numerous updates and changes based on research and testing. On the other hand, the Xi-3 sticks to its tried-and-tested principles, with only minor modifications over the years.
If performance is your priority, the Xi-3 is the way to go. But if you’re looking for a cost-effective solution, the Blizzak series is the better option.