Getting close for new tires

[SBMongoos]

I have Continental Cross Contact LX25s. Before long I'm going to have to replace them. Been happy with them. Is this still the way to go? I always like to check in and see if there's a better option. I'm seeing the Michelin Cross-Climate 2 on cars a lot. But I think the treadware isn't as good is it and pricier?

I'm in the NW of Metro Denver. '16.5 GT.

 

[N7turbo]

In Denver I don't think you need CC2. Snow doesn't seem to hang around long there.

 

[GFrosty]

2016.5 CX-5 GT here, as well.

Like you, I live in a place that does get snow and ice, but it tends to not stay around for more than a couple of days. Once or twice a winter, it'll hang around for a week, but that's not that common.

In Denver ... If you feel the need to contend with some snow and ice during the winter months, and if you don't particularly want to do a second set of wheels/tires, then you might consider the Nokian Encompass AW02, . It's coming in January 2025. It's available in the 235/50VR19 size, 103V XL, with a 65Kmi treadlife warranty. It's available at DiscountTire outlets; and it seems you've got some in the Denver area.

For the past handful of years I've used the Nokian WR G4 SUV, 103V XL, 60Kmi treadlife warranty. It uses an all-weather, year-'round compound and has more winter-oriented siping. Exceptional in the wet, snow, slush, and fairly good in icy conditions. Not a straight winter tire, but has about ~90% of a winter tire's grip. Have used them in >100ºF+ and <0ºF conditions. The WR G4 has now been replaced by the Remedy WR G5 (same essential tire). It's available in the standard GT's 19" sizing (225/55-19, as well as 235/50-19, along with a couple sizings in 17" if you prefer that size rim). My existing WR G4 SUV tires are at about 43Kmi now, right on track for its 60Kmi life (though I'll swap them out a bit sooner).


As I'm on my last ~12-15Kmi on these, I'm seriously considering the Nokian Encompass AW02 for my next set. Will decide by next summer/autumn. It's got the same 103V XL rating , better treadlife warranty (65Kmi), a bit less winter-oriented siping, but the same great all-weather, year-'round compound. I suspect it'll be better in the clear-weather "summer" months, be just as good in the winter, with a bit better tread life (than the WR G4).

"Summer" performance (with these WR G4) isn't quite up to normal summer-oriented all-season touring tires' handling capability, at least if pushed hard. Its siping and somewhat softer all-weather compound allows it to feel a bit softer in harder turns, but it's plenty capable (in 103V XL) if driven normally. (It isn't a "performance" tire, of course, so that's to be expected.) Otherwise, it's stellar. A good alternative to a typical 3-season type touring tire.

Great tires, IMO. Have had a set of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta winter tires before. Stellar in ice and snow, though they don't last long. Suitable as a winter-only set of wheels/tires, for people who have two sets in severe winter areas.

One option to "normal" 3-season (aka "all-season") tires.

 

[SBMongoos]

In Denver I don't think you need CC2. Snow doesn't seem to hang around long there.

True. If it does it's maybe one to two weeks at a time (re-occurring throughout winter) at most and especially on the side streets. I see the CC2s here a lot!

 

[ColoradoDriver]

I am in Denver as well and honestly I seasonally switch between dedicated winter tires and all-seasons. I don't like compromised driving in the snow, and so to me it's worth it. Yes it's true that between snows we have periods of clear and sometimes even warmer weather. So this is why I don't use Blizzaks and opt for a more balanced winter tire. Trying Continental Viking Contact 7 (bought last year) and so far been happy with them.

If opting instead for 1 tire year round, then yeah just see what's going to work and still be semi-competent if you have to drive in snow. I've also seen a ton of people running CC2's around here, but haven't had a chance to ask anyone what they think of them. Looking online, have heard they are a good in-between tire, on the flip side heard they were very noisy.

My General Altimax RT43's I bought back in '17 or '18 have reached the end of their life, so I likewise will be looking for new all-seasons come next May!

 

[SBMongoos]

I am in Denver as well and honestly I seasonally switch between dedicated winter tires and all-seasons. I don't like compromised driving in the snow, and so to me it's worth it. Yes it's true that between snows we have periods of clear and sometimes even warmer weather. So this is why I don't use Blizzaks and opt for a more balanced winter tire. Trying Continental Viking Contact 7 (bought last year) and so far been happy with them.

If opting instead for 1 tire year round, then yeah just see what's going to work and still be semi-competent if you have to drive in snow. I've also seen a ton of people running CC2's around here, but haven't had a chance to ask anyone what they think of them. Looking online, have heard they are a good in-between tire, on the flip side heard they were very noisy.

My General Altimax RT43's I bought back in '17 or '18 have reached the end of their life, so I likewise will be looking for new all-seasons come next May!

The Conti's I currently have worked fine. Been in CO for some time now but come from northern MN driving. I thought the Altimax RT43s were good but not as good as the Conti's I currently have (Continental Cross Contact LX25s). Just checking to see what's out there at this point as a better option. When I got them new at DT I got an exceptional deal at the time due to value of the Altimax remaining mileage and them price matching their on sale on their web site.

 

[ColoradoDriver]

The Conti's I currently have worked fine. Been in CO for some time now but come from northern MN driving. I thought the Altimax RT43s were good but not as good as the Conti's I currently have (Continental Cross Contact LX25s). Just checking to see what's out there at this point as a better option. When I got them new at DT I got an exceptional deal at the time due to value of the Altimax remaining mileage and them price matching their on sale on their web site.

Oh I definitely bought the General's because they were cheap, $110/each back then. I mostly liked them as well, but have had a couple of complaints, mainly they were really noisy on 225 when they were new for some reason (tread pattern)...it quieted out later, but was like really bad on certain stretches.

They were also completely bad on any snow imo, so one year I was slacking on getting switched over and did not enjoy that drive on the first snow lol.

 

[jadmt]

if I lived in Denver I would be getting out of town every chance I got and I know lots of the cooler places in Colorado get snow...probably why you see so many cars with CC2's. I just installed a set on oct 11, and already have 1500 miles on them and so far pretty impressed with how they quiet they are and how they handle in the wet..no snow yet tho...

 

[N7turbo]

True, recreational uses should be considered.

 

[ColoradoDriver]

if I lived in Denver I would be getting out of town every chance I got and I know lots of the cooler places in Colorado get snow...probably why you see so many cars with CC2's. I just installed a set on oct 11, and already have 1500 miles on them and so far pretty impressed with how they quiet they are and how they handle in the wet..no snow yet tho...

Huh, first time I heard someone say they were quiet. Good to know!

 

[jadmt]

Huh, first time I heard someone say they were quiet. Good to know!

I was surprised looking at the tread I thought they would be noisy. this is with sunroof open and windows open. I know hard to tell from a video but with sunroof closed they are super quiet.

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[SBMongoos]

Maybe I'll stick with the Continental Cross Contact LX25s. I like the look of the Michelin CC2s but it's not sound like they are worth it.

I've been using Discount Tire since the 80s. Costco is getting more competitive but not sure it's worth making the move.

 

[ColoradoDriver]

Maybe I'll stick with the Continental Cross Contact LX25s. I like the look of the Michelin CC2s but it's not sound like they are worth it.

I've been using Discount Tire since the 80s. Costco is getting more competitive but not sure it's worth making the move.

Forgot which part of Denver you said, but avoid Discount on Wads and Coal Mine. They have now broken two of my studs. I switched over to the one further north on Wads by the Sam's Club and they have been much better.

 

[jofo67]

I got the Michelin CC2 at Costco 2 weeks ago and I will be trading them in for the primacy instead. The CC2 do not perform at a level that I am used to on dry pavement. A lot of oversteer and correcting on long turns. I also took a 25% mileage hit. Now I know they will rock for driving f in the snow, but we hardly see much snow in MA anymore. I gave these a try knowing full well that I could exchange them for free, so I am happy to exercise that perk.

 

[jadmt]

I got the Michelin CC2 at Costco 2 weeks ago and I will be trading them in for the primacy instead. The CC2 do not perform at a level that I am used to on dry pavement. A lot of oversteer and correcting on long turns. I also took a 25% mileage hit. Now I know they will rock for driving f in the snow, but we hardly see much snow in MA anymore. I gave these a try knowing full well that I could exchange them for free, so I am happy to exercise that perk.

crazy what was your before and after mpg? With the oem tires I was always right around 30mpg and now with 2000 miles on the cc2's I am still right at 30mpg. I hand figure every fill up. If i took a 25% hit I would be getting rid of them too.

 

[jofo67]

I went from 30 highway to 23-24. Granted that was 2 trips and other conditions contributed. But my daily commute is down a good 20% and I have a larger sample size for that. I’ve read where others have taken a hit too, but most are more modest than mine.
One the greatest aspects of driving the CX is the handling, for what it is. However I can feel a noticeable difference with the CC2.
They are not a horrible tire by any means. They were excellent in a couple of heavy downpours that I have driven in, and I’m sure they perform good in the snow. They just aren’t for me.

 

[jofo67]

Happy to report that I was able to exchange my CC2 for Primacy at Costco. This was at no cost due to Michelin buy and try policy. The difference is like night and day. The car handles better than new with the Toyos and my mileage has improved immensely! These tires are truly amazing. Now for the snow test. Stay tuned.

 

[kendel7]

I am in Denver as well and honestly I seasonally switch between dedicated winter tires and all-seasons. I don't like compromised driving in the snow, and so to me it's worth it. Yes it's true that between snows we have periods of clear and sometimes even warmer weather. So this is why I don't use Blizzaks and opt for a more balanced winter tire. Trying Continental Viking Contact 7 (bought last year) and so far been happy with them.

If opting instead for 1 tire year round, then yeah just see what's going to work and still be semi-competent if you have to drive in snow. I've also seen a ton of people running CC2's around here, but haven't had a chance to ask anyone what they think of them. Looking online, have heard they are a good in-between tire, on the flip side heard they were very noisy.

My General Altimax RT43's I bought back in '17 or '18 have reached the end of their life, so I likewise will be looking for new all-seasons come next May!

Looking at the tread design of the CC2s, I would also think they are noisy....

 

[jadmt]

Looking at the tread design of the CC2s, I would also think they are noisy....

I have not found that to be the case. Pleasantly surprised how quiet they are.

 

[ADS-B]

I have Continental Cross Contact LX25s. Before long I'm going to have to replace them. Been happy with them. Is this still the way to go? I always like to check in and see if there's a better option. I'm seeing the Michelin Cross-Climate 2 on cars a lot. But I think the treadware isn't as good is it and pricier?

I'm in the NW of Metro Denver. '16.5 GT.

If you're in the Boulder area, you should probably consider some snow tires for the crazy snow dump in February-March, usually. Maybe some Blizzak from Bridgestone or whatever snow tires you have available.