Claude Boucher
 

October 12, 2010

SUV and Crossover Winter Tires

A less ‘heated’ debate this winter

The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV, not yet available in Canada.

As of 2008, the winter tire requirement for driving during the coldest months has baffled tire manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumers alike.

Demand for these tires skyrocketed in the Fall of 2008, particularly from SUV owners that, up until then, had still been giving the cold shoulder to winter tires. Late-comers were forced to compromise, especially those with new models and those looking for less common tire sizes.

Back to normal in 2010

In 2009, supply and demand became quite complicated to manage. Only the particularly astute could reasonably predict customer needs after a year of record sales in 2008. As a result, more and more tires remained on the shelf at the end of the season. How will 2010 turn out for SUV and crossover tire sales?

“The ripple effect provoked in 2008 has slowly subsided,” says Jean-Louis Dion of Pneus Robert Bernard. “This year, retailers like us have ordered tires anyway, but nothing like in previous years. We are getting back to normal. Yes, certain sizes and certain models of tires may be less available, but this won’t be as widespread as it was in 2008.”

In the case of SUVs and crossovers, new tire sizes supplied by some manufacturers give consumers even more options. The increasing popularity of crossover vehicles and SUVs of different sizes has also had an impact on tire supplies. Everyone must adjust, and consumers should be able to find exactly what they need this year. Despite everything, Normand Latrémouille of Michelin Canada, recommends SUV and crossover owners should be more proactive this year. 
“A consumer can now find a tire that meets their requirements. Maybe not always the best quality tire, though, especially if they leave it a little late. If they wait too long, especially for some sizes that I would call more exotic, only the more expensive products will remain on the market. So, it’s important to equip your vehicle in a timely manner. For us, the pivotal date, and a key reference point, is always right after Thanksgiving.” 

 

Michelin offers 8 new sizes for its Latitude X-Ice Xi2.

Too many sizes

A wave of larger-sized tires has greatly contributed to the proliferation of different tire sizes available on the market. Maintaining an inventory appropriate to your clientele without being stuck with too many unsold tires at the end of the season has become more than just a skill, it now seems you need a fortune-teller as well.

“With the arrival of crossovers, offering a variety of sizes has become more complicated,” points out Normand Latrémouille of Michelin. “If we look at crossovers or the more popular smaller SUVs, like the Honda CR-V or the Toyota RAV4, we notice that just two years ago, these vehicles used passenger vehicle-sized tires. We also find that the same vehicle, according to the available options, could need 17-, 18- or 19-inch tires. It’s all become extremely complex.”

This automobile manufacturing trend is towards a certain look, much more than tire performance. “The road handling of a 17-inch tire may be superior to that of a 13-inch tire, but in Europe, small tires are very widespread, even if Old World roads are more winding than ours,” Jean-Louis Dion reminds us.

According to Alexis Archambault of Pneus Robert Bernard, “This larger-size tire trend should stabilize in the next two years.”

Undersizing: an option to consider

With the high price of SUV and crossover tires and the rare availability of certain sizes, some consumers could be drawn to the idea of adopting a smaller size. Opting for a 16- or 17-inch tire when the vehicle’s original tire dimension is 18- to 19-inches can have other benefits in addition to their more affordable price. Normand Latrémouille goes even far enough by endorsing this practice.

“There are several schools of thought on the subject. A tire with a smaller diameter, and thus smaller contact on the ground, helps to prevent aquaplaning in very wet, sludgy or heavy snow conditions. At Michelin, this is an option we recommend, as long as the tire diameter is respected above all else, to keep all the vehicle’s electronics operating adequately.”

For certain models, several different tire dimensions are offered, according to the chosen option package. In such a

Normand Latrémouille, Michelin, recommends undersizing winter tires.

case, undersized tires do not cause a problem. While a smaller size tire is beneficial for the motorist that drives a lot on snowy or winding, hilly roads, this practice also has its drawbacks. A smaller diameter tire will behave differently on dry roads, especially when handling curves. This is also true for SUVs and crossovers because they have a higher centre of gravity.

“There’s no one solution that works for everybody,” states Jean-Louis Dion, of Pneus Robert Bernard. “We must ask the customer the right questions, too – knowing what kind of roads he takes, even at what times he drives the most.”

Because an undersized tire changes road handling, drivers who favour a sportier driving style, even in winter, might be in for some unpleasant surprises when trading in a 19-inch tire for a 17-inch one. Less effective braking and reduced stability are some of the issues that need to be addressed and brought to the customer’s attention. This way they can be properly advised when it comes to making their final decision.

New in 2010

It’s important to note that many manufacturers have increased their supply of different sizes for the 2010 new SUV and crossover winter tire models. Such is the case at Michelin, where the Latitude X-Ice Xi2 was offered in just one size in 2009. They have now added 8 new sizes for 2010. Yokohama also now offers a wider range of sizes for SUVs and crossovers. At Firestone, the Winterforce LT is among the new models that we can now depend on. Bridgestone has just as much to offer, with more sizes (53 in total) for its Blizzak DM-V1, and 34 sizes for the new WS 70, which can, notably, also outfit the Kia’s Soul or Sportage, or a Ford Edge as well.

However, we all have to wait until 2011 for the new Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV to become available here - now currently offered in Europe in 21 sizes, from 16 to 21 inches. In the meantime, fans of this Finnish tire can stay satisfied when the rubber meets the road with the excellent Hakkapeliitta 5 SUV, already well established here.