Acura RDX: Winter Tires Review

If you want to prepare your Acura RDX for the winter, buying winter tires is a great start. Read on to learn about some popular options for your RDX.

By Bassem Girgis - April 26, 2016

This article applies to the Acura RDX (2007-2016).

When it comes to tires for the Acura RDX, the sky is the limit. You can get specific tires for specific needs, from performance tires and off-road tires to winter tires. Each season brings a different feel, and having tires designed specifically for your likely weather conditions is a wise decision. If you live in an area where winters are harsh, rainy, or snowy, winter tires are a must. These tires are designed specifically for hard weather conditions and provide ultimate traction on slippery roads. This guide will shine some light on the most popular winter tires. Read on to ensure you make the best decision for your needs, budget, and driving conditions.

Winter Tires for the RDX


Blizzak DM-V1
Blizzak DM-V2
Michelin X Ice 2
Nokian Nordman 5
Price (per tire)
$131 $156 $161 $172
Looks
Street Street Street Snow
Weight
37 lbs. 37 lbs. 33 lbs. 35 lbs.
Performance
Snow & Ice Slush, Snow, & Ice Snow & Ice Deep Snow
Thread Life
20,000 Miles 20,000 Miles 20,000 Miles 10,000 to 15,000 Miles
Warranty
5 Years 5 Years 6 Years 5 Years
Best Quality: Michelin X Ice 2

Best Value: Michelin X Ice 2

Blizzak DM-V1

Price – $131

Looks Street

Weight 37 lbs.

Performance Snow & Ice

Thread Life 20,000 Miles

Warranty 5 Years

The Blizzak DM-V1, designed by Bridgestone, features hundreds and hundreds of microscopic pores which help gain traction on snow and ice. These tires are popular among SUV, as well as truck, owners which is always a good sign, since higher cars need more traction on snow to increase the handling. These tires are known to live up to 30,000 miles, and to top it off, the manufacture allows you to try them for 30 days. If you're not satisfied on the icy roads, you can return them without hassle. Owners have praised these tires, not only for their handling in snow and ice, but also on wet, slushy roads. The only thing that could be considered bad about these tires is that after 50% use, they start losing their superb abilities of snow traction which makes them above average winter tires after 50% of the tread has been used. Recommended if you're looking for good traction in snow and ice.

Blizzak DM-V2

Price $156

Looks Street

Weight 37 lbs.

Performance Slush, Ice, & Snow

Thread Life 20,000 Miles

Warranty 5 Years

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 is the upgraded version of the DM-V1. These tires feature an all new tread pattern which improves the handling in slush, snow, ice, wet roads, and whatever weather conditions you may face, by 15%. The DM-V2 tires feature a contact patch that creates pressure in the area that meets the snow, which improves the traction as well as the handling and stability. If you're asking yourself what the difference is between the DM-V1 and the DM-V2, the answer is better traction. They are both identical in most areas; however, the V2 give you a slightly better advantage in handling and stability. Again, the difference is small, so it's up to you to measure the difference in cost vs. performance, as the V1 performs incredibly already. However, if you want to have the best traction money can buy, then paying the difference in cost may be worth it for you. Recommended if you're looking for the best traction and stability in the worst weather conditions.

Michelin X Ice 2

Price $161

Looks Street

Weight 33 lbs.

Performance Ice & Snow

Thread Life 20,000 Miles

Warranty 6 Years

The Michelin X Ice 2 feature a special compound, which is there to ensure tire flexibility under rough weather conditions. This compound not only assists in traction and handling, it also adds life to the tread as it protects the tire. The tread on these tires is wide which completely changes the acceleration and braking of your car. The Michelin is considered to be one of the most reputable companies out there; they stand by their tires, and their six-year warranty proves just that. The company prides itself in providing three major pieces in their tires: safety, durability, and fuel efficiency. Customers claim these tires are the best on snow, and they are very quiet on the dry roads, which is a huge bonus, as some companies sacrifice comfort to create aggressive treads that will hold on tight to slippery roads. Michelin claims this tire lasts 75% longer than its competitors. Recommended if you're looking for a reputable company with great warranty.

Nokian Nordman

Price $172

Looks Snow

Weight 35 lbs.

Performance Deep Snow

Thread Life 10,000 to 15,000 Miles

Warranty 5 Years

The Nokian Nordman are studded tires which creates a whole new meaning to traction, even in the deepest of snow. If you're looking for high quality and safety, look no further. Although these tires are priced a bit more than competitors, once you lay eyes on them, you'll see that they also spent more money manufacturing them. The featured creative grooves in the tread allow the snow, ice, and slushy water to flow from under the foot prints of the tires, which allows the tires to do their job in holding on to the ground and creating maximum traction. The studs in the tires work as claws, which grip the snow for extra stability. There is no doubt you will be satisfied with the acceleration and the traction of these tires, but you will be exceptionally satisfied with the braking when having these tires with claws. If you live in an area with a lot of snow, expect better braking than ever before. When you're driving on dry land, expect louder tires than your average winter tires; the studs are highly effective in snow, but they can add some notes on the dry roads. Recommended if you're looking for top braking capability in harsh weather conditions.

Related Discussions