Primacy MXV4s surprisingly good in the snow

[Stewart Fan]

Finally had the first snow of the year. Its been a long time since I have driven anything but a 4wd in the snow. I couldn't wait to hop in my wifes Camry and go for a spin.

The roads were covered in about 2" of wet slushy snow. Buzzed through the neighborhood a few times, and returned home with a new found respect for a FWD car and all seasons.

There was no drama starting or stopping. I could actually accelerate pretty quickly without any wheel spin. If I really tried,I could get the Camrys traction control to kick in.

Found the steepest hill in the neighborhood and tried to climb it. Got 3/4 of the way up the hill before I started loosing traction,and then the traction control kicked in. The last 30-40 yds were slow going as the traction control fought to keep me moving up the hill.

I'm rather impressed with both the MXV4s and the Camry. A set of snow tires would make the Camry a pretty capable vehicle in the snow.

 

[JHZR2]

Good info.

 

[Oregoonian]

Expecting our first snow....in Bend, Oregon (3600')... tomorrow (Sun).....and its expected to snow the next few days after. Personally...I'm not thrilled about it...I hate to shovel my driveways and sidewalks.

Snow usually starts about Thanksgiving in our area...so this is highly unusual for not having any snow until now. Our winter temperature highs have been eight to twelve degrees above normal most days. Today it was 52 (a heat wave).

My vehicle has be ready for it (snow) since November... with winter traction tires....so I shouldn't have any problems getting around.

 

[brentalan]

I had the same tires on my Lincoln and they were terrible in even rain. Wonder if it's just the car more than the tires. I felt like in the cold weather MXV4 was an extra hard compound.

EDIT: Just noticed the topic says "Primacy". My tires were the energy savers, which probably explains the compound freezing up. Don't use these "fuel efficient" tires in weather that's very cold!

 

[Stewart Fan]

Originally Posted By: brentalan
I had the same tires on my Lincoln and they were terrible in even rain. Wonder if it's just the car more than the tires. I felt like in the cold weather MXV4 was an extra hard compound.

EDIT: Just noticed the topic says "Primacy". My tires were the energy savers, which probably explains the compound freezing up. Don't use these "fuel efficient" tires in weather that's very cold!


I was just about to ask if you were sure you didn't have the Energy MXV4 S8s. Those were the OEM tires on the Camry,and were absolutely dangerous in the rain. Michelin warrantied them for us about 6 weeks ago.

The Primacys are 10x the tire the Energys were.

 

[pwrusr]

I've also been considering these tires for my car. Are you getting the same mpg out of the primacys that you were getting from the energys?

 

[Hollow]

+1 on the Primacy MXV4. I have them in 225/60/16H on my 03 Outback. Just shy of 20k on them an no significant wear.

Quiet on dry, can't get them to hydroplane if I try, and they have handled every winter condition except ice very well for an all-season.

 

[CharBaby]

I have read reviews from owners of Energy & Primacy MXV4's and there seems to be quite a difference between the two in the foul weather traction department. The Primacy wins hands down!

 

[Stewart Fan]

Originally Posted By: pwrusr
I've also been considering these tires for my car. Are you getting the same mpg out of the primacys that you were getting from the energys?


I'm not sure about the mileage hit. We started using winter gas about the time we had the tires replaced. There has been a small reduction of mileage,but I can't say that from the tires,the gas,or both.

 

[pwrusr]

Originally Posted By: Stewart Fan
Originally Posted By: pwrusr
I've also been considering these tires for my car. Are you getting the same mpg out of the primacys that you were getting from the energys?


I'm not sure about the mileage hit. We started using winter gas about the time we had the tires replaced. There has been a small reduction of mileage,but I can't say that from the tires,the gas,or both.

It's likely the winter gas for the most part. Tires I'm sure aren't as good mpg wise as the old energys. That said, the much better handling that the primacys offer is worth the small hit in mpg.

 

[Ken2]

Quote:
Primacy MXV4s surprisingly good in the snow
How old were the tires? All-season tire snow traction falls off rapidly as the tires age and get worn, in my experience. Next winter consider buying her some winter tires. Look for take-off wheels on eBay or craigslist during the summer.

 

[karmatourer]

Did anybody catch "go for a spin"?

 

[Stewart Fan]

Originally Posted By: Ken2
Quote:
Primacy MXV4s surprisingly good in the snow
How old were the tires? All-season tire snow traction falls off rapidly as the tires age and get worn, in my experience. Next winter consider buying her some winter tires. Look for take-off wheels on eBay or craigslist during the summer.


The Primacys are maybe 6 weeks old. They did well in the snow,but snow tires they're not.

The Subaru is sporting a set of Blizzaks. Although it went pretty well in the snow,her Camry is parked when it snows.

 

[Marauder]

I keep reading mixed reactions of the Primacy's for road noise.

The stock tires on my Elantra are noisy and I am looking for some relief.

Would these be a good choice?