Michelin: new X-Ice Xi3 and winter driving

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Small lesson of humility courtesy of Michelin

Tires

Michelin X-Ice Xi3, a new virtuoso for the winter, guaranteed more

With the approach of winter, the Michelin company decided to educate motorists quebecois a safer driving. The campaign also coincides with the arrival on the market of a new Michelin winter, X-Ice Xi3 tire. To demonstrate the capabilities of its product and to allow some drivers to hone their driving skills, the French equipment has recently organized a training session and information on ile Notre-Dame in Montreal, involving several participants enrolled via internet.

The first tire

This winter tire is one of the more sophisticated than the French company has ever produced. There are more than a decade, had unveiled the X-Ice whose main feature was a multi tread sipes providing always optimal performance, even after tens of thousands of kilometers. The X-Ice Xi2 him succeeds in allowing drivers to count on the average superior durability while having an even higher adhesion both on the snow on the ice.

It is still marketed in certain quantities, but it is essentially replaced by a third generation: the Xi3. According to Michelin, "this tire reduced up to 10% your braking distance on ice and lasts twice as long as its main competitors. "

These results are obtained due to the use of four features that work in harmony to provide a reassuring winter driving. First and foremost, the number of tread blocks is larger and has 15% more biting edges to provide improved traction. The design of the sole acts as micro pumps the excess water converge to a central groove to be there then evacuated by centrifugal force. The tread is constituted of three-dimensional intersecting strips Michelin Cross called Z Sipe. These multiple sipes allow for a rigid sole and a more stable adhesion. Finally, the compound of gum Flex-Ice silica-based allows the tire to maintain its flexibility at low temperatures, while being strong enough to moderate temperature to improve the adhesion and prevent wear.

Michelin is so confident in its new tire, it offers a limited warranty 60 000 km against the wear of the tread. In addition, North Americans who purchase a set of four tires of this brand enjoy copyright "Michelin Promise" an exclusiveness in the industry. The "Promise" includes a satisfaction guarantee of 30 days, an assistance program for three years in case of puncture and a limited mileage warranty.

Ready for winter

In order to improve the safety of winter driving, the French tire manufacturer has developed "The Michelin Winter Driving Academy." There is a website - www.centrehivermichelin.ca - including a wealth of information to optimize winter driving and drive more safely. Through several videos, Richard Spenard, racing driver and renowned specialist in the Advanced Driving explains how to behave behind the wheel in difficult situations, in addition to providing several tips for preparing your car for the winter season.

In addition, an information course on winter driving took place on November 2 on one of the parking lots adjacent to the paddock of Formula One on the Gilles Villeneuve circuit. Editor Richard Spenard, the seasoned instructors have allowed many people to discover the qualities of this new tire and learn several techniques for winter driving. A synthetic surface has low coefficient of friction simulated icy road in winter.

Participants benefited from several strong sound advice and found a car equipped tire quality provides increased control. Participants also discovered the qualities of adhesion of the new X-Ice Xi3 tire. During demonstrations and trials, it was possible to hear the work of the slats on this very slippery surface.

As for winter driving is Richard Spenard who has the final word: "A car in good mechanical condition, and quality of winter tires are essential elements for safe winter driving. But we must not forget that the most important element is the common sense of the person behind the wheel! Indeed, we have not yet found a way to defy the laws of physics. Driving the appeal judgment is still the most important thing. "

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