Adding to the snow tire discussion, was wondering if there are "best practice" recommendations from forum on drive settings for the Insight in snow? I'm used to selecting lowest possible gear, and the CVT is throwing me off.

Do any of the following make sense to simulate "lowest possible gear" and best low-speed traction in snow/ice conditions?
1 - ECO mode
2 - ECO mode with max regen
3 - Other combination -?

...OR is it best to just drive the Insight "as normal" and let the car's safety features like Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system manage traction?

 

Adding to the snow tire discussion, was wondering if there are "best practice" recommendations from forum on drive settings for the Insight in snow? I'm used to selecting lowest possible gear, and the CVT is throwing me off.

Do any of the following make sense to simulate "lowest possible gear" and best low-speed traction in snow/ice conditions?
1 - ECO mode
2 - ECO mode with max regen
3 - Other combination -?

...OR is it best to just drive the Insight "as normal" and let the car's safety features like Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system manage traction?

Its been awhile since I drove in snow. In the past I used a very gentle touch on the gas pedal, sometimes even a higher gear (with a manual transmission). My objective was to put minimal torque on the drive wheels yet enough to move the car, to discourage the wheels from spinning / losing grip on a slippery surface.


Pushing the Econ button increases gas pedal travel, thus increasing gas pedal sensitivity, thus allowing you to imagine a feel for how much purchase, grip, or traction is available for the drive wheels. Continuing with max regen seems like a good idea as well, unless the roads are so slick that sliding occurs when regen starts.

 

We got about 6" of snow on Sunday/Monday (not common where I live) - and I've been driving my Touring on Blizzak WS80s. I've been driving for the past couple of days on snow and snow/ice under the Normal mode. I like driving Normal rather than Eco in the snow/ice, but I'm more careful with the throttle. If I didn't have studless snow tires, I'd probably be staying home because of the hills and ice, and might be inclined to drive in ECO to avoid the tire spin on ice.

 

Nokian offers All-Weather tires that is approved for winter use. I'm not sure how well it does but heard good things about it from Tesla owners.
https://www.nokiantires.com/all-weather-tires/nokian-wr-g4/

I have never used snow tires living in Boston and no winter accidents the past 10 years either.

• The snow plows do a good job where I travel
• I practice defensive driving in the snow
• I leave plenty of room when following other cars
• I try not to drive above 30mph depending on conditions
• Avoid hills when possible
• Make sure tires are properly inflated weekly

Once the Michelins are due for replacement or I change my mind about needing snow tires... I will most likely replace them with Nokian All-Weather tires. Don't have space in my apartment to store the all season or winter tires.

 

I have never used snow tires living in Boston and no winter accidents the past 10 years either.

Has your snow driving adjusted at all with the Insight? Do you just drive "as normal" without trying to manage speed via offered modes (Eco) or Regen?

 

16" wheel/Blizzak tire combo from the 'Rack. It's actually been a mild winter here this winter so not much snow but the times I've driven it in the snow it's been great.

 

We received another 3" of snow this afternoon - and drove almost entirely in Normal mode through the hills of Bellevue. Didn't care about the regen - especially since I had to drive <5mph due to the other drivers creeping up the hills. The Insight handled fine on the ice, and great on the compacted snow. Rather than go into Eco mode, I just drove lighter on the gas pedal in Normal. I did see the Radar error message since there was a lot of snow/ice building up on front of the car, but that didn't cause any problems for me driving in the snow.

We're expecting another 3" tonight, and more snow this coming week - so I'll have more to report by the end of next week.

 

We received another 3" of snow this afternoon - and drove almost entirely in Normal mode through the hills of Bellevue. [...] We're expecting another 3" tonight, and more snow this coming week - so I'll have more to report by the end of next week.

Have you had any issues with the low clearance (4.29" under full load) in areas of snow accumulation?

 

For those of you who haven't seen the warning messages on the console when the radar gets obstructed, see attached photo.

 

Is it normal for just select areas (like the radar) to be frosted over by snow accumulation? Or was buildup already physically cleared from other parts of the car when the picture was taken?

 

Driving to downtown Seattle last night, the most difficult part of the drive was the 1 block from my driveway through my cul-de-sac to the road that had been plowed. There hadn't been much movement on the street, so there was about 8" of snow accumulated. I heard some snow rubbing on the underside of the car, but the car behaved well. Where the plow had piled up snow was higher, but I just had to bust through.

I did get a more serious error message showing up on the screen - saying to go have the dealer check out the road mitigation, lane check and braking - all of the same systems that indicate the radar was blocked - but wiping away all of the snow off of the plastic area under the hoodline *and* the bottom air dam seemed to make the error go away.

In general the Insight handles well in snow/ice - but I have to think that much of it is due to the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 studless snow tires. No slipping, no sliding - driving past the parked cars on the side of the hills that likely have all season tires, but no traction.

 

I did get a more serious error message showing up on the screen - saying to go have the dealer check out the road mitigation, lane check and braking - all of the same systems that indicate the radar was blocked - but wiping away all of the snow off of the plastic area under the hoodline *and* the bottom air dam seemed to make the error go away.

Is the bottom air dam the full horizontal area below the fender? Or just the area below the radar?

 

OK - after another 4" of snow, and then rain/snow mix that made the existing snow heavy - the Insight met its match. The lack of ground clearance meant that I couldn't get out of the cul-de-sac that I live on - there was just too much snow scraping the underside of the car. Hopefully I'll be able to get out tomorrow.

 

I have a hilly driveway which presents challenges during winter weather, especially in icy conditions. At times when conditions were especially slippery, my old GEN 2 Insight had to be left at the bottom of the driveway.


This past week we received snow, followed by sleet and freezing rain and unfortunately I was caught out in the weather. I knew this was exactly the conditions that would mean my old GEN 2 would be unable to make it up the driveway.


I was very pleasantly surprised my GEN 3 Touring made it up the driveway without any issue at all (and with stock tires)!

 

I was very pleasantly surprised my GEN 3 Touring made it up the driveway without any issue at all (and with stock tires)!

I drove in a slushy snowstorm 2 days ago on the highway at around 40-45mph with stock tires (EX). The car was stable and didn't lose traction once. It did better than my drive on a sunny and windy day to New Hampshire. :grin:

 

 

Winter Tire Packages

Just curious if anyone is running a winter tire package?
From what I have been reading the TPMS is not "inside" the tire but externally monitor wheel rotation. Shortly after taking ownership the TPMS light did come on - all tires where up to pressure which confused me.. talking with the dealership, if a tire bounce off a pothole or something similar it will cause the TPMS light to go off...

So as I am thinking of getting a winter tire package.. this would leave 1 tire available for a full size spare... (just make sure you keep the lugnuts with the tire)

This is what I was looking at...


15" Package $942.16
Tires: Michelin X-Ice Xi3
Wheels: Sport Edition CS

Tires: Michelin X-Ice Xi3
Size: 205/65R15
Eco Focus: Green X
Load Range: XL
Serv. Desc: 99T
UTQG: None

Wheels: Sport Edition CS
FRONT AND REAR
Size: 15x6 (-1 Diameter)
Finish: Silver Painted
Weight: 16.5 lbs.
Offset: 40mm

Price After Mail-In Rebate: $862.16

 

TOURING & what 16" wheels to buy?

Hello, I have the Touring-trim with factory 17" wheels.
I'm getting Snow tires and want 16" wheels.
What 16" wheels would you buy? (Light weight and great deal on four 16" wheels)


I live in the northeast and winters here are crazy. What 16" snow tires would you buy? 70miles one way trip to work:-/

 

Hello, I have the Touring-trim with factory 17" wheels.
I'm getting Snow tires and want 16" wheels.
What 16" wheels would you buy? (Light weight and great deal on four 16" wheels)


I live in the northeast and winters here are crazy. What 16" snow tires would you buy? 70miles one way trip to work:-/

I would go with the Michelin X-ice Xi3. It's the highest rated snow tire on tirerack and is GreenX so fuel efficiency shouldn't be as detrimental. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire...&fromCompare1=yes&autoMake=Honda&autoYear=2019&autoModel=Insight&autoModClar=EX


I will let others provide recommendations on 16" wheels.

 

I'd go with stock EX wheels as they are a known entity:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-Insight-2019-16-OEM-Wheels-Rims-Full-Set/233349689396

 

Michelin X-ice3 can go 20-25k miles before changing. That's amazing for snow tires. That's 4-5 winter seasons

 

Will you be opting for X-Ice then as your snow tires for the season? If you're interested, Costco carries these in the 17" Touring spec and 16" LX/EX spec (winter downsize for Touring). With $110 discount for tires and installation, the total price is $597.92 mounted OTD (or for tires only - $140/tire = $562 full set) thru 11/1/19.

 

The 215/50/17 Touring size X-Ice is out of stock at my local Costco, too. Tirerack says the alt size 225/45/17 will work for the Touring. X-Ice regular and run flat versions are available at my Costco for that size.


Speedometer will be off a little if you go with the 225/45/17. For example, 70mph on the speedometer will actually be 68.65mph. You can compare the 2 tire sizes and speedometer differences here. https://tiresize.com/speedometer-calibration/

 

Ran over to MPLS yesterday and picked these up... The rims I posted previously had a 60 day wait so I went with this...


Michelin X-Ice Xi3
MICHELIN
X-ICE XI3
Studless Ice & Snow
Size: 205/65R15
Eco Focus: Green X
Load Range: XL
Serv. Desc: 99T
UTQG: None
Qtyer Tire: 4
$110.14
Availability: In Stock
Set of 4: $440.56

MOTEGI RACING MR116
MOTEGI RACING
MR116
15
FRONT AND REAR:
Size: 15x6.5 (-1 Diameter)
Finish: Black w/Red Stripe
Weight: 16.4 lbs.
Offset: 40mm
Qtyer Wheel: 4
$116.34
Free ShippingView on VehicleSet of 4: $465.36

Will update after winter as to how they performed...

-------------------------------------

For those interested in winter tires Tire Rack has the following on sale...
Bridgestone Blizzak WS80
BRIDGESTONE
BLIZZAK WS80
Studless Ice & Snow
Size: 205/65R15
Serv. Desc: 94T
UTQG: None
Qtyer Tire: 4
$130.92$87.40Special/Closeout
Availability: In Stock
Can be delivered Tue, 10/22 to 54452Free Shipping
Set of 4: $349.6

 

Ran over to MPLS yesterday and picked these up... The rims I posted previously had a 60 day wait so I went with this...
MOTEGI RACING MR116
MOTEGI RACING
MR116
15
FRONT AND REAR:
Size: 15x6.5 (-1 Diameter)
Finish: Black w/Red Stripe
Weight: 16.4 lbs.

Sweet
205, nice and narrow
X-ICE, great performers, fuel efficient
15", save money
Lightweigh alloy, only 15 lbs

Do a test for us, go do a test loop in your car, record the mileage, temperature just before the tires are swapped
After the swap, do it again, and compare the mpg.
I wouldn't be surprised if the winter tires had virtually zero mpg effect, with narrower, lighter rims.

 

^
You're using 15" wheels? Will those wheels clear the Brake Rotors?

 

Could use clarification from @whiteinsight, but I assumed the 15" were for winter downsize (within recommended Tire Rack range) from 16" LX/EX standard tire spec. There are some snapshots from Tire Rack that andrew28 shared in 'alternate tire sizes' thread which are helpful reference.

 

I bought a set of X-ice tires from tirerack mounted on steelies and they're great. I did the same with my last car. I can swap my tires out in 20 minutes and I don't have to talk to anyone or risk someone jacking the car up by the floor pans. Any quality snow tire is going to be better than an all season. And if you go with a separate set on steel rims, you don't need to worry about tearing up your aluminum rims on tire changing machines and winter salt. They come pre-mounted and ready to bolt on when ordered as a package.

This car feels really solid in the snow due to its low and wide stance. I feel more in control with this car than my wife's 4x4 Grand Cherokee which also has X-ice winter time tires.

 

just checked in to confirm 80 lbs torque on the lug nuts... Tires are on the 15' rims are not an issue at all...

 

Have you noticed any changes to consistent MPGs with this setup? Considering same sizing for consistent use, but unsure if lighter weight is beneficial across the board.

 

I just put winter tires on yesterday and went with the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90. I went down a size on the touring to a 215 55R 16 from the regular 17 inch. I was going to buy them from Costco but found a better deal with my local tire store and they were offering a $50 rebate from Bridgestone which Costco wasn't. On a side note -I ordered the rims from Costco and when I was putting the winter tires onI noticed that the rims were made in China ( I guess just about everything is these days anyway) and the Bridgestone tires were made in Japan. I was also surprised that the Insight Touring alloy rims were also made in China. Who would have thought.

 

https://www.costco.com/online-offers.html?COSTID=MVM_header
Probably too late for you but Costco is offering $110 off Bridgestone tires starting today.

 

Thanks for the info but unfortunately I'm in Canada

 

Just for giggles, I did some price comparisons.

16" steel wheel with 215/55R16 Michelin X-Ice tires= 965.80
15" steel wheel with 205/65R15 Michelin X-Ice tires= 756.20
Re-using factory wheel, with 215/55R16 Michelin X-Ice tires= 596.76 + labor.

For me, personally It'd make no sense to run just tires, and have to pay labor twice a year. That $160 in savings, could easily be lost in just a few seasons (~4), and god forbid you have to change out the tires, it's over $120 cheaper to by them a size down, furthering your savings, not to mention the convenience of being able to swap out at home with minimal tools.

 

The Michelin CrossClimate+ is another option for those that live in the city with adequate snow plowing. They're all season tires and have a snow rating. CrossClimate+ tire sizes that fit the Insight are posted here.

 

I just got my Michelin X-Ice v3 put ON using OEM Touring 17" wheels. I really hope these will get me through western-NY crazy lake-effect snow weather.

What are some of the reviewers saying about these winter tires?

I've had my Touring-trim for 3 months now and racked up 11k miles on the OEM all-season tires (summer & fall weather).
I hope these new Snow tires I just got do me well for the crazy snowy weather 😕

 

If they work well for you, they should work great for me in Albany. We don't get the lake-effect snow, but anytime I have to leave the area, I have to climb a mountain or plateau. These are the tires I plan on running for this winter too.

To answer your question, almost every review I've seen, people love these tires. They test very well, and are often regarded as the golden standard.

 

Wish me luck. I really hope these Michelin X-ice v3 are great as they say they are!

 

Fingers crossed :grin: