Recently got a new set of winter tires (Michelin Arctic Alpin) and they aren't performing as expected compared to the previous set of Yokohama Guardex (cheap). Do they need to be broken in? Give them a little more time? In the past 24 hours, we got 15-20 cm of snow

 

Sometimes it takes a bit of wear for the mold release to get worn through, or are you talking about handling/response.
If so, try a few more psi.

I needed to up the Blizzaks on my old 323 GTX up to about 40 psi .... before they quit rolling over in turns and the like.

 

mine are at 45 psi right now...

 

eesh--that seems a wee bit high IMHO. I run my Alpin Pilots at 35 psi.

 

thanks for the tip zygspeed

40-45 psi seems kinda high
it's expected that winter tires won't give you the same kind of responsiveness/feel.

Anyways, I was concerned about the grip. Hope it gets better with a little more wear

 

I think we should change this thred title though.....

- Runs for cover....

 

my arctic alpins had noticeably improved dry weather handling after a few hundred miles of driving and inflated to 36psi all around. they also made my R feel like it had power steering again!

 

hmm...the tire says max fill - 51 psi. So i put in 45. U guys think i should take some out?

 

No problem Hybrid.

Jiggy -- drop them down to 40 if you like and see how they feel.