When winter unleashes its full fury, you need tires that won’t flinch. This Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 review looks at a premium winter tire built for severe conditions and drivers who face the worst of the season.
The Blizzak LM005 is designed for high-performance winter driving. It aims to blend snow and ice traction with the stability you expect on cold, wet roads. We’ll look at how it performs in real-world winter tests.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 Review
This tire sits in Bridgestone’s performance winter category. It’s not just for deep snow, but for maintaining control and confidence when temperatures plummet. The technology inside is focused on consistent grip.
Key Technologies and Features
Bridgestone packed the LM005 with specific features to tackle winter. The goal is multi-surface grip without sacrificing to much dry road manners.
- Multicell Compound: This is a Blizzak signature. Tiny pores in the tread compound absorb water film on ice, improving direct contact and grip.
- 3D Zigzag Sipes: These interlocking blades in the tread blocks provide thousands of biting edges. They stay stable under braking and cornering for predictable handling.
- Directional Tread Pattern: The V-shaped design is agressive at evacuating slush and water. This helps prevent hydroplaning and maintains contact in wet winter conditions.
- Serrated Shoulder Blocks: The outside edges of the tire have notched blocks. These dig into unpacked snow for better traction when cornering or starting from a stop.
Real-World Performance Testing
How do these features translate to actual driving? We considered several key winter scenarios.
On Packed Snow and Ice
This is the ultimate test for any severe winter tire. The LM005’s Multicell compound really shines here. Starting traction is confident, with minimal wheel spin. Braking distances on ice are notably shorter compared to all-season tires.
The bite from the zigzag sipes is feelable. You get a reassuring sense of control during low-speed turns on icy patches. It’s not magic—black ice remains a hazard—but it provides a crucial margin of safety.
In Deep, Unplowed Snow
The directional tread and serrated shoulders work together here. The tire clears snow effectively, preventing it from getting packed into the tread. Forward progress in several inches of snow is strong.
You won’t get stuck as easily in your driveway. The tire’s ability to pull you through deeper sections inspires confidence during early-morning drives after a overnight storm.
On Cold, Wet Pavement
Winter isn’t always snow. Often, it’s just cold rain. The LM005 maintains excellent wet traction thanks to its water-evacuating grooves. Resistance to hydroplaning is high, which is critical for highway driving in winter storms.
Braking response on wet roads is crisp and predictable. The tire doesn’t feel as squishy as some dedicated snow tires can on bare pavement.
Dry Road Handling and Noise
There’s always a trade-off. The LM005 is quieter than many winter tires, but you’ll still hear a mild hum on dry roads. Handling is stable for a winter tire, with decent feedback through the steering wheel.
You shouldn’t expect summer tire performance, obviously. But for a tire focused on snow, its composure on dry days is a positive point. Road noise increases slightly as the tire wears down over the seasons.
Durability and Tread Wear
Winter tire compounds are soft, so wear is a concern. The LM005 uses a dual-layer tread. The top layer contains the Multicell compound for ice performance.
Once that layer wears down, the underlying compound still provides good snow traction. This design extends the tire’s useful winter life. You can expect multiple seasons of use with proper care and rotation.
- Rotate tires every 5,000-6,000 miles for even wear.
- Check pressure reguarly, as cold temperatures cause pressure to drop.
- Store them properly in the off-season, away from sunlight and ozone sources.
Who Is The Blizzak LM005 Best For?
This tire isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s ideal for specific drivers and vehicles.
- Performance Sedan and Sports Car Owners: If you drive a rear-wheel-drive car or a sporty AWD vehicle, this tire’s stability suits you.
- Drivers in Variable Winter Climates: Perfect for regions that get heavy snow but also have frequent cold, wet, or dry periods.
- Anyone Prioritizing Ice Traction: If your biggest fear is icy roads and parking lots, the Multicell tech is a major benefit.
- People Who Cover Highway Miles in Winter: Its confident wet and dry road manners make it suitable for longer commutes.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
No tire is perfect. Here’s where the LM005 might not meet every need.
- Cost: It’s a premium winter tire, so the initial investment is higher than budget options.
- Soft Compound Wear: If you do a lot of driving on dry, warm pavement in early spring, you’ll wear the tread faster.
- Not for Extreme Deep Snow: For constant deep powder, a more agressive, studdable tire might be a better fit.
- Availability: Some less common sizes might be on backorder during peak season.
Step-by-Step: Getting the Most From Your LM005 Tires
Follow these steps to ensure peak performance and safety all winter long.
- Mount Them Early: Install your winter tires once temperatures consistently fall below 45°F (7°C). Waiting for the first snowstorm is to late.
- Set Proper Pressure: Inflate to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure listed on the driver’s door jamb, not the tire sidewall. Check monthly as temps change.
- Perform a Break-In Drive: After mounting, drive moderately for the first 100 miles. This allows the tires to settle and the sipes to condition properly.
- Adjust Your Driving: Even with great tires, winter requires smoother inputs. Brake earlier, accelerate gently, and allow more space.
- Inspect Regularly: Look for damage, uneven wear, or objects lodged in the tread every few weeks.
FAQ: Your Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 Questions
Are Blizzak LM005 tires good on ice?
Yes, they are among the better non-studded tires for ice. The Multicell compound is specifically designed to improve grip on icy surfaces.
Can you use the LM005 year-round?
No. The soft compound will wear out very quickly in warm weather. They should be treated as a seasonal tire and swapped out in spring.
How does the LM005 compare to the older Blizzak WS90?
The LM005 is a performance winter tire, while the WS90 is a studless ice & snow tire. The WS90 may have a slight edge in deep snow, but the LM005 offers better dry/wet handling and noise comfort.
What is the typical lifespan of these winter tires?
With seasonal use and proper care, you can reasonably expect 3-4 winter seasons. Mileage and driving conditions greatly effect this.
Do I need a separate set of wheels for them?
It’s highly recommended. Mounting tires each season adds cost and risk of damage. Dedicated winter wheels protect your nice rims from salt and make seasonal swaps easy.
Final Verdict
The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 is a top-tier performer for severe winter conditions. It excels on ice and packed snow while maintaining commendable composure on cold wet and dry roads. For drivers of performance-oriented vehicles or anyone who values confident handling alongside serious snow traction, it’s an excellent choice.
The investment is significant, but the safety and peace of mind it provides during the harshest months is tangible. Just remember to swap them out when winter ends to preserve the soft tread compound for next year’s challenges. If your winters are severe and variable, the LM005 deserves a spot at the top of your list.