kreativecid

Just to double check, your Scorpions are these (doesn't have to be same size obviously): Pirelli Scorpion Winter

JasonJ

Yep...I've got them in the 20" size b/c I didn't get new rims. The local Audi dealer said they would mount them on my original rims, and hold onto my summer tires for me!

Talk about service!

Jason

kalola54

I was told the Nokian Hakkapeliitta or Bridgestone Blizzaks. Am now looking at studded or not??? Thoughts???

Avant4Adam

Both are excellent. I’ve had multiple sets of Blizzaks, currently have Hakkas on my Q5. Unless you are in an area that sees constant snow, black ice, thaws/refreezes you don’t need studs with these.

choppstixxx

Same, I have had Nokians and Bridgestones before can't go wrong with either. I run Blizzak DMV2's on my Q5 and the thing is a tank in the worst snow falls. I was driving back from the Finger Lakes last winter and a huge storm hit, I was driving normal speeds while people were all over sliding off the road etc.

kalola54

Thank you for your response. I think I will go with studded as I am not good in any winter driving scenarios. Will price out both and then decide. Did you buy separate rims too?

Norskie

I seem to recall that snow tires designed for studs didn't have the same rubber compounds as the studless tires; and there were quite a few scenarios where studless did better than studded (like on dry pavement). Also consider noise, and whether the studs and rubber wear together (i.e. are the tires useless when the studs are worn out), whether neighboring municipalities would allow you to drive there, are there seasonal bans on studded tires where you live.

Where I live we can't have studded tires so haven't really considered them or read up on them, so my info may be outdated.

Food for thought; I used to live in Norway where snow tires are mandated by season. They allow studded tires but place an additional tax on them due to road damage, and generally encourage the new studless tires instead as sufficient.

Regardless ... ANY dedicated snow tires will be far better than 'all season' tires, and more important than either is your skill and experience in slippery conditions. Nor are they exclusive.

Bob Petruska

You usually need studs only when your roads are covered with "ice" a lot.

The Q5 is very capable in snow...…………

kalola54

Guess I want a snow tire without having to put chains on if traction devices are required. I travel early a.m. and usually there are hardly any cars on the road should I need help. Appreciate the discussion everyone. Lots to think about.

waninae39

Nokian Hakkapeliita R2 are the best
i have used Nokian Hakkapeliita winter tires now for over 30 years on all my vehicles

be sure to go down 1 or 2 wheel sizes

We have 20" summer and 18" winter tires