Broker

If been reading a lot of posts here about the Dunlop SP5000s as a good replacement tire, that can handle moderate amounts of snow. So here's my question: Are they a for year-round use or do the majority of people use them just in the winter?? Other comments indicated the OEM SP8000s are crap in the snow. So, my final question is this: I am currently looking for replacement tires that I can use all year. They don't have to be fantastic in the winter just adequate, as I live in Toronto and drive on plowed streets. The bias I'm looking for is towards dry/wet performance. Sorry for the long post.

BTW I currently have some crappy tires made by "CHAMPIRO" that look like an old Pirelli tread pattern. They suck so bad that they trigger my ABS quite frequently stopping gently from 25mph on hard packed snow.


Thanks
Broker
1997 1.8T QSA

Phillip G

At the end of the month, I plan to get some BF Goodrich KDW's

nevada

I drove during the east coast storm and in vermont during the last week with the dunlop 8000 and I must say I ws surprised by the traction - this is my first quattro car, so I might not be used to 4 wheels pushing the car. there was a bit of sliding/abs intervention, but nothing really scary (good old style opposite lock). I also used a spray called tire-grip, something apparently used in finland, so that might have helped. best of luck.

RKA

You can use the 5000's year round, that is what they were designed for.

oops

I live in Ohio but visit friends in Toronto almost every month.

I have some understanding about the type of weather you are talking about. (I was there for new years, lots of shovels out)

I ended up getting Bridgestone Potenza RE730's. They have excellent dry/wet traction. I have been driving around in snow for the past few weeks and they do okay. Quattro wont allow me to get stuck and I take it easy when there are icy conditions.

Overall I have been quite happy with them.
Just something else to consider.
Good luck.

mvp12547

Switched to Sport 5000, best decision yet on non oem stuff. I am in southern Ohio, they are more than adequate in our snow, blew me away on how great they are in the wet and definately a major upgrade on dry. Plus they are quiet and track very well. You wont be sorry.

Loman

If those crappy tires still have some life in them consider puting snows on for the winter only. As you really need good tires in the winter more than the summer. Any saving you can get would probably not even pay for a bumper paintjob.
See all those SUV (Stupid Ulgy Vehicle) roaming around the city with crappy all season tires... going far too fast for their own good and putting other people in danger. A set of snows would provide better response for your car to get out of these monster's way.


Ed
'98 1.8TQtip

Reggie3

Those who are swaping wheels/tire are getting dedicated snow tires. .

Great reviews by everyone on the SP5000s and it does appear they meet your needs.

Reggie

98.5 2.8QMS SP9000(225/45/17) and M2 (205/55/16)

skabaru

I am running the 500s winter, but will move to 17s when the 16 8000s are dead...

RaginAudi

and I absolutely love them. I have put about 500-600 miles on them already -- on dry roads, snow covered, slush and ice. They are MUCH better than the 8000s -- I drove them in the snow once and was off to get new tires -- I don't understand how anyone drives with these for an entire winter. The snow I drove in was about 2-3" and hadn't even been driven on -- I was accelerating really hard and then slamming the brakes on to understand the characteristics of the tire -- VERY impressed. I was also told that they could handle considerable snow.

The 5000s are a bit noisier and ride a little more "harsh" -- more feedback from them -- than the 8000s. They also flex (sidewalls) more than the 8000s -- but they are an All-Season tire. I have been very satisfied with the handling characteristics -- hit a couple of exit ramps fast and hard and they held up.

I will be using these as my winter tire as I live in MD and we only get snow once in awhile. I wasn't willing to sacrifice drivability by going to a dedicated snow tire -- maybe if I lived in the NE. I mounted the 5000s on my 16" sport wheels -- will upgrade to 18" in the spring.

If you have any questions or want any additional info, let me know.

Mike