Winter tire suggestion
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 182
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Winter tire suggestion
Hi - I've narrowed down my winter tire choice between the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 and the Nokian Hakka 5 (studded). Just wondering if anyone has tried either tire on their A4 and would recommend (or suggest another winter tire).
We have harsh winters with lots of ice and the occasional heavy snowfall, so I think either tire would work well. The Hakka 5's are almost $100 more per tire, but I expect might provide better traction in ice due to the factory installed studs. No surprise, but the studded Hakka's are reported to be noisier, so that could be a definite downside.
I don't think either is much of a performance tire, but in the winter, my bias would be toward better traction.
Recommendations would be appreciated.
We have harsh winters with lots of ice and the occasional heavy snowfall, so I think either tire would work well. The Hakka 5's are almost $100 more per tire, but I expect might provide better traction in ice due to the factory installed studs. No surprise, but the studded Hakka's are reported to be noisier, so that could be a definite downside.
I don't think either is much of a performance tire, but in the winter, my bias would be toward better traction.
Recommendations would be appreciated.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 106
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From: Highlands Ranch, CO.
I have not yet changed out for winter but i have a set of oem wheels and tires coming and will decide afterward.
I have used on my FWD Mk III VR6 the Nokian Hak for over 6 years without studs in Denver metro and the mountains here. The only tire I've ever had that was better than the Haks was a Gislaved (good luck finding them).
There was never a situation I couldn't get through with those tires.
They are very inspiring as well at speeds in the 60's and 70's on snow!
They will melt when the road temps go north so I save them for the worst part of the season. They are pricey but worth every dime.
The Xi2's are well rated by several as a studless winter tire and are easy to get and reasonable. Consumer reports gives them a top pick if you like their reports.
I've never used studs but understand they're are good for racing and provide a little better purchase for stopping and starting and not much else for everyday.
With AWD and esp quattro I cant imagine needing studs but thats you're call.
I have used on my FWD Mk III VR6 the Nokian Hak for over 6 years without studs in Denver metro and the mountains here. The only tire I've ever had that was better than the Haks was a Gislaved (good luck finding them).
There was never a situation I couldn't get through with those tires.
They are very inspiring as well at speeds in the 60's and 70's on snow!
They will melt when the road temps go north so I save them for the worst part of the season. They are pricey but worth every dime.
The Xi2's are well rated by several as a studless winter tire and are easy to get and reasonable. Consumer reports gives them a top pick if you like their reports.
I've never used studs but understand they're are good for racing and provide a little better purchase for stopping and starting and not much else for everyday.
With AWD and esp quattro I cant imagine needing studs but thats you're call.
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Oct 2008
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Hakka 5 vs. X-Ice
One of the Kal-Tire salesman was about to put his Hakka 5's on his car and said I could take it for a spin if I wanted to experience the noise difference. I guess I'll have to take him up on that.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 106
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From: Highlands Ranch, CO.
I sold VW for A4 so I dont have them anymore. They were a studdable tire but I never needed them. I want to say Nordfrost II but I'm not sure. Got them from Discount Tire locally.
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
Hi - I've narrowed down my winter tire choice between the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 and the Nokian Hakka 5 (studded). Just wondering if anyone has tried either tire on their A4 and would recommend (or suggest another winter tire).
We have harsh winters with lots of ice and the occasional heavy snowfall, so I think either tire would work well. The Hakka 5's are almost $100 more per tire, but I expect might provide better traction in ice due to the factory installed studs. No surprise, but the studded Hakka's are reported to be noisier, so that could be a definite downside.
I don't think either is much of a performance tire, but in the winter, my bias would be toward better traction.
Recommendations would be appreciated.
We have harsh winters with lots of ice and the occasional heavy snowfall, so I think either tire would work well. The Hakka 5's are almost $100 more per tire, but I expect might provide better traction in ice due to the factory installed studs. No surprise, but the studded Hakka's are reported to be noisier, so that could be a definite downside.
I don't think either is much of a performance tire, but in the winter, my bias would be toward better traction.
Recommendations would be appreciated.
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AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 714
Likes: 24
From: Montreal, Quebec
I live in Quebec and I find studded tires a bit of an overkill on a Quattro A4.
I used to have Nokian RSI on my B5 and they were great. I have a house in the mountain and no problem going up on an icy road of March.
I just ordered some Nokian Hakka R for my B8.
I used to have Nokian RSI on my B5 and they were great. I have a house in the mountain and no problem going up on an icy road of March.
I just ordered some Nokian Hakka R for my B8.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 229
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From: Estes Park, CO
I run X-ice tires on both of my A4s in the winter and they have been great. As others have mentioned, I believe that studded snow tires are overkill with quattro. If you do any dry road driving during the winter you'll be happier without the studs.