Bridgestone Potenza RE730's are ATROCIOUS in snow...
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From: Little Rock, AR
Bridgestone Potenza RE730's are ATROCIOUS in snow...
I know...I know..., they are NOT snow tires (not typically needed in the south). But while every other drone in every form of automobile seemed to be having no trouble driving in the 1/2"-1" of snow received this evening in Little Rock, my A4 was almost uncontrollable.
Virtually no steering response.
Instant slide with a tap of the brakes.
I was driving VERY slow (10 mph or less).
I cannot believe that I didn't slam into something before I found an empty parking lot to pull into (I ended up having to walk the final 3 blocks home). I suppose that I should have paid more attention to the traction rating or done more research before purchasing, but I never in my wildest dreams imagined tires being this bad in MINOR inclement weather. I never had any trouble with the Dunlops or Eagle GT's (on former car).
Lesson learned.
Wesley Walls
'98 A4 1.8TMS APR
Virtually no steering response.
Instant slide with a tap of the brakes.
I was driving VERY slow (10 mph or less).
I cannot believe that I didn't slam into something before I found an empty parking lot to pull into (I ended up having to walk the final 3 blocks home). I suppose that I should have paid more attention to the traction rating or done more research before purchasing, but I never in my wildest dreams imagined tires being this bad in MINOR inclement weather. I never had any trouble with the Dunlops or Eagle GT's (on former car).
Lesson learned.
Wesley Walls
'98 A4 1.8TMS APR
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Believe it or not, your grip is compromised even in dry weather.
The rubber in high perf. tires actually freezes in cold temps. On dry pavement, it seems fine, but try some aggresive driving in cold weather and you'll find the levels of grip available to you are far below what they might be if the outside temps were 60 degrees. Snow, ice, and yes, even water at temps near or above 32 degrees makes the situation more notable.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2000
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From: Little Rock, AR
Eddie, I realize that selecting a tire is my responsibility, but you could've mentioned that fact...
when I ordered the tires from you. You might want to point that out to the next buyer.
Wesley Walls
'98 A4 1.8TMS APR
Wesley Walls
'98 A4 1.8TMS APR
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Joined: Mar 2000
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read the tirerack reviews
All tirerack reviews/tests for performance tires list the snow/winter performance for the tires as "unacceptable".
See the below URL. Note red color (unacceptable) of the snow traction.<ul><li><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/bridgestone/bs_re730.jsp">http://www.tirerack.com/tires/bridgestone/bs_re730.jsp</a</li></ul>
See the below URL. Note red color (unacceptable) of the snow traction.<ul><li><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/bridgestone/bs_re730.jsp">http://www.tirerack.com/tires/bridgestone/bs_re730.jsp</a</li></ul>
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Hey Eddie! In the comments section, you may want to verify...
...that the guy with the SAAB is suppose to be listed for that tire. He complains about the dry traction and then praises the snow/ice traction for the RE730! If he's really talking about the RE 730, then he's a freak! 
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I agree with Chuck...
no way the Saab guy was driving RE 730s. I have them, and Eddie is right about no snow (or cold weather) traction ability. I also wonder about the post several weeks back from a guy who was raving about his 730s' traction ability in snow, ice and strong cross winds on a drive, as I recall, from New Mexico to Texas during one of this winter's earlier storms. I thought that guy was crazy, and must not have known what tires he had on his car. As for Wesley's comment below, there are some things that are so obvious that no salesperson has an affirmative responsibility to mention. Kind of like complaining that the dealership that sold you a TT convertible forgot to tell you to put up the top before a rainstorm!
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