Peoples' opinions on winter tires...all season vs snows?
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AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Melrose, MA
Peoples' opinions on winter tires...all season vs snows?
I live in Boston...I had no problems with my stock 15" wheels with all season tires(whatever all season tires come stock) in last years snow. I heard snow tires aren't as good on pavement as all seasons are. With that said, the actual amount of time one would be driving on snow in New England is probably no more than 15 hours through the winter. Also, I heard that snow tires wear quickly to the point where there are more like an all season tire than a snow tire. This makes me think an all season tire for my winter wheels is going to make more sense than a snow tire? What do you think?
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Philadelphia
Get a set of winter wheels/tires
I would get a set of 16" wheels and tires (blizzak vs. dunlop wintersports)from the tire rack. will cost you between $500 and $1000. Big difference in snow and ice (antilock brakes don't keep kicking in), dry driving is fine. don't have to worry about scratching your nice rims. saves tread on your expensive tires, Tires will last 3 or 4 seasons.
I was very satisfied with the set up on my A4
I was very satisfied with the set up on my A4
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Joined: Oct 2001
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Re: Peoples' opinions on winter tires...all season vs snows?
I've had both all seasons and snows in the Boston area within the past few years. I thought the all seasons were fine until I got the snows.
HUGE difference (to me anyway)
You point out 2 things in your post.
1. The dry performance of snows is not as good as all seasons.
2. How much do you *really* drive in the snow.
Replies:
1. How hard do you drive your car? Do you really care if you can't corner as fast in the snows?
2. You may only drive 1 hour in the snow. If you're not scared s**tless for 1 hour each year, is the $500 worth it? I had to move apartments during one snow storm last year. I saw over 20 people off the road that day as I drove. Worth the money? To me, yes.
Hope this helps, and good luck with your decision.
- dave
HUGE difference (to me anyway)
You point out 2 things in your post.
1. The dry performance of snows is not as good as all seasons.
2. How much do you *really* drive in the snow.
Replies:
1. How hard do you drive your car? Do you really care if you can't corner as fast in the snows?
2. You may only drive 1 hour in the snow. If you're not scared s**tless for 1 hour each year, is the $500 worth it? I had to move apartments during one snow storm last year. I saw over 20 people off the road that day as I drove. Worth the money? To me, yes.
Hope this helps, and good luck with your decision.
- dave
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AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 20,299
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From: Melrose, MA
good perspective....I want to do big brakes at some point...
this will require bigger winter wheels. I'll probably go with some snows then when I do the upgrade. Thanks for your advice.
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Joined: Mar 2000
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I've had good luck w/Michelin Arctic Alpins
Dry performance is excellent for normal driving. If you're into drag racing on off-ramps, you might be disappointed. If you're interested in getting to your destination safely and with nice, tight handling you'll be happy.
Performance on ice is unbelievable. No comparison to all -seasons. Snow performance is excellent, though other tires will be a bit better in deep snow, not a common condition on the roads here. Ice is the big danger (I'm in the Boston area, too).
Mine have worn like iron. After three winters, mine still have 9/16" tread left. And these tires have their special ice compound all the way through the tread, so even when they wear down more they will retain much of their cold-weather performance.
I suggest getting 15" steel wheels for best snow and ice performance, plus economy.
Performance on ice is unbelievable. No comparison to all -seasons. Snow performance is excellent, though other tires will be a bit better in deep snow, not a common condition on the roads here. Ice is the big danger (I'm in the Boston area, too).
Mine have worn like iron. After three winters, mine still have 9/16" tread left. And these tires have their special ice compound all the way through the tread, so even when they wear down more they will retain much of their cold-weather performance.
I suggest getting 15" steel wheels for best snow and ice performance, plus economy.
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Joined: Mar 2000
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you would do well with a bit more of a 'performance' winter tire....
A tire like the Dunlop WinterSport M2 for example is designed with a lot of dry road handling in mind & will attack & perfrom in ice & snow MUCH better than any all season can do, plus the tires are designed to operate in the colder temp range than what an all season tire will.
Call me to discuss in more detail!
Eddie
Call me to discuss in more detail!
Eddie
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