Audi A3, A4, A6: Winter Tire Reviews
If you live in an area where cold weather conditions are common, you'll want to mount a set of quality winter tires to your Audi A3, A4 or A6.
This article applies to the Audi A3, A4 B7, A4 B8, A6 C5, A6 C6.
If you will be driving in cold weather conditions for several months out of the year, it's highly recommended that you invest in a quality set of dedicated winter tires. A good set will deliver excellent traction without producing much noise on the road or costing you an arm and a leg at checkout. You'll also want to consider the lifespan of the tire, as not all winter tires are manufactured to last beyond one to two seasons. The warranty is also important, as you'll want to know you'll have some coverage against premature wear.
Winter Tires for the Audi A3, A4 and A6
Conti DWS 06 |
Michelin X-Ice 3 |
Nokian Hakappelitta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $100-$325 | $80-$110 | $100+ |
| Size | 16" to 22" (82 different sizes in total) | 17" to 20" (all sizes) | 13" to 21" (all sizes) |
| Performance | Winter | Winter | Winter |
| Lifespan | 50,000 miles | 35,000 to 40,000 miles | 30,000 miles |
| Warranty | 72-month limited manufacturer warranty | Standard 6-year limited warranty | 5-year limited warranty |
Best Value: Michelin X-Ice 3
Conti DWS 06
Price – $100-$325
Size – 16" to 22" (82 different sizes in total)
Performance – Winter
Lifespan – 50,000 miles+
Warranty – 77-month limited manufacturer warranty
Conti DWS 06 winter tires receive consistently glowing reviews. Touted as being "excellent" and "dependable" dedicated winter tires for the Audi A3, A4 and A6, the Conti DWS 06 delivers excellent traction control, unbeatable handling, and improved fuel economy. Recommended for drivers who want a quality set of winter tires that hold up remarkably well in both light and heavy snow conditions.
Michelin X-Ice 3
Price – $80-$110
Size – 17" to 20" (all sizes)
Performance – Winter
Lifespan – 35,000 to 40,000 miles
Warranty – Standard 6-year limited warranty
Ask any driver on the road today who has had any experience in driving on a complete set of Michelin X-Ice 3 winter tires about their experience (e.g., handling, price and lifespan) and they'll probably offer a reply such as "favorable." Ask those same drivers to compare the Michelin X-Ice 3 to the Nokian Hakappelitta (another popular winter tire brand) and those same drivers are likely to say the Michelin X-Ice 3 doesn't quite compare. This is not to say the Michelin X-Ice 3 is not a good tire (it is), but it is not a market leader. It does deliver on performance and ranks highly when it comes to dry, wet, and snowy conditions. Recommended for drivers who want a safe winter tire that delivers a comfortable ride.
Nokian Hakappelitta
Price – $100+
Size – 13" to 21" (all sizes)
Performance – Winter
Lifespan – 30,000 miles
Warranty – 5-year limited warranty
The Nokian Hakappelitta are one of the most competitive sets of winter tires on the market today. In fact, many drivers say they feel their Audi A3, A4 or A6 is unstoppable with a set of Nokian Hakappelitta winter tires mounted and balanced on their wheels. With a competitive price point and outstanding traction control, drivers can brake on ice or in deep snow with ease. The only down side to these popular winter tires is that high speeds could cause them to reach a shorter lifespan. Recommended for drivers who can handle a little noise on the road in exchange for an excellent winter tire that has no trouble driving through thick snow.
Related Discussions
- Handling Winter Conditions on the Road - Audiworld.com
- Conti DWS 06 Winter Tire Review - Audiworld.com
- Nokian Hakappelitta Tire Review - Audiworld.com
