Favorite winter tire for our climate

[Tweakophyte]

Hi-

Here in Colorado we get a week of sub freezing temps followed by a week of weather in the 60s. It's dumping in the mountains, and warm on the front range. That makes tire selection a bit of a pain, because we need winter tires that have a decent level of performance on dry roads and warmer weather.

What tires (and size) combos do you run?

I've run all season on and off, but am getting a dedicated set of winter tires this year (245/40R18). I 'd like to get something that is fun to drive in warmer weather, but still make the snow performance worth it to have a set of dedicated snows for the winter.

Discuss...

[Tweakophyte]

Has anybody run the Continental WinterContact Si?

If not those Continentals, I am also considering the Blizzaks WS80, and maybe the Michelin x-ice.

I'd like to get a set of Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4, or even the Nokians, but need to stay below ~$180 per tire (which keeps me out of the "performance" snows).

Any thoughts?

[Docwyte]

I've run the blizzaks, generals, hankooks, goodyears, dunlop wintersports and Nokia Hakka's. I hated the goodyears and hankooks. The generals and hakka's were hard core snow tires and were really soft on dry roads. The dunlop wintersports were good on dry roads but definitely compromised on ice. Blizzaks are sort of inbetween, depends on which blizzak you get...

[cohall]

I 'd like to get something that is fun to drive in warmer weather, but still make the snow performance worth it to have a set of dedicated snows for the winter.

What you're describing is like spotting bigfoot in your backyard, or a unicorn with rainbows shooting out if it's arse as it hops across 6th avenue.

By their very nature, good winter tires with decent snow and ice traction need to be soft and pliable, especially in cold weather. This means the compound becomes mushy/slimy in warm weather and under any kind of aggressive driving on dry roads.

That said, it actually seems like what you want is a good all season. They compromise on both sides of the spectrum, but they do have some helpful impact in the snow, and they're not terrible in the dry. But, it's a compromise. They don't excel at either dry or winter conditions.

Personally, given how quickly snow melts here in the city, but still wanting to be confident up in the mountains, that's the compromise I personally make. I have the Conti DWS's on now. I've heard the new 06 versions of those are even better. Sidewall is soft though, and they get noisy near end of life. But, I run 20s year round and never have to worry about switching to winters or swapping tires. I just drive and enjoy...and take it somewhat easy in the mountains.

[mec]

I've run a good variety of winter tires, had the x-ice, blizzaks, hakkas, sottozero, and iceguard, and I would say that blizzaks are hands down the best. They never let me down, and lamost made me feel like i was driving on concrete when plowing through deep snow, and blizzardy weather of i70

[S4snowfan]

Best Tires for our cars IMO are the: Bridgestone Blizzak LM series and the Michelin Arctic Alpin Series

I have the Blizzak LMs on my car now and they are great, but I also had some Alpins on another car and I could swear they were the best winter tire I had ever driven on. They were amazing in the Dry almost all-season performance with great performance in snow.

[treginginco]

I had Blizzaks on my Sportwagen ---- WS70's in memory serves me correct. Great tire.

[Heavy Winter]

I've run different Blizzaks, with good success. I now have some studded snow tires from Cooper which are loud, as all studded tires are on dry pavement. I would avoid studs normally, but the Craigslist Deal for 4 essentially new snowtires for $200 was too good to pass up.

You could probably get by with some all-seasons. I trend towards dedicated snows in the winter, just because it seems that I'm always driving into the storms to get into the mountains for powder days.

If you can avoid driving 70 or other mountain roads during storms, you'll have no issues with all-season rubber down on the Front Range. Just slow it down and give yourself more space.

Good luck

[B-Time]

I spent a winter chasing powder in Summit County on Dunlop 3D. I regretted not getting something more aggressive.

[chrisdazzo]

I've had good luck with the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 so far.

[Tweakophyte]

Best Tires for our cars IMO are the: Bridgestone Blizzak LM series and the Michelin Arctic Alpin Series

I have the Blizzak LMs on my car now and they are great, but I also had some Alpins on another car and I could swear they were the best winter tire I had ever driven on. They were amazing in the Dry almost all-season performance with great performance in snow.

You had to pick the most expensive ones.


in 245/40R18, Tire Rack has the
- Alpin PA4 for $251
- Blizzak WS80 for $188
- Conti wintercontact SI for $169
- Mich X-ICE CI3 for $160

I can seem to find the Blizzak LM in the exact size. Are you 1/2+ sizing?

Has anyone tried the Continentals?

I have not read the direct article, but I understand Consumer Reports ranked the tires like this (** recommended)

Michelin X-Ice Xi3, **
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2,**
Bridgestone Blizzak WS80,**
Cooper Weather-Master WSC, $92.
Toyo Observe G3-Ice, $173.
Continental WinterContact SI, **
General Altimax Arctic, $90.
Dunlop Winter Maxx, $103.
Nokian WR G3, $169.

[Tweakophyte]

I've run different Blizzaks, with good success. I now have some studded snow tires from Cooper which are loud, as all studded tires are on dry pavement. I would avoid studs normally, but the Craigslist Deal for 4 essentially new snowtires for $200 was too good to pass up.

You could probably get by with some all-seasons. I trend towards dedicated snows in the winter, just because it seems that I'm always driving into the storms to get into the mountains for powder days.

If you can avoid driving 70 or other mountain roads during storms, you'll have no issues with all-season rubber down on the Front Range. Just slow it down and give yourself more space.

Good luck

Out of my 20+ years on the front range I've only had snow tires a few times, so I understand the pros and cons of all-seasons. I've decided, though, that I want dedicated snow tires this year.

[Tweakophyte]

I spent a winter chasing powder in Summit County on Dunlop 3D. I regretted not getting something more aggressive.

Aggressive for snow or dry? What tire would you run instead?
Thx

[TimNGobbles]

I am happy/content with my Michelin X-ice 3 and would likely get them again.

If you get a hardcore tire your going to be sad that the tire is squishy in the dry, if you get more of a performance snow tire your going to be sad when you lose traction when the snow and ice is piled up on the road.

It comes down to how often do you think you will be in the worst of it, but so far this winter has been mild.

The Nokian WRG3 is a good option for us front rangers

Recent car and driver winter tire test
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...mpared-feature


quick synopsis of most winter tires on the market, pretty basic
http://gearpatrol.com/2013/12/02/win...st-snow-tires/

[B-Time]

Aggressive for snow or dry? What tire would you run instead?
Thx

Aggressive in snow, and more importantly ice. The Dunlops are considered high performance winter tires. Got them because I had to drive 4K miles back and forth across the country with them. Only other winters tires Ive tried are Blizzzaks and Hakkapeliitta r2. Both great but Hakkas win on ice.

[Tweakophyte]

Aggressive in snow, and more importantly ice. The Dunlops are considered high performance winter tires. Got them because I had to drive 4K miles back and forth across the country with them. Only other winters tires Ive tried are Blizzzaks and Hakkapeliitta r2. Both great but Hakkas win on ice.

How are these tires in dry or wet (vs snow) conditions? Which Blizzak (LM or WS)?

Thx

[Tweakophyte]

If you get a hardcore tire your going to be sad that the tire is squishy in the dry, if you get more of a performance snow tire your going to be sad when you lose traction when the snow and ice is piled up on the road.

Exactly.. the C&D test only spoke to snow and ice. We need to think about dry and wet as well. How does the X-Ice3 work for you on the front range?

[S4snowfan]

You had to pick the most expensive ones.


in 245/40R18, Tire Rack has the
- Alpin PA4 for $251
- Blizzak WS80 for $188
- Conti wintercontact SI for $169
- Mich X-ICE CI3 for $160

I can seem to find the Blizzak LM in the exact size. Are you 1/2+ sizing?

Has anyone tried the Continentals?

I have not read the direct article, but I understand Consumer Reports ranked the tires like this (** recommended)

Michelin X-Ice Xi3, **
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2,**
Bridgestone Blizzak WS80,**
Cooper Weather-Master WSC, $92.
Toyo Observe G3-Ice, $173.
Continental WinterContact SI, **
General Altimax Arctic, $90.
Dunlop Winter Maxx, $103.
Nokian WR G3, $169.

LOL I run the stock peeler 19s on my S4 so my LMs are 255/35/19s... Also if you do the WS Blizzaks your car will handle like crap on the dry.
I will be honest this car needs H or V rated snows as it outperforms most tires in normal driving. I am sure the LM's come in an 18 inch size that will work.

[PaperToast]

forget getting a dedicated winter tire and go 'true' all season for around here
pick up a set of nokian wrg2 or g3
ran those on my allroad, and lets just say that it was a 'snowroad' with the fluffy flying and an allroad when dry
get it in extra load for more sidewall thickness which gives a firmer ride

[Avus RS4]

Blizzaks for the win!

[Reggie]

I ran Dunlop 3Ds (19") on my RS4 for 8 years and now on my RS5 (20")

[focusaudi]

Pirelli sotozero 2, in 2 years I've never slipped in these and I've driven in some bad storms.

Sent from my LG G4

[Tweakophyte]

forget getting a dedicated winter tire and go 'true' all season for around here
pick up a set of nokian wrg2 or g3
ran those on my allroad, and lets just say that it was a 'snowroad' with the fluffy flying and an allroad when dry
get it in extra load for more sidewall thickness which gives a firmer ride

Good point on the extra load.

I run all seasons for the "other 3 seasons", and want something more geared towards the handful treacherous days we have on the front range, as well as the mixed conditions we have in the annoying traffic heading up to the mountains.

However, most of my commute is along Hwy 36, and the new road they've poured is grooved. "Less squirmy" while making it worth it in the snow is what I need for this dedicated set.

[lnferno]

For hardcore, always in the mountains in the winter: Blizzak
For the front range winter: Michelin Alpin PA4
for all year round (if you insist on all seasons): Conti DWS 06

I've tried Michelin Wintersport 3D - hated them. They did fine for me in the dry cold, but sucked for snow. I really like the Alpin PA4s.

[papadelogan]

I've never run Blizzaks but had Hankook iPikes on my B7 sedan, and bought a new set of iPikes for the Yeti. Both sets were studded since we can get patches of black ice and studs are about the only thing that will give you some grip/chance. Going for snow tires without studs is like a 90% commitment at best IMO. Me.... I go balls-deep.

[AudiTFSI3o3]

Been running blizzaks since the B7 days and definitely would recommend that to anyone looking at a winter set. Always stuck with the LM series!

[Tweakophyte]

My buddy has an S7, and just found out he is running Conti wintercontact SI for 2 seasons and likes them.... says they take the on-ramp from 25N to 36W at 75-80 with no problem, and is happy they have a 30K mile warranty.

I wish there was more feedback on that tire.

[DarthWinja]

Been running blizzaks since the B7 days and definitely would recommend that to anyone looking at a winter set. Always stuck with the LM series!

This^ second for Blizzaks.

Rose: B5S4, Judith: Stage III B5A4 daily.

[totalrecall]

For hardcore, always in the mountains in the winter: Blizzak
For the front range winter: Michelin Alpin PA4
for all year round (if you insist on all seasons): Conti DWS 06

I've tried Michelin Wintersport 3D - hated them. They did fine for me in the dry cold, but sucked for snow. I really like the Alpin PA4s.

I am so glad I stumbled on this thread! Thank you for the recommendations. I am not in Colorado, but I split my time between North Jersey and Northern Vermont and winter driving is a pain, even here in the Northeast.

[Blake-O]

Just installed new 255/35 r19 Blizzak LM-32's today.

[Tweakophyte]

Just installed new 255/35 r19 Blizzak LM-32's today.

I'm on the 18s... they don't make the LMs in my size.

[Blake-O]

I'm on the 18s... they don't make the LMs in my size.

How do you like them?

[Tweakophyte]

How do you like them?

I am still shopping for tires... for my 18" wheels. They don't make LMs in the 245/40R18 I'd need. Part of the justification for getting dedicated wheels (18s vs 19s) is that I'd save money on the snow tires, but now I am gravitating towards the expensive ones, which blows the math.

I am definitely in analysis paralysis...

[A4 Centaur]

I've run Dunlop 3D's for a few years and like them a lot. Just picked up some Sottozeros from a forum member which have good reviews but priced new are super expensive.

Basically any performance snow tire costs a lot. The Happikalitia and Nokians are the best arguably.

[Penguino]

I went down to 18s with the Hakka R2s. My first winter with the S4, but the setup did great this last week with our storm. Would recommend for sure.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tweakophyte]

Has anyone used the X-Ice3? They seem to be well rated and are well priced.

I'm sure they are good on snow... really wondering about the warmer/dryer performance, as well as the slush and rain.

Thanks everyone who has posted.

[S4snowfan]

You can always go this route. = ) Or try another tire size.

If $ is an issue you can go this route. $600 for WS80s is a good price out the door.
http://denver.craigslist.org/wtd/5336848376.html

If you have throw away money and patience you can try the Alpins for $200 bucks
http://denver.craigslist.org/wto/5364875166.html

[Aok303]

blizzaks always always always

im about to put some LMs on

[teutoned]

i'd suggest something h or t speed rated. imo, the v-rated performance winters like wintersport 3ds, blizzak lms, and Pirellis, leave you w/ to stiff of a contact patch for great winter grip. on the other hand, nokian's hakka r2, r rated, is almost "too flexy" for the road when they're dry.
look at 225/45r18, narrower, slightly taller, and typically cheaper. most are approved for rim widths 7-8.5" but I've had no probs on a 9" rim.
currently 06 s4 on 225/45/18 hakka r2. super grip in slippery conditions but lack responsiveness on dry. i can just slow down. had 225/45/18 blizzak ws-80 (h rated). was ok on the dry but barely ok when slippery. i could've slowed down but where's the fun in that? the perfect tire is nokian's hakka 8 or 7 without studs...

[Blake-O]

Just installed new 255/35 r19 Blizzak LM-32's today.

Had a chance to try these out in the new snow and wow, I can't believe the difference in traction. Night and day.

I've always used all season tires and relied on quattro to get around in the snow, but I now realize I error of my ways.....