All Season Tires Recommendation

[leobas]

Hi all - I got a 2015 CPO S4 with 12,000 miles in April and it turns out the stock Contis only have 5/32's left on them. Dealer says the car was within CPO specs when delivered, so I guess it's time to purchase full price.

I like the way the car handles in the summer stock Contis, but would rather change for UHP all seasons to cope with the NJ winter. Also, I sometimes drive spirited on backroads, but most of my driving is on the highway where low tire noise is nice.

Doing some research I have narrowed my choices to:

Michellin Pilot Sport A/S : Best rated in Tire Rack and Consumer Reports, but a bit pricey.

BF Goodrich g-force Comp 2 A/S : Top 3 pick in Tire Rack and about $200 less than the Michellins.

So...any of you guys have experience with these or other viable choices that perform well without braking the bank?


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[moyenecorniche]

Continental DWS... Although to be frank, Michelin Alpin winter tires are performance fairly quiet but will get you anywhere you wish to go this winter. Judging from the extremely dry summer we had, I would expect a fairly big snow count this year... All Seasons are good but not like dedicated winters ...

[14S4GWM]

Don't get the DWS, get the newer version DWS-06

[Kczach]

I have the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S and like them. I had Pirelli summers on before I went with the Michelins. From what I understand they aren't the greatest in deeper snow which is why I still use my winter Michelins. I got caught in a late spring snowstorm with my summer tires on and didn't think I was going to make it home. Just a little more piece of mind in the shoulder seasons.
The tires are pretty quiet and do well in the rain and light snow. They seem to handle pretty well but I don't really push the car and tires to it's limits. The true enthusiasts will probably tell you to go with dedicated pilots and not the all seasons. I'm happy with my decision of the Michelin A/S.

[hotleadsingergu]

Don't get all-seasons. Get dedicated summer tires and you can get a cheap set of wheels and winter tires for pretty low $$. No performance tires, aside from dedicated snow and ice, will do well in snow. Quattro is awesome, but performance tires don't handle snow well.

[doug97gxe]

Don't get all-seasons. Get dedicated summer tires and you can get a cheap set of wheels and winter tires for pretty low $$. No performance tires, aside from dedicated snow and ice, will do well in snow. Quattro is awesome, but performance tires don't handle snow well.

while he did ask for All Seasons and your suggestion is the best one... the Best All Season anyone can buy is the DWS-06 .. they perform just as well as some dedicated winter tires .. check the reviews on tirerack

[photographer143]

Don't get the DWS, get the newer version DWS-06

Yes get these. Just got them for my A4 and the grip is amazing.


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[gflare]

I got the Michellin Pilot Sport A/S because I wanted one set to run into the ground year-round, without compromising too much of the fun factor. I had the stock Conti's on before these, and I did notice a slight 'floaty' feel immediately after the switch, but no noise or handling worries. I got used to the new tires within a week or two and all was good. I'd recommend the Michellin Pilot Sport A/S.


I haven't tried the Conti DWS-06, but considering the good feedback they've gotten around here lately it's probably a great choice too.

[SDV325]

Don't get all-seasons. Get dedicated summer tires and you can get a cheap set of wheels and winter tires for pretty low $$. No performance tires, aside from dedicated snow and ice, will do well in snow. Quattro is awesome, but performance tires don't handle snow well.

This!

Tires are the only thing that you vehicle contacts the road with. Most "all season" tires are not meant to hand the cold, sure they can handle slushy snow but not ice. Hence why in Canada there is little talk of all season tires anymore, now most decent tires are labelled "all weather". They may not be dedicated winter compounds but have a winter rating (mountain symbol), all seasons typically do not have this.

All season tires change when temperatures are lower than 7C (44.6F for most), the rubber gets much harder. The tread may handle snow alright but not like a winter tire will.

I hate seeing all the posts in the fall and winter saying that people crashed their cars because they didn't prepare their NEW S4's for the season, mainly because they didn't think winter tires were necessary...

[kdaffy]

I had the pilot a/s3 before going to dedicated summer/winter setup. They were good all around tires, but definitely didn't provide a lot of confidence in the snow (>2" say). I was underwhelmed by the amount of grip.

If you don't plan on doing much (any) snow driving they will suit you well for year-round use, but I wouldn't recommend them for heading up to the mountains skiing in a snow storm.

[tgsweat]

I have the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 that replaced my stock contis. These have a pretty stiff sidewall for an AS tire so they aren't mushy at all. I had the DWS on my last car and felt like i was riding on playdoh. Also I live in the DC area and last winter they worked great for the amount of snow we had here. If the snow is super compacted just take it easy. Of course a summer and winter set is ideal, but for the amount of snow we get here i didn't think it was worth it. You may get a little more in NJ but i was driving in up to 8" with no problem, but yes compacted snow can get a little hairy if you try to haul ass with these. The DWS6 has a softer compound so its better in the snow.

[jonwoods]

I'm further north so winter tires are non optional, but I will echo others - all seasons really have no business on a performance car. Why shoe such a nice car in such a compromised tire? It's a $60000 car and only one part of it touches the road. Dedicated winters really are the way to go. You spend more up front for the second set of tires and rims, but ultimately, the long term running cost is a wash. Toss the winters on for the 2 or 3 months where you need them and be safe, then enjoy your car the way it was meant to be enjoyed the other 9-10 months a year running the best summer rubber you can afford.

[AKPS4]

Nitto motivo's. Well worth it and they are fairly priced given the tread wear rating. Put over 25k miles on them in NY and they still looked new

[vwblackb5]

OP, fellow NJ here. Would highly recommend investing on a dedicated winter and summer setup so you can drive the S4 in any condition with confidence. Winter tires aren't just for deep snow, they work well providing traction (softer compound) when temps dip <40F and in icy conditions as well. FWIW, my '16 was unstoppable with Blizzak WS80's last winter. When the stock conti's burn through, I'll be replacing them with Michelin Pilot Super Sports.

To answer your question though, from a compromise standpoint, Continental DWS-06's are a highly rated UHP AS and priced reasonably for 255/35/19's. Grats on the new ride!

[leobas]

Thank you much for sharing your experiences. I hear you all... is either dedicated winter rubber or Continental DWS 06. We get little snow around here and streets are cleared fairly quick, yet the temperature factor may be enough to justify winter tires.

Just as a final check, anyone running the BF Goodrich Comp 2s?

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[jimrobbington]

I'll echo other's opinions, a dedicated winter/summer is the best way to go.

That being said, I ran General G-Max AS-03 on my stage 2 A4 and was really impressed with them in the summer. I never ran them in winter though, so I can't comment on their snow performance. They are considered "ultra high performance all season". I actually went with a cheaper, less grippy tire when these wore out because these provided more traction than I wanted. Lol.

[pdqgp]

I'm further north so winter tires are non optional, but I will echo others - all seasons really have no business on a performance car. Why shoe such a nice car in such a compromised tire? It's a $60000 car and only one part of it touches the road. Dedicated winters really are the way to go. You spend more up front for the second set of tires and rims, but ultimately, the long term running cost is a wash. Toss the winters on for the 2 or 3 months where you need them and be safe, then enjoy your car the way it was meant to be enjoyed the other 9-10 months a year running the best summer rubber you can afford.

Hate to say it but ^^^ this. True story. I always put dedicated winters on both vehicles, mine and my wife's. Well worth the cost, especially given the years you will get out of them. doing so extends the life of all your tires.

[SDBolts]

You could always move someplace where you never need winter tires! Just don't move to San Diego, it's already expensive enough here...

[Rez90]

Just put DWS-06 on the wife's X5. Nice tire. Haven't tried them in the snow though. The old DWS on my GC were decent in the snow.

[doug97gxe]

Again winter setup is best but it's not absolutely needed .. Don't be bullied into being told u need a winter setup because not all all season tires perform the same

Pirelli Winter Tire



DWS-06 All Season



Pirelli All Season




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[kdaffy]

I'll echo other's opinions, a dedicated winter/summer is the best way to go.

That being said, I ran General G-Max AS-03 on my stage 2 A4 and was really impressed with them in the summer. I never ran them in winter though, so I can't comment on their snow performance. They are considered "ultra high performance all season". I actually went with a cheaper, less grippy tire when these wore out because these provided more traction than I wanted. Lol.

I ran the Generals as well. I was impressed with their snow capabilities, and would argue that they were better in the snow than the michelin a/s3. great tire for the price.

@OP you are probably fine running all seasons if you are sticking local. but if there was any possibility where you would be encountering more inclement weather than what you've described, dedicated winters offer so many benefits that they are definitely worth the investment.

[doughboy17]

I'll echo other's opinions, a dedicated winter/summer is the best way to go.

That being said, I ran General G-Max AS-03 on my stage 2 A4 and was really impressed with them in the summer. I never ran them in winter though, so I can't comment on their snow performance. They are considered "ultra high performance all season". I actually went with a cheaper, less grippy tire when these wore out because these provided more traction than I wanted. Lol.

Not trying to troll but have to provide my $.02. I am running the General G-Max AS-03 and regret it. They are quite floaty and have turned my Audi into a Buick. Although I have not run either of the tires you mention, those are the two I would consider. My research into the Michelins indicate that you pay a bunch for them but they tend to last close to the treadwear warranty and perform very well ... with the exception of deeper snow. Having said that the Generals excel in rain and snow vs. other tires, just not in the dry (and they SQUEEEEALL!)

My advice: driver slower in 2" snow or greater and get the Michelins. ... or get the BFGs and report back after 5000 miles on this thread, so I know your experience. :)

[Dr GP]

I had the Generals on my 2010 and would not get them again. Very noisy. Currently running the original Conti DWS and like them. I have been running A/s tires on my S4s(after the oems wore out) since my 2004 S4( 4 S4s plus an A6 2.7t). I believe the DWS-06s are even better.

[WJN S4]

Currently running the BFG gForce Comp2 A/s!!!


I'm a NJ guy here.. DWS made the car feel like a boat, and from what I'm reading DWS06 is not much stiffer, even though they claim it is stiffer sidewalls.

I'm happy with my BFGoodrich gForce Comp2.. just got them in April and my only 2 negatives are they are directional (only front back rotation), and a bit noisier than the DWS. They also have a slight tendency to get a flat spot if you have it sit in the garage for a while. But for the price, they perform tremendously. I've gone through many low profile tires summers on this car and the BMW's I've had previously, and can honestly say these perform close to a summer tire, while being All Season.

Everyone on the forum is going to say get 2 sets of wheels, so unless you have the time, dedication, money and space.. these All Season BFG's are a good alternative.

[Zapps]

I had the Generals on my 2010 and would not get them again. Very noisy. Currently running the original Conti DWS and like them. I have been running A/s tires on my S4s(after the oems wore out) since my 2004 S4( 4 S4s plus an A6 2.7t). I believe the DWS-06s are even better.

This.

Generals got very noisy and continued to get worse.

They do handle very nicely in the summer and Pennsylvania winters, including through snow.

I haven't had DWS on through a true snowy winter yet, so I hope they do well.

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[OmaHahn]

I had General GMax on my Audi and loved the aggressive tread pattern, but I had NO frickin clue how loud they were until I switched to the new Continental DWS 06! So impressed I also installed them on my Ford SHO and these are the best AS tires I've ever used!

[b6onboost]

Have to agree with Doug97gxe...

Lots of unfair disparagement of All Seasons and over-exaggerations of how bad they are. Everyone online always has to turn an inch into a mile. I use to run summer tires and then switch to all seasons for winter. Mainly because summer tires really do suck in cold temps and I rarely saw significant snow so all seasons were just fine. When I switched each season I'd notice a slight difference for a day, that was about it. All seasons never turned my car into a Buick and summer tires never turned it into an F1 car. Fact is All Seasons have continually improved to the point where the high performance models are near summer tire grip while allowing you plenty of traction in the winter. Since the difference was barely noticeable, I gave up the summer/winter setup and have ran top all seasons year round for 5+ years. No complaints. So unless you drive on frozen lakes all winter and then turn into Ken Block in the summer, all seasons are perfectly fine.

I run Conti DWS-06. Best one's I've tried yet.

[onlyaudis]

I run Conti DWS-06. Best one's I've tried yet.

same experience for me. floating like an old Buick? just a bit of an exaggeration, no? I run 34 pounds in mine and don't know what people are going off about soft sidewalls. they feel stiff enough to me for a street tire. I had the Pilot Sports on my last car, and don't notice much difference even in spirited driving. they were really good as well.

[SDV325]

Have to agree with Doug97gxe...

Lots of unfair disparagement of All Seasons and over-exaggerations of how bad they are. Everyone online always has to turn an inch into a mile. I use to run summer tires and then switch to all seasons for winter. Mainly because summer tires really do suck in cold temps and I rarely saw significant snow so all seasons were just fine. When I switched each season I'd notice a slight difference for a day, that was about it. All seasons never turned my car into a Buick and summer tires never turned it into an F1 car. Fact is All Seasons have continually improved to the point where the high performance models are near summer tire grip while allowing you plenty of traction in the winter. Since the difference was barely noticeable, I gave up the summer/winter setup and have ran top all seasons year round for 5+ years. No complaints. So unless you drive on ice roads all winter and then turn into Ken Block in the summer, all seasons are perfectly fine.

PS. I run Conti DWS-06. Best one's I've tried yet.

Also you have to consider your location...assuming VA means Virginia. The amount of snow and cold weather you may experience is peanuts compared to the more northern states or Canada... All season may work for your location but come and spend December through February in a more northern state/Country and I think you'll alter your opinion.

If you must have all seasons, at least make sure they have the winter rated symbol (mountain with a snow flake inside). There are a few that do have it now.

[b6onboost]

I agree, and it goes both ways. Consider that I, and the OP, are around the mid-Atlantic, all seasons can handle our relatively mild winters.

Dedicated winter/summer setups are optimal, but there are tradeoffs with cost, storage, swapping, etc. The milder your winters are, the less sense those tradeoff make.

[jimrobbington]

I had General GMax on my Audi and loved the aggressive tread pattern, but I had NO frickin clue how loud they were until I switched to the new Continental DWS 06! So impressed I also installed them on my Ford SHO and these are the best AS tires I've ever used!

Interesting so many people thought they were noisy. I guess it's because my A4 sounded like this:

https://youtu.be/jZQ17C2XVkY

[rj124104]

I am on my 4th set of continental DWS. 2 on my old car, 1 on my s4, and one on my Q5. I can say this, the DWS tires are very hit and miss on whether they're going to make noise or not. I don't know if it's quality control issues or what. Of the 4 sets, 2 of them have been ridiculously loud. My Q5 is virtually silent with them and I love the tires more than anything. My S4 performance-wise is flawless, but they are stupid noisy as was the 2nd set I ever bought (although the 2nd set were not the latest 06). I think you will find that's the case on a lot of reviews for the tire if you look for random noise complaints. For me... it's not worth the gamble anymore. I will be buying michelin more likely than not. Just hope for a good set if you get the DWS.

[14S4GWM]

^After all the reviews I read before purchasing tires I wouldn't even think about buying the the first version of the DWS. Not sure how you could go through four sets and continue to buy them. The only reason I bought the DWS was because the came out with the revised DWS06.

[UWbadger91]

DWS-06


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[tarunck]

I recently(2 weeks ago) got DWS 06 on 20's on my wife's SQ5. They felt bit floaty and the steering was very loose initially. However after putting close to 400 miles they seem to have got better. I am based in Michigan and after doing a lot of research I went with these.

[TMurt]

I somewhat agree with others here about getting two different sets. Odds are those DWS will be fine for you. I had them on my old A4 and they were fine for our winters in Indiana. I didn't like them as a performance tire though, they just didn't feel glued to the road to me but the new ones may be better.

Bottom line, you probably just dropped $45k or so on a performance car. Buying a set of Michelin PSS for the summer will make you enjor the car a lot more. Then you might as well buy a winter set as will in my opinion. Sure you have to buy a second set of wheels, but used peelers can be found for less than $800 a set on the classified. Michelin warranties their tires to 30K (My PSS have 10k on them and are at 8/32nds still), so buying a set of PSS ($1,000) for summer and alpin PA4 ($1,200 for the winter will last you 5 years/60,000 miles (if its less they pro rate the next set). An all season may get you 40,000 miles depending on how you drive and cost around $1,000.

Calculate it down to a per-mile basis
All seasons 2.5 cents/mile
Summer/Winters 3.6 cents/mile

Assuming you do 12,000 a year, you're talking about a $132/year premium for tires that maximize performance and safety on your car. Plus whatever winter wheels you buy but you can always resell them assuming they aren't damaged. $132 dollars is roughly what a pair of supercharges badges cost for these cars. Not to mention, if winter tires save you from rear ending one person one time, they'll pay for themselves immediately.

[XLR8 Craig]

We recommend the Michelin AS3 for all season, they work very well for our customers who aren't treking in snow storms to the VT mountains to ski however, you'd be surprised how well these cars can perform! The DWS 06 is also a tire that gets installed here frequently because they are quiet, handle well and work in all weather conditions. .

If you have any questions, let us know!

Thanks,

Greg

[doug97gxe]

I somewhat agree with others here about getting two different sets. Odds are those DWS will be fine for you. I had them on my old A4 and they were fine for our winters in Indiana. I didn't like them as a performance tire though, they just didn't feel glued to the road to me but the new ones may be better.

Bottom line, you probably just dropped $45k or so on a performance car. Buying a set of Michelin PSS for the summer will make you enjor the car a lot more. Then you might as well buy a winter set as will in my opinion. Sure you have to buy a second set of wheels, but used peelers can be found for less than $800 a set on the classified. Michelin warranties their tires to 30K (My PSS have 10k on them and are at 8/32nds still), so buying a set of PSS ($1,000) for summer and alpin PA4 ($1,200 for the winter will last you 5 years/60,000 miles (if its less they pro rate the next set). An all season may get you 40,000 miles depending on how you drive and cost around $1,000.

Calculate it down to a per-mile basis
All seasons 2.5 cents/mile
Summer/Winters 3.6 cents/mile

Assuming you do 12,000 a year, you're talking about a $132/year premium for tires that maximize performance and safety on your car. Plus whatever winter wheels you buy but you can always resell them assuming they aren't damaged. $132 dollars is roughly what a pair of supercharges badges cost for these cars. Not to mention, if winter tires save you from rear ending one person one time, they'll pay for themselves immediately.

you gotta be an Actuary

[cjw]

I ran DWS as my winter tire for years. It's very good, not great in winter, but competent. The originals were quiet, smooth and had good wet traction. In the dry, they were weak. Sidewalks so soft, in transitions, I felt out of control.

Hopefully, the 06s are as good without the weakness.

[TMurt]

you gotta be an Actuary

Just a firm believer that paying for quality can sometimes cost less in the run than you originally think