Northeast snow tires?

[halej]

Looking to put snow tires on my stock wheels this winter, any recommendations for best grip in ice and best in deep snow, for my 2013 S4 stage 2..


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[halej]

Also anybody selling a used winter set?


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[pdqgp]

Lots of threads on this. I have Blizzak LM-32's on the stock 19" peelers and they do great. Solid performing tire on dry roads too. Others will chime in I'm sure.

[mrmomo313]

Also anybody selling a used winter set?


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I have 18 inch Blizzak LM32 (255/45) mounted on 18 inch Alzor wheels from ECS. Setup has like 500 miles on it. Great condition. I'll be posting more pics of it either today or on Monday

http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/ms...ml?sort=3&o=34

[micro/m43]

I've run Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 the last two winters in Boston with stage 2. I've had no problems. During the 3 consecutive blizzards during winter 2015 I was one of the few if any cars on the road. I had Blizzaks on my R32 and had no problems there either.

[jprice]

The recommendations so far are NOT what the OP wants. High performance snows are not great on ice. OP: Look no further than Nokian Hakka R2 for your requirements.

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[halej]

I have 18 inch Blizzak LM32 (255/45) mounted on 18 inch Alzor wheels from ECS. Setup has like 500 miles on it. Great condition. I'll be posting more pics of it either today or on Monday

http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/ms...ml?sort=3&o=34

How much? Send me some pics


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[mrmomo313]

How much? Send me some pics


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I'll PM you with more details. Haven't had time to get pics of them off the car but I will soon. I'm putting them up in the classifieds as well. Just thought I'd let you know since I saw this

[bberg22]

I've had good luck with Blizzak tires as most have, this year I am trying out the MIchelin Xice-Xi3 tires. Any winter tires is better than none, but Blizzaks are pretty much the standard.

[ENV²]

With the quattro I have just thrown Dunlop Wintersports or Vredestein Wintracs on my car. I have driven through 10 inches of unplowed snow in huge parking lots and never even had the hint of being stuck. I would save full blown blizzaks for RWD cars. Get a performance snow tire. Those dry cold days youll see the benefits

[MrFunk]

C&D did a compare of top 6 snow tires. http://www.caranddriver.com/features...mpared-feature
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 won.
All the tires in the test are great...
I am running Blizzak WS60's right now - which are great - but when I replace them I'll be going with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 - hands down best Ice and Snow tires.

Note: your question was for best Ice and Snow tires - if you want performance winter tires (best in dry or wet winter conditions) I think Michelin has the best.

[MN Blue S4]

I ran the Michelin X-Ice last year on 18" wheels. I also went narrower with 225's for even more bite. In snow and on ice they are unbelievably good. The only negative was how much less stable they feel on dry roads as compared to my summer PSS. I would absolutely get them again but would probably go with 245's.

[grovlet]

The recommendations so far are NOT what the OP wants. High performance snows are not great on ice. OP: Look no further than Nokian Hakka R2 for your requirements.

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Actually I would expect that High Performance Snows may be exactly what the OP wants...... He's in NJ - I doubt he's driving down un-plowed dirt roads - most likely a combination of plowed Highway/City Streets - which is the perfect use of the High Performance Snow Tire - especially since I would expect that a good portion of the time the car is going to be driven more often on dry roads - since in NJ it doesn't snow every day (hell maybe even less than weekly)

as an FYI - I drove my car at highway speeds in 3-6" of unplowed/drifting/blizzard conditions on Pirelli Sottozero 3s and had ZERO Issues - so from personal experience I would not count out a High Performance Snow at all even if your looking for more deep traction - I would think much more than 8" would not be good for an S4 regardless of tire selection.... (probably just end up high centering the car in that deep snow due to height issues....)

I would also suggest that if you typically drive spiritedly - you're safer overall with High Performance Snow - as standard Snow Tires typically have much softer sidewalls - so you'll without a doubt notice a handling loss using a standard snow tire.

But hey - to each their own if they prefer a typical snow or not on high performance car......

[rcaro900ss]

You should look at the Nokian tire company scandal. They were caught providing non stock tires for media testing. BTW, I teach at Winter Driving Schools on frozen lakes and have used both Performance and studless snow tires. I also live in NYC, which normally gets plowed pretty quickly. For most people a performance snow tire will be a huge improvement over their summer, or all season tires. I personally run the Michelin X-ice xi3, a studless snow tire, in a 245//40 X 18 XL on the stock wheels. They are really good on the bare ice and snow, and are also good on the cold snowless days. My summer tires are like rocks when the cold weather comes, and are worthless in the snow.

[The Fat Kid]

I ran Blizzak WS80s (225/45/18) on a set of Enkei EKM3s wheels last year. They were ridiculously good on snow, but squishier than winter-performance tires on warm-ish dry roads.

I traded the S4 in, and selling the setup (have not put in classifieds yet); send me a PM if you are interested. I put less than 2.5k miles on them and had them Hunter Road Force balanced.

[mrmomo313]

Actually I would expect that High Performance Snows may be exactly what the OP wants...... He's in NJ - I doubt he's driving down un-plowed dirt roads - most likely a combination of plowed Highway/City Streets - which is the perfect use of the High Performance Snow Tire - especially since I would expect that a good portion of the time the car is going to be driven more often on dry roads - since in NJ it doesn't snow every day (hell maybe even less than weekly)

as an FYI - I drove my car at highway speeds in 3-6" of unplowed/drifting/blizzard conditions on Pirelli Sottozero 3s and had ZERO Issues - so from personal experience I would not count out a High Performance Snow at all even if your looking for more deep traction - I would think much more than 8" would not be good for an S4 regardless of tire selection.... (probably just end up high centering the car in that deep snow due to height issues....)

I would also suggest that if you typically drive spiritedly - you're safer overall with High Performance Snow - as standard Snow Tires typically have much softer sidewalls - so you'll without a doubt notice a handling loss using a standard snow tire.

But hey - to each their own if they prefer a typical snow or not on high performance car......

+1 to this. Michgan winters are brutal and this car trucks through everything. This is my second sett of blizzaks. I had the older lm60 as well. I've driven up fairly steep inclines that were completely iced over without issue

[joediesel]

I ran Blizzak WS80s (225/45/18) on a set of Enkei EKM3s wheels last year. They were ridiculously good on snow, but squishier than winter-performance tires on warm-ish dry roads.

I traded the S4 in, and selling the setup (have not put in classifieds yet); send me a PM if you are interested. I put less than 2.5k miles on them and had them Hunter Road Force balanced.

I second the WS80s, unbelievable in snow. I drove through 12" unplowed in my parking lot last year, around an F150 that was stuck, and then backed into my spot, got out and helped the f150 dig out. The guy couldn't get over it.

They are not the greatest on dry/warm roads, but they are not horrible either. Snow/Ice performance makes it worth it to me fwiw

[SportVier]

[SteveYem]

Past two winters in southeast PA I've used Michelin Alpin PA4, 245/45-18 on 18x8 wheels with great success. I don't go through snow deeper than ~4 inches due to ride height, but the tires perform very well. I've always felt in control of the car in adverse road conditions.

[maverickvii]

Actually I would expect that High Performance Snows may be exactly what the OP wants...... He's in NJ - I doubt he's driving down un-plowed dirt roads - most likely a combination of plowed Highway/City Streets - which is the perfect use of the High Performance Snow Tire

Agreed, futhermore, I've been driving Blizzak high performance LM60s for the last 5yrs in Vermont on a real wheel drive car and have had zero issues. If they can handle northern NE winter in a RWD, they should be fine in NJ.

[Powderhound]

The recommendations so far are NOT what the OP wants. High performance snows are not great on ice. OP: Look no further than Nokian Hakka R2 for your requirements.

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This^^^
Have run blizzak ws in the past and were great in snow and ice. Switched to Nokian R2 and even better. Everything is a trade off though, so better on snow and ice often means a lower speed rating and/or less performance on dry. Blizzak LM will give better dry performance than ws or R2, but ws or R2 will perform better on ice and snow.

[SDV325]

Instead of starting a new winter tire thread again, was wondering if anyone has run both 245/40/18 and 255/35/19 tire setup for winter before? Thinking the smaller/skinnier tires are better for winter, plus a bit cheaper as well.

Currently have 255/35/19 Pirelli Sottozero II tires HATE THEM, WORST TIRE EVER FOR SNOW/ICE. Not to be confused with Sottozero 3 which has a completely different tread (much like the PA4), where as the Sotto2 has such tiny grooves in the tire.

Thinking of changing tires even though there is still 6/32nds left on them. Curious if its worth while to find a cheap set of Audi 18" rims as well?

[halej]

I ran Blizzak WS80s (225/45/18) on a set of Enkei EKM3s wheels last year. They were ridiculously good on snow, but squishier than winter-performance tires on warm-ish dry roads.

I traded the S4 in, and selling the setup (have not put in classifieds yet); send me a PM if you are interested. I put less than 2.5k miles on them and had them Hunter Road Force balanced.

Yea pm me pics


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[halej]

I drive to Vermont every week to ski, I want grip on all kinds of winter driving but I don't want to lose dry performance


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[jprice]

Actually I would expect that High Performance Snows may be exactly what the OP wants......

I was simply going off of what he asked for, not trying to project my own situation on him. ;)

"for best grip in ice and best in deep snow"

But.. depending on where in NJ he is, your point is quite valid. :D

[SportVier]

I drive to Vermont every week to ski

My condolences. I grew up "skiing" in Vermont.

[jprice]

I drive to Vermont every week to ski, I want grip on all kinds of winter driving but I don't want to lose dry performance

You can't have the best of all worlds. You will need to compromise. Either you have really good ice grip, or you have great dry grip. You don't get both.

studless ice/snow like the Hakka R2, MIchelin Xice3, Blizzak WS80 will be good in the snowy/wintery conditions, but noticeably squirmy on dry if you push them.

Performance winters like the Blizzak LM60, Dunlop Wintersports, Pirelli Sotzero etc will be better on dry pavement than the above, but not as good on ice.

Gotta pick your poison.

[vwblackb5]

Highly recommend Winter/Summer setup. Have Blizzak WS80's 225/45/18 for the B8.5 S4 and Dunlop Wintersport 3D's on the B5. Had the Blizzaks on during our 36"+ snow dump last January. The Wintersport 3D's have better dry / cold weather performance, trade off was not as good with deep snow like the Blizzaks. Check out TireRack for the reviews and decide for yourself.

Drove through this with ease on the Blizzaks


Bought some 18x8" Rotor Reps to mount them on

[Dragoncub]

I have the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 on my car as well as my wife's and they preform great in the snow. My brother has the Hakka R2's on his M4 and they are great snow tires as well, probably a little better on ice then the Michelin's. They both are really good in the dry as well. Those that are comparing winter tires in dry conditions to your summer tires are comparing apples to oranges. Of course a winter tire is not going to preform the same in the dry, it is a given that they will be a little soft, that's the trade off for great handling in snowy conditions. OP, you can't go wrong with either tires I listed, I'd recommend one of the two.

[Dragoncub]

You should look at the Nokian tire company scandal. They were caught providing non stock tires for media testing.

I thought that was for tests preformed before 2014? They are still ranked at the top in recent tests, even after they got caught.

[grovlet]

I drive to Vermont every week to ski, I want grip on all kinds of winter driving but I don't want to lose dry performance
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So you've answered your question = performance snow tires......

Also note: many of the tires lauded in this thread are not a performance snow:
Michelin X-Ice 3 = NOT
Any of the Nokians = NONE - they try to highlight them as one = But NOPE
Blizzaks = for the most part it's the LM Series = not the WS - but be careful as they are borderline even on some LM versions

Recommended by AudiZine:
Michelin PA4s / Pirelli Sotozero 3s = trade off between which one on here - but both are highly recommended
Dunlop WinterSports - If you can find the 4s = better / but the 3s are plenty good (I've run those on prior cars (Subaru /VW) with great success

Personally - I looked for a deal on the PA4s/Sotozero 3s and come up Pirelli - but just go with one of those two - whichever you can find cheaper.
Do not go any of the previous series of either though = BAD NEWS!

Also if you plan on new wheels - try to go to an 18 - will provide a little more sidewall height and allow a slightly narrower tire - but I run 245/35/19s with no issue on the stock 19" peelers so just go with the closest to stock tire of your stock wheels (18" or 19") if that's the plan.

You'll be fine with driving through Vermont in any weather - the Quattro system and a performance snow is pretty stought and the roads will be mostly plowed.

[JS81]

Actually I would expect that High Performance Snows may be exactly what the OP wants...... He's in NJ - I doubt he's driving down un-plowed dirt roads - most likely a combination of plowed Highway/City Streets - which is the perfect use of the High Performance Snow Tire - especially since I would expect that a good portion of the time the car is going to be driven more often on dry roads - since in NJ it doesn't snow every day (hell maybe even less than weekly)

as an FYI - I drove my car at highway speeds in 3-6" of unplowed/drifting/blizzard conditions on Pirelli Sottozero 3s and had ZERO Issues - so from personal experience I would not count out a High Performance Snow at all even if your looking for more deep traction - I would think much more than 8" would not be good for an S4 regardless of tire selection.... (probably just end up high centering the car in that deep snow due to height issues....)

I would also suggest that if you typically drive spiritedly - you're safer overall with High Performance Snow - as standard Snow Tires typically have much softer sidewalls - so you'll without a doubt notice a handling loss using a standard snow tire.

But hey - to each their own if they prefer a typical snow or not on high performance car......

Drove in 20+ inches with Nokian R2s, being from the north I know how to keep speed up and never slow down, not even for red lights (no one else was on the road). And if you do stop, just reverse a couple feet then plow forward. R2s + Quatro = snowmobile

However, I got rid of them. They were too soft of a tire for the mild winters in DC. I think it only snowed two or three times, with one major storm.

[halej]

Going with Dunlap 3D, thank you for all your help


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[stoked_S4]

Agreed, futhermore, I've been driving Blizzak high performance LM60s for the last 5yrs in Vermont on a real wheel drive car and have had zero issues. If they can handle northern NE winter in a RWD, they should be fine in NJ.

Totally agree. Ran the older generation LM22 blizzaks on a RWD 335d for 3 winters in the past in NJ. Drove up to Hunter and VT during snowstorms for snowboard trips. No issues at all and handled the snow much better than current S4 with performance all seasons.

[MVR 155]

Blizzak LM-60's on 18" replicas for the last 3 Chicago winters, they have performed with amazing results.

[Acejam]

Going with Dunlap 3D, thank you for all your help


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I hit a large pothole while my car was on Dunlop Wintersport 3D's about 3 years ago. I got sidewall bubbles in 3 of my tires at the same time. Bad batch or not - I'll never buy a Dunlop product again.

Swapped them out for a set of 255/35/19 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32's and they haven't failed me since. I've always ran Blizzak's in the past - trying something new was a mistake in my case.

[darkstarghost]

I live in Canada Alberta and we get some insane winters. I ran nokian Hakka 7 studded tires and went into unpaved construction sites daily with loads of unpaved snow and ice and never once had an issue with getting stuck or sliding on ice. +1 for any nokian tires.

[Li ls4]

Blizzak LM-60's on oem peelers and no complaints here

[shifu22]

I thought that was for tests preformed before 2014? They are still ranked at the top in recent tests, even after they got caught.

You are correct, that was corrected now, and they do test with real tires. The Hakk r2 are amazing tires and have crazy good patent technology in their tires. I have run everything from x-ice's to blizzaks on my rides. The Hakk r2 may not be the best in the wet, but overall for winter, you wont get better.

[pdqgp]

I drive to Vermont every week to ski, I want grip on all kinds of winter driving but I don't want to lose dry performance

I'm with you thus why I've had LM-25's on my last car and now LM-32's on the S4. No squish and actually dam good peformance. OUtside just a tad more noise which is normal for winter treads, you'll forget you're on winter rubber they perform that well.

Great for me in Ohio as while I do drive int heavy snow, the reality snow covered and bad roads are scarce anymore given the crews clean roads so well for us. Thus I want performance handling and ride on cold forzen roads that usually just have a light covering of snow.