HotGo

I went with 17" Hankook iPike W409 on a set of replicas. No snow yet...

Chinaski

Do those come studded?

HotGo

Mine didn't. Studded tires aren't allowed in Ontario.

artinmoTTion

are available either way.

artinmoTTion

lol, probably right, but you'll have the best available if / when it does...

initialA4

Dunlop M3

Gorobei

Honestly, given that I used them one year apart I couldn't tell any difference between the two. Both are very competent in the dry for a winter tire and do very well in the normal conditions we get here in the Seattle area, including many runs up to the mountains. As for sizes, I have the OEM size, 235/40/18. The Blzzaks I ordered last minute so I couldn't get them in the 235 width and settled for 225 instead. The following winter I gave them to my sister for her A3 and they have been great for her too. I replaced them with the 3D because there was a better deal available and they have been very confidence-inspiring.

tubi

So you won't lose control all of a sudden?

artinmoTTion

None of these tires will be perfect on ice; but all will be better than non-snow tires. It's not just the tire that handles that patch of black ice---it's the driver! In general, the softer the tire, (i.e., lower speed rating) especially "ice" compound tires, will handle the situation better--they'll also be softer handling whenever you're on dry pavement. This means tires like the multicell Blizzak WS-60's and other ice tires. Studded tires will generally help if the ice is a bit thicker, if they're allowed where you live.

There are compromises here like with all tire choices.

I still believe that especially for the price, the General Altimax Arctic, Hankook iPike W409, Nokian Hakka 5, or Yokohama Ice Guard IG20 are the way to go. Gislaved makes some great winter tires as well.