sled1130

I just got my brand new 2012 S5 and was wondering if anyone has any experience with how the summer tires work in the snow...I know they're not meant for snow but are they sufficient in the snow? Or is it a must to get a separate set of winter tires for the winter/snow? Any input is appreciated

jab23

There are many many threads on this, but the short answer is that the summer tires are useless in the snow. Snow tires are a must. Having a dedicated set of winter rims and tires makes it easiest, but I've just been swapping my winter and summer tires on the stock rims.

Congrats on the new car.

Toronto S5

Agreed. Winter tires are a great investment in my view, notwithstanding the mild winter a lot of us had this year. The car drives great with them, and although I've never tried it, what I've heard echoes jab23, being that you might as well not use your brakes at all.

Jon'sS5

FYI, I tried just that this winter. If the roads are drive not bad at all. But I slide thru two stop signs (no damage, luckily). I was going slow at the time, but just no grip at all.

MonzaA5

Let me put this way: driving in the snow on performance summer tires is a sure way to wreck your new $50K+ car. In some countries, it's actually illegal to drive on summer tires in winter, as it makes you a danger not just to yourself but to other driver on the road as well.

JD15

As others have said, it will be a potential disaster; your tires will have no grip and you will be unable to stop in a reasonable distance. If you don't want to get a set of winter tires, at least buy decent all-seasons.

AudiS5Mark

As others have said: they don't. Just enjoy the process of finding some new rims on which to mount your winter tires. The options are numerous . . .

DHS

Imagine that your wonderful summer performance tires turn into bowling ***** in cold weather. That is essentially what you can expect. It is not so much the tire tread that will kill you but the consistency of the rubber at low temps. I live in Maine and am no stranger to snow. Got caught with my summer tire on my B5 S4 during and early snow storm. Was ugly and scary. As suggested above, get a set of dedicated rims and performance snows. I am rather partial to the Dunlop Sport.
Happy trails.
D

sled1130

Thanks to all for the input. Much appreciated. I've been looking at both the Dunlop winter sport tires and the michellIn alpine tires but cant decide which to get. Any opinions?

MonzaA5

No experience with Michelin Alpine but I have Dunlop Wintersport 3D on my car and it is an excellent winter tire.