snow tire survey: what size tires/wheels? rationale? (m)
10-20-2000, 12:18 PM
#22
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Life is a compromise
And never more true than in the area of snow tires. I'm a "worst case" sort of person. I want to be sure that when the blizzard hits and cars are sliding everywhere, I'm able to avoid the guy sliding in my direction. Although I have Pirelli 210A's on my car at present, that's because they were a package with my wheels. If I was buying tires now, Nokian Hakka 1's or Q's, or maybe Blizzaks, would be my choice. Sure, you give up performance when the road's dry. But after all, there's the rest of the year to play on the summer tires.
My Pirellis actually handle quite nicely on dry road. Not like the stock 17" tires, but not bad at all. Of course, it's a pleasure when the fat summer tires go back on in the spring.
Otherwise, the Pirellis, Michelins, or Dunlops in a 205/55-16 would give a little better dry performance, without giving away too much in bad weather performance. IMHO, that might be the best compromise for your purposes.
Hope that was some help.
DMoore
'00 S4
My Pirellis actually handle quite nicely on dry road. Not like the stock 17" tires, but not bad at all. Of course, it's a pleasure when the fat summer tires go back on in the spring.
Otherwise, the Pirellis, Michelins, or Dunlops in a 205/55-16 would give a little better dry performance, without giving away too much in bad weather performance. IMHO, that might be the best compromise for your purposes.
Hope that was some help.
DMoore
'00 S4
10-20-2000, 12:20 PM
#23
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Also check www.snowtyres.com
That's G&G Tires in Hubertus, WI. I've bought Nokians from them for years, even though I live in Southern California. Great shop - very helpful, with good prices.
DMoore
"00 S4
DMoore
"00 S4
10-20-2000, 04:35 PM
#29
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205/55/16 Nokian Hakkapeliita Qs on Audi OEM 16x6 winter wheels.
Outstanding ice/snow traction which I need since we often have snow cover for 6 months or more out of the year. Hakka Qs are only Q rated which is a disadvantage but they're as good or better than the Blizzaks and last longer. Narrow wheel gives better traction on road. Convex wheel spoke design means spokes stick out into the airstream which helps keep them from clogging up with snow and ice and throwing the wheel out of balance. Also, the design of the wheel keeps it within the wheel well better meaning less sand and salt kicked up on body. In addition, track is slightly narrower giving more stable tracking when crossing ruts of slush and snow.
