KDL

I'm looking for winter tires (as opposed to pure snow tires) to get a '98 A42.8q (sports suspension) through winter in the NYC area without sacrificing too much performance (my regular tires are 16" Dunlop SP 8000Es). For no particularly good reason I'm considering Pirelli 210 As, Michelin Arctic Alpin and Dunlop M2. Are these good choices for winter (not snow) tires? Any better suggestions? I don't plan on driving in snow a whole lot, but need to be prepared for occasional ice, slush and snow. Also, what wheels should I get?

Thanks.<p>kl

RKA

All of the tires you mentioned above are excellent for snow/ice use with a performance emphasis. There is one more tire to add to that list...the Bridgestone LM22 which Eddie posted about a few days ago. I'll probably try these this because of Bridgestone's success in the winter tire arena.

Judging by what you are saying (winter, not snow use), you may want to consider using a high performance all season tire (Dunlop 5000). This will provide the smallest sacrifice in dry/wet handling, while still using a tread compound that won't rapidly lose grip below 40 degrees. Can you clarify what you mean by "winter, not snow"? My interpretation is cold weather, but with infrequent snow and generally less than two inches. I live near philly, so the weather is pretty similar...I'm just willing to trade off more dry weather handling for foul weather grip of the snow & ice tire.

KDL

I thought about dumping the SP 8000Es for year-round SP 5000s but was concerned about the loss of handling and performance and decided I should switch for winter. But if the performance drop-off between 8000 and 5000 is negligible (I'm an agressive but not unconservative driver), maybe you're right and I should just go for all seasosn. Your definition of winter is exactly what I mean: typical NYC winter, some ice, a little snow, cold, some highway drives to Utica, Vermont etc. Can the SP 5000s handle this? Question is whether to give up my high performance 8000Es and go with 5000s year round, or to keep the 8000s and switch just for winter. If the latter, which tires would you choose -- I'm leaning to Pirelli 210As. And should I just keep my stock 7-spokes or get steel wheels to go with the winter tires?

RKA - thanks for the advice.<p>kl

RKA

I have a friend who just wore out his 8000's and switched to the 5000's. He "enjoys" his A4, and I believe he is quite happy with the 5000's. I'm not sure how 5000's behave in the winter, but they are typical of high perf. all seasons, they are good for light duty winter use.

If you do decide on dedicated snow/ice tires, I believe last year the Tire Rack did a test of winter tires where the Michelin Artic Alpins were rated the best. I think all of the tires you mentioned are good. Separate rims are probably preferable...mounting and balancing rims every fall and spring can get to be a pain, and it's going to cost $$. The Tire Rack sells 16" steel wheels, so you could just call them and order they whole package. Eddie has the new Bridgestone LM22's on steel wheel for $660 I think.

Stu B

I had a long talk with Eddie@Tirerack (whom I will purchase them from) and with two high-end shops here in Portland, OR.. Where I live, it rains all winter (and then some!) long. We have a cabin in Central Oregon and must cross the Cascades to get to it. The cabin is in a "snow zone" so our A6 4.2 will see lots of snow, but wont be living in it. I have come to the conclusion from Eddie and the other shops that the Pilot Alpins will have somewhat better performance in dry and wet than the Blizzak M2s and that the Blizzak M2s will have somewhat better snow and ice performance. However, the gap between them is probably negligible, and with Quattro, is probably moot. With either tire, your winter driving abilities will be more important.

Stu B

Woops! I meant Blizzak LM-22 in above post.

CC Rider

I gave my assessment of Vredestein winter tires a few threads down this page. Check it out. They might be just what you're looking for.

FWIW, I am opposed to all-season tires. You will miss your summer tires in the summer and all-season tires are not so great in the winter either. I admit that I have not tried the SP5000's.<p><b>Drew S.</b> <a href="http://members.aol.com/drewinva/audi/" target="drewinva"><img src="http://members.aol.com/drewinva/images/98.5.jpg" border="0" align=center></a> <b>98.5 A4 2.8 qm</b>