255/35-19 Michelin PA4 winter tires?

[phanker]

Anyone running a 255/35-19 setup?

Looking for the best dry/wet performance for a Toronto winter that doesn't see much snow nowadays.
Sounds like the Michelin PA3 or PA4 will have the stiffest sidewalls for my stock 19" peelers.

Is 255 too wide for snow/ice conditions? How much worse would it be compared to a 235/40-19 setup?
Just want to make sure it'll be half decent when it does get snowy or icy.

[well_armed]

Anyone running a 255/35-19 setup?

Looking for the best dry/wet performance for a Toronto winter that doesn't see much snow nowadays.
Sounds like the Michelin PA3 or PA4 will have the stiffest sidewalls for my stock 19" peelers.

Is 255 too wide for snow/ice conditions? How much worse would it be compared to a 235/40-19 setup?
Just want to make sure it'll be half decent when it does get snowy or icy.

Generally, the narrower the tire the better for snow driving.



Why not get a set of 18" dedicated set of winter wheels and tires? Then you can swap them out yourself when it snows or gets cold out.

[phanker]

I do realize narrower will be better in the snow. Won't be so good in the dry though.
Realistically, my S4 will only see snow 3 or 4 times a winter if that. It'll be dry or wet most of the other times.
Trying to figure out what's the best dry setup without making it a deathtrap for when it does get snowy/icy.

[kevl]

I have Dunlop wintersport 3D and I find it very well balanced between stiffness and wet/snow handling.

[13S4]

I ordered a set of 225/40/19's to go on my stock peelers, but the tire place I was going to have them installed at refused since the load rating was so much less than the stock tires. I ended up cancelling that order and re-ordered a 255/35/19 set. I went with the Blizzak LM 60's though since I get A LOT of snow.

[Jimminez@Nemesis]

I ran the 235/45R17 PA3s on my B6 Avant (which was a standard size) and found that they did really well in Toronto like conditions. When the snow got deep though, they didn't have the best traction, but were very good for the cold clear days or mild snow.

I was considering the PA4 for my S4, but wanted a tire with better snow traction. Decided on a slightly narrower size of 245/40R10 Nokian Hakka 7 tires as often I have to drive through unplowed roads and was willing to compromise on dry performance of the Michelins.

[hinckley]

I have Dunlop wintersport 3D and I find it very well balanced between stiffness and wet/snow handling.

+1. I've been driving on the Wintersport 3Ds for some time on both my Audis and BMW. They are a great balance of performance and winter traction. I also mount them on the stock 19" peelers to maintain the look of the car.

[dparm]

I'd avoid 255 in the snow if you can. The trade-off in the dry is going to be negligible.

[Ynnekdude]

My PA3s had no problem plowing through the snow. Had no problem in that 20"+ we got in 2011.



Not the same storm but ~10" of doughnut bliss.

[phanker]

Cool Thx. How are they compared to your summers in steering feel?
Is there sufficient sidewall protection?
Will have to consider the Wintersport 3Ds. Didn't think their sidewalls would be stiff enough for a low profile to survive any winter potholes.

+1. I've been driving on the Wintersport 3Ds for some time on both my Audis and BMW. They are a great balance of performance and winter traction. I also mount them on the stock 19" peelers to maintain the look of the car.

[STLOU]

I was running 3D's on my last car (BMW 550i), and decided to try PA4's on my S4. But, I opted for 18's, not 19's. To me, running a wider winter tire defeats the purpose of the tire. The narrower tire bites into the snow better, when there is snow to bite into.

The high performance winter tires are supposedly better on dry pavement than less performance optimized "snow" tire (which are, by virtue of thier design, better on snow). But they are not as good on dry pavement on a warmer day as an all season would be. There's already a compromise. and I didn't want to compromise further in the snow, where you really need them.

[s-4man]

I have a set of pirelli sotto 240 (255/35/19XL) for sale. $1150

[phanker]

Just swapped my stock 19" peelers for some 19" TSW Nurburgrings today. Noticed a huge difference in performance and feel with the 7-8lbs saving.
Thinking of selling the peelers and getting some light 18"s now for my winters now. What's a strong, cheap, set out there? Might consider another set of 18" Nurburgrings if I can find them cheap.

[phanker]

Did you get the PA4s already? Haven't seen any reviews on them. Seems like the tread patterns changed too from earlier photos I've seen of them.

I was running 3D's on my last car (BMW 550i), and decided to try PA4's on my S4. But, I opted for 18's, not 19's. To me, running a wider winter tire defeats the purpose of the tire. The narrower tire bites into the snow better, when there is snow to bite into.

The high performance winter tires are supposedly better on dry pavement than less performance optimized "snow" tire (which are, by virtue of thier design, better on snow). But they are not as good on dry pavement on a warmer day as an all season would be. There's already a compromise. and I didn't want to compromise further in the snow, where you really need them.

[dparm]

This is the first year for the PA4. Reviews are probably forthcoming.

[TT S4 2012]

Anyone running a 255/35-19 setup?

Looking for the best dry/wet performance for a Toronto winter that doesn't see much snow nowadays.
Sounds like the Michelin PA3 or PA4 will have the stiffest sidewalls for my stock 19" peelers.

Is 255 too wide for snow/ice conditions? How much worse would it be compared to a 235/40-19 setup?
Just want to make sure it'll be half decent when it does get snowy or icy.

I've been running the PA4 for the second season now on my 2012 S4 on a second set of peeler (255/35 19) and they are amazing in all conditions. I drove through snow storms and white roads without any issues and leaving all the others behind. I have never felt that the tires were too wide. The handling in dry and wet conditions is also excellent! The only thing is that you will have to be extra careful for potholes as it will come very expensive after one or two tires. The road hazard protection is a must!
If I had to buy a new set of snow tires I would go with the same! It is strange however that TireRacks do not offer that size anymore!
I hope this helps!
Cheers,

[adbender]

Im running 255/19 PA4s for first time this season.

Previously on 245/18 3Ds.

3Ds felt a little better in deep snow but the PA4s have been excellent all around. Dry performance is worth it considering 90% of time the roads are clear.

Yes...keep eyes open for potholes, but totally doable package for Toronto IMO.