Good all season tires for $450 or less per set?

[c@@kieMonsta]

I know a bunch of threads have been posted about all seasons tires etc. My situation is a little different. Although it would great to run a dedicated setup of summer and winter tires, I can't afford it at this time. I ran a set of DWS tires on my B6, but last I checked, they are about $160 or so each which is a lot more then they were 3 years ago. So with that, I am forced to look at something else. I couldn't find any solid recommendations on this site in regards to tires that are $100-120 each. Thanks for your help.

[AudiNFS]

What size do you need? I have tires for cheap

[c@@kieMonsta]

What size do you need? I have tires for cheap

Just oem size. 235 45 17

[Stewy]

Cheaping out on tires is a waste IMO, much like brakes. Don't get me wrong, I get where you're coming from, but maybe its time to put some dollars on the credit card and go with some decent rubber. Just my .02

[c@@kieMonsta]

Cheaping out on tires is a waste IMO, much like brakes. Don't get me wrong, I get where you're coming from, but maybe its time to put some dollars on the credit card and go with some decent rubber. Just my .02

I totally get what you mean. However I'm not looking for the cheapest tires. I just want something thats under $500 for the set, which to me isn't cheap. I just pulled up my receipt from '09 and I paid $117 per DWS tire off of tire rack. Now they are $142 each.

[Charles.waite]

I totally get what you mean. However I'm not looking for the cheapest tires. I just want something thats under $500 for the set, which to me isn't cheap. I just pulled up my receipt from '09 and I paid $117 per DWS tire off of tire rack. Now they are $142 each.

I had DWS on my last b7 with the 17" wheels and they were fine. My new B7 with 18" Ti wheels has these: http://www.onlinetires.com/products/...hp+95w+bw.html

They're pretty decent considering the price.

Grab these guys: http://www.onlinetires.com/products/...hp+97w+bw.html

$83/ea.

Are there much better tires out there? Yes. At that price point? Unlikely.

[c@@kieMonsta]

I had DWS on my last b7 with the 17" wheels and they were fine. My new B7 with 18" Ti wheels has these: http://www.onlinetires.com/products/...hp+95w+bw.html

They're pretty decent considering the price.

Grab these guys: http://www.onlinetires.com/products/...hp+97w+bw.html

$83/ea.

Thanks I'll def look into it considering we have similar winter weather. Although I'm a bit more flexible on the price. As I mentioned, I wouldn't mind spending up to $120 per tire. Just looking for something good, doesn't have to be the best.

[Charles.waite]

Thanks I'll def look into it considering we have similar winter weather.

Yea. FWIW, when I picked up my avant in Portland, I drove back in a legitimate monsoon, and the tires showed no signs of hydroplaning (I was driving 85+ as I just wanted to get back and I was tired, haha) and they handled like champs. I've notice no strange issues or handling characteristics since we've owned the car. Very good wet traction, though I can't vouch for snow.

[c@@kieMonsta]

Yea. FWIW, when I picked up my avant in Portland, I drove back in a legitimate monsoon, and the tires showed no signs of hydroplaning (I was driving 85+ as I just wanted to get back and I was tired, haha) and they handled like champs. I've notice no strange issues or handling characteristics since we've owned the car. Very good wet traction, though I can't vouch for snow.

What do you currently have mounted?

[c@@kieMonsta]

Ok I've narrowed it down to the Kumho Ecsta 4X or the Hankook Ventus V4 ES. Kumho's are $110 each and the 'kooks are $111. Same treadwear and speed rating.

[chris@fifteen52]

What about the load rating?

[redfred]

The Kumhos are crap in ice/snow, and the fronts wore-out pretty quickly. I found cheap close-out OEM Contis that I like much better for ice/snow, and had past good luck with Goodyear GTs.

[JPT]

I have these tires, I got them about 3k miles ago. So far I am happy with them, and they didn't break the bank. No complaints in the snow/rain/ice so far.

http://www.nexentireusa.com/tires/hi...formance/n7000

[Charles.waite]

What do you currently have mounted?

I've currently got the 235/40/18 Capitols on my Avant. Some shitty Yokohama YK520s on my B6 in the same size.

I need new tires on my b6 very soon, so I'm leaning towards the the Hankook V12 or Potenza Re760.

[moyenecorniche]

You can ask yourself wether the cheap tires will be worth the $160 ( $40x4=cheap vrs DWS ) savings when you are in the repair shop after crashing ...

In the 5 years of owning 2 Audi's, I have never had cheap tires until what came with the current S4 from the dealership. Sumitomo all season AP or something or other. Regardless they are the worst tires and are definitely not an all season. No directional control, much less stopping control as soon as it snows ....

Your tire's contact patch is the most critical variable in keeping you safely on the road. Saving a few dollars in this dept is sheer stupidity.
If you live in any region with freezing temps and snow , then you have to have at the very least excellent All Seasons, Preferable is a dedicated set of winters and summers but since expenses are limited than the former applies. What works OK in the wet will not when the temperature drops and water becomes ice and snow. Not the time to realize you made a bad choice.

Tires for Audi's are expensive, but $160 or so for a Conti DWS is definitely worth the costs.
On last winter's set of tires I paid $1,200 for a set (5) of Michelin Alpin PA3's dedicated winters. One of the best tires out there for winter performance driving.... Which is what Audi's are, luxury performance cars.
These are not inexpensive cars to run or for that matter replace..

[viceprp]

Craigslist or Classifieds.

Sometimes you can pick up decent wheel & tire combo for $400-$900. Then you can later on have a designated winter wheel.

[c@@kieMonsta]

I have these tires, I got them about 3k miles ago. So far I am happy with them, and they didn't break the bank. No complaints in the snow/rain/ice so far.

http://www.nexentireusa.com/tires/hi...formance/n7000

How much did you pay for the set? My local tire shop carries these.

I've currently got the 235/40/18 Capitols on my Avant. Some shitty Yokohama YK520s on my B6 in the same size.

How many miles have you put on them and how are they wearing?

[Charles.waite]

How many miles have you put on them and how are they wearing?

Maybe 1500 miles on them. They looked pretty new when I picked up the car, probably had less than 10k on them I would guess. They seem to be wearing fine, but its been cold and rainy ever since I bought the car, so its hard to tell really. Bad weather traction seems perfectly adequate and its never seemed out of control or scary. I'm curious how they handle in the dry/warm weather. I've never had any moments where I thought I was going to die because the tires didn't have enough traction, no oh-shit moments or ABS kicking in or anything. But the Fiance drives the car more than I do, and she's never complained.

Honestly, I'll probably replace them in a year or so because I'd rather have a more performance oriented tire, but I also keep flip flopping and they've got plenty of tread left...

[JPT]

How much did you pay for the set? My local tire shop carries these.

It might have been $140-$150 per tire installed with road force balancing. (he charges $40 per tire for balancing with road force). You might be able to get them cheaper, as I am on Long Island NY, so prices are jacked up.

[jjj751]

I've got sumitomo all seasons and they are complete shit. No traction in the snow. Looking at either getting DWS or just wait until end of march to get Michelin Pilot Super Sports and dedicated winters in December

[BenMTL]

I have these tires, I got them about 3k miles ago. So far I am happy with them, and they didn't break the bank. No complaints in the snow/rain/ice so far.

http://www.nexentireusa.com/tires/hi...formance/n7000

Do not be fooled by the domain!!! These are cheapo Chinese tires!

[pDubs]

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes



I've got these. They're in your price range and I looked up several reviews on them before purchasing them. I've driven on them for the past 8 months or so now and have no complaints at all. Just went through a pretty bad snow storm the other day and did fine.

[B7Joe]

Craigslist or Classifieds.

Sometimes you can pick up decent wheel & tire combo for $400-$900. Then you can later on have a designated winter wheel.

Yes, this can be a good alternative. If you go this route just make sure the tires are fresh (learn to read the DOT code, which is on the side of each tire sold in the US). Lots of opinions on this, but I would be wary of anything more than a few years old.

You can end up with "takeoffs" that look brand new but were baking in Grandpa's shed in hundred degree weather for 4 years. Ask me how I know. ;)

[JPT]

Do not be fooled by the domain!!! These are cheapo Chinese tires!

They are NOT Chinese tires, they are Korean.

[saucyzest]

Wanted to chime in - I have the Kumhos on stock rims (dealer I bought the car from slapped them on) and they are the definition of mediocre. They function and are decent on dry pavement but that's it really. I haven't gotten stuck in snow or slid off the road but I don't push my car in adverse conditions with them. This is the second winter and they're already slipping more. Only had them for 8k and I plan on ditching them next year.

If you care at all about handling in rain/snow and about longevity, I'd spend a little more. If you really don't care about ripping around in snow/rain, I guess the price is right.

[doughboy17]

Ok I've narrowed it down to the Kumho Ecsta 4X or the Hankook Ventus V4 ES. Kumho's are $110 each and the 'kooks are $111. Same treadwear and speed rating.

Go with the Kumho's. I have found them much better in snow and the dry than the stock Pirelli P6s. Someone else did not like them in snow but they have been fine for me.

[naiku]

I recently put Kumho 4X on mine and in about 1,000 miles so far have no complaints.

When you are ready to buy, go to treaddepot.com and look up the tires (IIRC the Kumho 4X are $103 there) get a price from them including shipping, then call discount tire direct and they will price match and beat the treaddepot price. I did this with mine and saved $75 :)

[c@@kieMonsta]

Go with the Kumho's. I have found them much better in snow and the dry than the stock Pirelli P6s. Someone else did not like them in snow but they have been fine for me.

I recently put Kumho 4X on mine and in about 1,000 miles so far have no complaints.

When you are ready to buy, go to treaddepot.com and look up the tires (IIRC the Kumho 4X are $103 there) get a price from them including shipping, then call discount tire direct and they will price match and beat the treaddepot price. I did this with mine and saved $75 :)

Good deal guys. I already pulled the trigger and ordered the Kumho's from Discount tire. Now I get back to this thread and see two recommendations. Guess I made the right choice. Thank you everyone for your input.

[JPT]

To edit my post from earlier. I have nexen CP672. They have been perfect so far in rain, ice, and snow.

[Charles.waite]

Ill actually amend my posts earlier too. The capitols I have are kid of crappy. Fine in the rain and whatnot when you can't really drive aggressively, but when pushed they fall flat. They're just mediocre. As a tire they're fine I guess, but for a Hamilton or jackson more per tire you could get something much better.

The Capitols are manufactured by Nexen FWIW.

[doublezero30]

Your best bet is to go on tire rack and discount tire direct and read reviews. I usually avoid all seasons because as tire rack states, by design they are average in all season. No all season is "good" IMO.

[audisline08]

I have had two sets of Kumho's and I havent had any complaints. I also just ordered a set of the 4X's last night. I like them and in the same boat as you. For the money they arent bad IMO. I have pushed my car in bad rain storms to see how they handle and they were not bad on the curves at all!

[JPT]

I can say, for the price, so far the Nexen's are great. They are a bigger known name brand overseas, so they don't really get the credit they deserve in the US.

But, to be clear, this is my first set, so maybe after 50% life, they might suck. But if they perform in anyway like they do now, this will not be my last set.

[AKO]

The Kumhos are crap in ice/snow, and the fronts wore-out pretty quickly. I found cheap close-out OEM Contis that I like much better for ice/snow, and had past good luck with Goodyear GTs.

Agreed my last kumhos were horrible! worst tires i have owned

[cadilak78]

I've had the Kumho's since I got my A4 2yrs ago and they work just fine for Indiana weather. My outside tread has worn down, but that's because of the way I drive.

They are just fine in the winter and I've had no issues with them in the rain, during hard braking or handling. I plan on buying another set if I can't afford a dedicated summer/winter setup.

[jjj751]

Not meaning to thread jack but since we're talking tires how are the DWS's? I'm looking for new tires since my sumitomo all seasons which lasted me like 15,000 miles are crap. No traction on the snow either. I've only got a budget for one set of good tires so I was thinking if those were any good. I'm open to opinions and suggestions.

[doublezero30]

What some people are failing to realize is that just because a tire is expensive does not mean it is good. At work we have $300 good years that I've heard nothing but bad reviews about. While the $120 continentals get raving reviews.

[JPT]

What some people are failing to realize is that just because a tire is expensive does not mean it is good. At work we have $300 good years that I've heard nothing but bad reviews about. While the $120 continentals get raving reviews.

I go through this with people in the motorcycle crowd. They all say only a $300 tire will allow you to ride without spontaneously combusting. Sometimes people don't need a track tire, than can handle a sustained 150 mph race.

Really, most people need an average tire, that will handle most road conditions. Most tires in the $100-$150 range will handle just about fine.

[moyenecorniche]

Not meaning to thread jack but since we're talking tires how are the DWS's? I'm looking for new tires since my sumitomo all seasons which lasted me like 15,000 miles are crap. No traction on the snow either. I've only got a budget for one set of good tires so I was thinking if those were any good. I'm open to opinions and suggestions.

Like you I have the Sumitomo's on the S4.. ( they came with the car ) and I have posted before how freakin dangerous these tires actually are in the snow.... I had the Conti's DWS's on my previous B6, a very good tire, will be fine for you " BUT " They are an all season, so when the snow gets deep, 5"- 7"+ then they will be limited and will slide a bit as they are designed to perform year round in all conditions. They are one of the best at doing this, but a dedicated winter like ( I prefer ) the Michelin Alpin PA3's is what I will throw back on for next winter.
However to answer your question " Yes " the Conti DWS's are worth it .....

As far as the above on expensive tires ..... Well that really depends on how you drive ..... If you're hitting the twisties at speeds not recommended by the DOT, then the correct ( performance ) speed rated tire and one that reaches it's limit gradually is needed. These are not cheap since performance costs, but then again that is peace of mind. Our cars weigh close to 4000 pounds, that is a lot of force when combined with Quattro and a V8. I want a performance tie that is designed to be pushed, One that at 90 mph isn't going to send me spinning into the tree's in the pouring rain. A tire that doesn't begin to destroy it's sidewall when heat and deflection forces increase..... These tires are going to be more expensive and even though we are talking about less than 5% of your driving, I still will pay for that performance. Wether it be Conti's or Michelin's.

The amusing Irony here is that we are driving $35,000 to $50,000 luxury performance cars and some want to throw on cheap inadequate tires. Two words only ..... Contact Patch ....

[Charles.waite]

Like you I have the Sumitomo's on the S4.. ( they came with the car ) and I have posted before how freakin dangerous these tires actually are in the snow.... I had the Conti's DWS's on my previous B6, a very good tire, will be fine for you " BUT " They are an all season, so when the snow gets deep, 5"- 7"+ then they will be limited and will slide a bit as they are designed to perform year round in all conditions. They are one of the best at doing this, but a dedicated winter like ( I prefer ) the Michelin Alpin PA3's is what I will throw back on for next winter.
However to answer your question " Yes " the Conti DWS's are worth it .....

As far as the above on expensive tires ..... Well that really depends on how you drive ..... If you're hitting the twisties at speeds not recommended by the DOT, then the correct ( performance ) speed rated tire and one that reaches it's limit gradually is needed. These are not cheap since performance costs, but then again that is peace of mind. Our cars weigh close to 4000 pounds, that is a lot of force when combined with Quattro and a V8. I want a performance tie that is designed to be pushed, One that at 90 mph isn't going to send me spinning into the tree's in the pouring rain. A tire that doesn't begin to destroy it's sidewall when heat and deflection forces increase..... These tires are going to be more expensive and even though we are talking about less than 5% of your driving, I still will pay for that performance. Wether it be Conti's or Michelin's.

The amusing Irony here is that we are driving $35,000 to $50,000 luxury performance cars and some want to throw on cheap inadequate tires. Two words only ..... Contact Patch ....

This. I hate when people neglect to consider that the tire is LITERALLY the only thing keeping you in the road. My CEO has an x5 5.0is with almost completely bald tires. In Seattle. In the winter. And I guarantee you they are summer tires. And he makes enough money to buy new tires I can assure you.

My dad is the same way. He was going to put 10 year old all season tires back onto their Subaru outback because "they had plenty of tread left". Well 1) they didn't and 2) they were completely cracked and shot from weather and age. He also ran his snow tires straight for 2 years through the summer, even though the all seasons were sitting right there in the garage. It's baffling... And the only reason they got winters in the first place was because I made them. He though all seasons would be fine even though he spent 3-4 months in whistler during the winter. It's mind boggling what people will convince themselves of to support their point of view.