Best low profile winter tires?

[CDN_S4]

I know it's early and depressing to think of this but I would like to get a head start on my set up this year. I have 18" wheels and would like to use 225/40R18's for them. Reason for 225, I want to run my spacers in the winter as well, and slightly narrower tires are better in the snow. Plus of course I won't get any rubbing.

I have come across good reviews for sailun Ice Blazers for around +-$500
I have had General altimax Arctics and liked them.

What do you use?

[Cred]

I'm looking for some winter tires as well. Interested to see some posts on this subject.

[rsno1263]

Got some great suggestions for you, the first set of tires i have already had and they lasted me a while. They are the Michelin pilot sport A/S plus tires, which are 225/40/zr18's like you prefer. The next tires are the new tires i have on my stock wheels, they are the Hankook Ventus ES H105's. They are nice looking and handle amazingly. You can look on www.tirerack.com but, sometimes they're a little pricy, so you can basically try wherever. Hopefully i was of some help.

[LJH]

Really depends on what you are looking for. Do you only deal with snow? Maybe snow and ice...how much snow do you see?

Our S4 spends a fair amount of time in VT during the winter so I kind of needed a tire that "did it all" and ended up with the Dunlop M3's but went to a pretty extreme sizing (215/50/17) which are 95XL load rated.

Take a look at "professional" reviews....on boards your going to hear a bunch of people tell you "I have xyz tire and it is awesome" but I. Reality they have no idea how it performes compared to tire 123.

I do have to ask why you are running spacers for your winter tires? Do you need brake clearance or is it for aesthetics? If it is for aesthetics you may want to rethink. Running spacers during the winter is like putting fat snow tires on your car. Having a narrower track helps with traction when turning, it also keeps the tires "tucked" farther into the wheel wells to minimize spraying of winter gunk down the side of the car.

Cheers,
Jim

[CDN_S4]

Really depends on what you are looking for. Do you only deal with snow? Maybe snow and ice...how much snow do you see?

Our S4 spends a fair amount of time in VT during the winter so I kind of needed a tire that "did it all" and ended up with the Dunlop M3's but went to a pretty extreme sizing (215/50/17) which are 95XL load rated.

Take a look at "professional" reviews....on boards your going to hear a bunch of people tell you "I have xyz tire and it is awesome" but I. Reality they have no idea how it performes compared to tire 123.

I do have to ask why you are running spacers for your winter tires? Do you need brake clearance or is it for aesthetics? If it is for aesthetics you may want to rethink. Running spacers during the winter is like putting fat snow tires on your car. Having a narrower track helps with traction when turning, it also keeps the tires "tucked" farther into the wheel wells to minimize spraying of winter gunk down the side of the car.

Cheers,
Jim

Jim, you make some good points here, thanks for that. I am looking for a tire that will have to tackle every winter condition from fresh snow to icy roads to slushy snow to deep snow. Maritime winters suck!! That being said, the road crews are pretty good at keeping the snow off the roads for the majority of the time. I don't really need performance handling in the winter, just good grip for daily driving in traffic to and from work and some highway driving, so stopping distance is a factor. So the wider look would be preferable with the spacers and not really a detrimental handling hindering factor, however the sh*t spraying my car would be a factor to consider. This does make me want to keep them off during the winter. Plus I'm thinking maybe moisture that gets between them and the wheels and the hub can expand when it freezes and I could imagine that may cause unnecessary stresses on the materials. (not sure if this is a fact, but I mean ice cracks mountains, so who knows)

I would definitely still like to hear personal feedback from people's experiences. Thx

[CDN_S4]

Got some great suggestions for you, the first set of tires i have already had and they lasted me a while. They are the Michelin pilot sport A/S plus tires, which are 225/40/zr18's like you prefer. The next tires are the new tires i have on my stock wheels, they are the Hankook Ventus ES H105's. They are nice looking and handle amazingly. You can look on www.tirerack.com but, sometimes they're a little pricy, so you can basically try wherever. Hopefully i was of some help.

How have these handled in snow? Both are all season tires, jack of all trades, master of none. I'm looking for a winter only tire as I do have 2 sets of wheels and our winters get nasty. Their online reviews are mixed, but none get good reviews in snow.

[dparm]

Christ, how many of these threads do we need? You're going to get a few dozen [worthless] replies of "I have tire X and they're good". Those are not helpful because it's one person who didn't drive on multiple tires back-to-back on the same vehicle. Your biggest priority, I would assume, in buying a winter tire is the objective performance -- how does it handle ice, deep snow, slush, treadwear, etc. The subjective stuff like road noise (which, arguably, is measurable and therefore objective) is likely low on your list. The fact that you discussed a narrower tire being better in the snow leads me to believe that it's the objective performance you are most interested in.

That being said, go to Tire Rack and Consumer Reports and read their performance tests. They do indeed test the "performance" winter tires that come in slimmer aspect ratios, such as the Blizzak LM-60 and the Pilot Alpin PA2/3/4. You can also get some of the more pedestrian winter tires (Blizzak WS70, XIce-3, etc) in the smaller sidewall sizes too, so be sure to read those reviews.

If you buy these purely on opinion or "popularity", I suspect you'll be disappointed. Be an informed consumer, not one to be led by hearsay.

[dparm]

I'll add that something to remember is that the performance winter tires do not carry any sort of ice traction. The WS70, X-Ice3, and other non-performance winter tires use special compounds and designs to provide traction on ice. If you live in an area that is prone to see icy roads, I would highly recommend you consider an ice-rated tire. Yes, you will lose some ultimate dry traction, but ice traction is a huge safety benefit in my opinion.

[troyguitar]

I'm thinking of trying a narrow taller tire for hopefully better traction and better gas mileage since I drive a lot. Current leader is Michelin PA3's on closeout for $664 in 225/45/18 on the stock 18x8 wheels. I hate the stretched look but it is what it is.

[troyguitar]

I'll add that something to remember is that the performance winter tires do not carry any sort of ice traction. The WS70, X-Ice3, and other non-performance winter tires use special compounds and designs to provide traction on ice. If you live in an area that is prone to see icy roads, I would highly recommend you consider an ice-rated tire. Yes, you will lose some ultimate dry traction, but ice traction is a huge safety benefit in my opinion.

Do those ones also have a much more limited lifetime when driven in mostly dry conditions? I drive 30k miles a year and might actually see snow/ice for 15-30 days at the very most. My concern is burning through winter tires like it's going out of style.

[dparm]

I'm thinking of trying a narrow taller tire for hopefully better traction and better gas mileage since I drive a lot. Current leader is Michelin PA3's on closeout for $664 in 225/45/18 on the stock 18x8 wheels. I hate the stretched look but it is what it is.

Why not just use the factory 235/40R18 size? Speedo will be correct, load rating will be correct, and the overall fitment is precisely what Audi specifies.

Better yet, get some cheap 17" wheels. Very cheap for tires and tons more choices.

[FastEddie]

I too have been trying to consider between all weathers and snow tires. I live in NY (city area). Snow usually isn't too big of an issue because the city is good about keeping it off. My debate has been should I get all seasons or snow tires though. Not which brand. That I can look up on my own. (BTW for anyone with an opinion like the OP I have two sets of wheels Summers are already one one set)

[FastEddie]

Why not just use the factory 235/40R18 size? Speedo will be correct, load rating will be correct, and the overall fitment is precisely what Audi specifies.

Better yet, get some cheap 17" wheels. Very cheap for tires and tons more choices.

I actually have been considering trading/selling my 18's for 17's but I like the 18's that came with the car. unlike OP I would be getting stock size as you suggest.

[troyguitar]

Why not just use the factory 235/40R18 size? Speedo will be correct, load rating will be correct, and the overall fitment is precisely what Audi specifies.

Better yet, get some cheap 17" wheels. Very cheap for tires and tons more choices.

Your speedo is actually correct? Mine read way high with the stock wheels and tires (somewhere around 3-5%) and reads even higher with my undersized summer setup (like 7-10%), if anything the oversized tires might actually read correctly. I also wouldn't mind the extra ground clearance in snow.

What's wrong with 95V XL load rating?

17" means never upgrading brakes - I'm leaning toward keeping the stock brakes but haven't fully decided on that yet.

I'm still more concerned about compound than size - not much real info out there on life expectancy of say PA3 vs Xi3 when driven 95% of the time on dry roads.

[dparm]

Michelin warranties the Xi3 for 40k, and the PA3 for only 30k. That should tell you something right there.

And yes, my speedo was accurate on the stock tire size.

[dparm]

I too have been trying to consider between all weathers and snow tires. I live in NY (city area). Snow usually isn't too big of an issue because the city is good about keeping it off. My debate has been should I get all seasons or snow tires though. Not which brand. That I can look up on my own. (BTW for anyone with an opinion like the OP I have two sets of wheels Summers are already one one set)

No comparison. Even the best AS are no match for winter tires. Better rubber compounds in the winter tires mean they grip better on cold pavement. Plus, you never know if you'll venture somewhere with a lot of snow.

[troyguitar]

Michelin warranties the Xi3 for 40k, and the PA3 for only 30k. That should tell you something right there.

And yes, my speedo was accurate on the stock tire size.

Right on, I missed that there was any warranty since they have no treadwear rating. Too bad the Xi3 doesn't really come in any appropriate sizes for the car. The closest size is 215/45/18 at 93H XL rating. I guess that could work but it is low.

[FastEddie]

No comparison. Even the best AS are no match for winter tires. Better rubber compounds in the winter tires mean they grip better on cold pavement. Plus, you never know if you'll venture somewhere with a lot of snow.

figured as much. Guess ill be searching for some winter tires. Hopefully I can find something for a good price.

[moyenecorniche]

I'll chime in here.
This winter I will be outfitting my 18x8 S4wheels with Michelin Alpin PA3.
I had these tires on my former A4 Avant. They outperformed Conti's DWS's which I had for 2 winters
In the NE of CT, we had 6 to 8 inches of snow as the average these last winters and often more than 12 to 24 inches.
I'm 45 minutes at least from anywhere I work ( contractor ) so getting to the job site is a must.

The Michelin Alpin's handled light snow, slush, deep snow, ice better than any tire I have used . The Plus was when on dry pavement they were also as good as my summer Conti Extreme DW's so they really are a winter performance tire. They are not an all season, but a performance winter tire. I actually ran them well into summer with no problems other than due to a softer compound they will wear quicker.
On these cars, S4, RS4's we need to run performance rated tires be they winters and summers.
They are not inexpensive but well worth the price for the peace of mind.
If you look up Audi's winter tire / wheel recommendation they are one of the tires featured in the brochure.

As for the spacers, you won't need them on the stock S4 wheels for winter.
On the concern of water infiltrating and cracking... No your wheels are bolted tigjtly to the hub, not like a crack in a rock which has no resistance to an expansion force. It's not a concern and a moot point if you are not running spacers. Then again, we are not worried about water getting in between our hubs and wheels, freezing and....

[dparm]

Right on, I missed that there was any warranty since they have no treadwear rating. Too bad the Xi3 doesn't really come in any appropriate sizes for the car. The closest size is 215/45/18 at 93H XL rating. I guess that could work but it is low.

WS70 can be had in the OEM 235/40R18 size.

[dparm]

I'll chime in here.

If you look up Audi's winter tire / wheel recommendation they are one of the tires featured in the brochure.

Right, because I'm sure that's not motivated by money AT ALL.

[troyguitar]

WS70 can be had in the OEM 235/40R18 size.

Yeah with no warranty whatsoever. I think I'm going to stick with Michelins, 30 or 40k warranty versus zero is tough to pass up.

[moyenecorniche]

Right, because I'm sure that's not motivated by money AT ALL.

That really wasn't my point, I just looked these ( Michelin Alpin PA3 ) up on Tire Rack, it's $940 for 4 at $232 ea.
I got well over 30,000 miles on my last set as I had them installed in late October 2010 and ran them right thru spring and summer into the next winter of 2012
Wether or not they are on Audi's winter tire brochure is irrelevant, sure there's marketing but had i had a similar experience to the Sumitomo's I had on last winter, I would not be recommending the Michelin's.. I'm not affiliated with any automotive brand so my thumbs up or down is completely dependent on my personal experience with the tires I mentioned. In the winter I drive my S4 and drove the Avant spiritedly, why wouldn't you with Quattro, it's just that then the requirement is a performance tire for the season and the conditions... Pure and simple.... I dislike roadside stationary objects as much as anyone else....
I am planning on multiple ski trips up to Stowe, Mad River, Sunday River this ski season. Ct is bad enough in winter, having lived 7 years in Stowe I know what to anticipate......

Winter Tires and Quattro will Rule.....

[CDN_S4]

trust me dparm, I am being an informed consumer, it's not like I base my purchase solely on what people say on here. I am doing my own research, but there are many tires that get good reviews and that one might consider. However, given our S4s / RS4's aren't the run of the mill every day average car, plus with the quattro, I was interested in what other S4 owners have first hand experience with.

[CDN_S4]

Winter Tires and Quattro will Rule.....

I had General altimax arctics on my A6 before, I had them studded too and in the winter it was like a train on rails, quattro and good winter tire are definitely a sweet combination. This year I will pass on the studs though. I found that with the road clearing and the salt, the roads are more slippery and wet than they are icy and snow covered.

[dparm]

trust me dparm, I am being an informed consumer, it's not like I base my purchase solely on what people say on here. I am doing my own research, but there are many tires that get good reviews and that one might consider. However, given our S4s / RS4's aren't the run of the mill every day average car, plus with the quattro, I was interested in what other S4 owners have first hand experience with.

But what does user X saying "i drive blizzacks and they're mad tight yo" even do to help you form an opinion? Nothing.

Now if we want to discuss various tire technologies, winter tire sizing, winter driving, etc, that's another story.

[CDN_S4]

But what does user X saying "i drive blizzacks and they're mad tight yo" even do to help you form an opinion? Nothing.

Now if we want to discuss various tire technologies, winter tire sizing, winter driving, etc, that's another story.

it's simply a discussion that some people on here are interested in. Technology, sizing etc is all part of the greater discussion.

[CDN_S4]

Now I read good and bad reviews about these, but I could get these for under $200/ tire. If I want the best winter tire, I'll be paying around $400 per. That's too much. So I was wondering if anyone has had these on their quattro? I read reviews from GTI and BMW owners, both were mixed, some great, some crap. I figure with a quattro drive these might be decent.

http://www.nexentireusa.com/tires/winter/winguard-sport

[J0HN_R1]

Buy a quality tire... You understand why later.

Bridgestone Blizzak
Nokian Hakkapillatia (sp?)
Michelin Arctic Alpin

I've tried them all, only the Michelins were on another car (not the S4).

Pick one, you won't be disappointed...

[Fritz_S4]

If you dont mind running a slightly taller tire the best option on a budget I could find so far is the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT, they have excellent snow (deep and light) and ice traction and also don't cost an arm and a leg to get (although with shipping to NB you might be looking at aroun $200-300 on TireRack). I've never tried them myself but If you look at the reviews everywhere online there's barely any negative ones on this tire. The only issue is they only come in 225/45-18's so slightly taller tires and they're not "performance" rated but will you really be driving above 130-140kmh in the winter on public roads? They are more than the $200 on 1010tires but only about $160 on TireRack, the shipping will get you up there though. Best bet is to source them locally if you can. Anyways, was looking into winters myself and those are my first choice so far (wanted Pirelli Sottozero II's but those are PRICEY and got some negative reviews also). Hope this helps.

[Castor Troy]

i use hankook winter icept evos on my s6....i love them

[Wilbur]

I'm thinking of trying a narrow taller tire for hopefully better traction and better gas mileage since I drive a lot. Current leader is Michelin PA3's on closeout for $664 in 225/45/18 on the stock 18x8 wheels. I hate the stretched look but it is what it is.

Isnt that an All season tire? Why not get a winter tire? Check out Tireracks stopping comparison videos.....................no contest.

[troyguitar]

No, winter performance tires:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....A3XL&tab=Sizes

[snowbird]

I have used Pirelli, Nokian, and Dunlop winters. All on different cars though.

My hands down favorite were the Nokian Hakkapeliita's on my Corrado G60.


The Pirelli's were the worst, and I would never buy Pirelli winters again. I've had Dunlop 3D's on my S4 for the past couple of winters. They are very good and I would consider buying them again. But I don't think they deliver the same kind of confidence inspiring stuff I remember from my Nokians.

For my next set of snows for my S4, I'll definitely be looking up Nokians again. I heard they've gotten very expensive though.

[CDN_S4]

No, winter performance tires:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....A3XL&tab=Sizes

These seem like a pretty good option....comes in 35/40/18 as well.

[troyguitar]

These seem like a pretty good option....comes in 35/40/18 as well.

Yeah that size just costs like 50% more so I figure I'll probably go the 10mm skinnier for $300 cheaper. Same load rating, just half an inch taller.

[dparm]

Skinnier digs through the snow better anyways.

[CDN_S4]

Yeah that size just costs like 50% more so I figure I'll probably go the 10mm skinnier for $300 cheaper. Same load rating, just half an inch taller.

yeah I noticed the massive price difference between those 2 options, pretty crazy! Skinnier is definitely better for snow...

[channad]

I've had 2 sets of Dunlop WinterSport 3Ds for my S4. The first set lasted for 3 winters. The new set I just got last winter.

Great tires, coupled with quattro, awesome in the snow!!

btw, I live in Mammoth Lakes, Ca. I've had plenty of experience in the snow with my S4 and these tires. Great combo, highly recommended!

[WileyBrill]

Based on my own experience, since winter 2005-06. When I took delivery of my S4 Avant, 20 Dec 05, I called a guy @ Carrerra Plus in Bend, OR, he advised me a set of 4 alloy, 17" wheels, to which he mounted Blizzaks on, 45 series, ratio to match 18" 40 series summers on Avus alloy wheels, seperate wheel bolts as well. He mounted balanced and shipped them to me for winter, mountain road trips. They just clear the front calipers, but still do clear enough that have had no problems. Each season they get taken off, cleaned, black plastic bagged and basemented until next season. The narrower path and taller sidewall are both the way to go in winter, as are the Blizzaks.