Winter Tire Recommendations

[Ed Kellock]

I have two cars set up with Hankook Winter iPike W409.  One is 215/55-16,
the other 205/65-15.

The 215's are on my 91 Avant and I've had them for 2 seasons.  I'm very
pleased with them.  The price is good too.  They look a lot like Nokian RSi
but I know they're not all of that because Nokian I'm sure has a better
rubber compound etc. for winter.  Nevertheless I was very pleased with the
Hankooks.  The 1st season I had them we have a couple of heavy snowfalls.
Last year, not so much, and more ice.  That may be where they might seem
less capable, but that's where the tread compound really comes into play.
They are fairly well siped so I had no problem getting going or corner.  I
only noticed some lack when braking, but I attribute some of that to the
confidence I had with them in all other conditions.  When ice is present,
that is the time to be more careful anyway.

If you're looking for a very light tire, General tires seem to be lighter
than any others when I do comparisons at Tire Rack.  The General Arctimax
seems to be very popular at TR this year.  They're light and fairly
inexpensive compared to others.

For me, with Quattro and some reasonable driving sensibilities, I don't feel
I need to spend the extra money on the bleeding edge of winter tire
technology.  Otherwise, I'd be buying Nokians, probably without looking much
at other brands.

Ed

> -----Original Message-----
> From: 200q20v-bounces at audifans.com 
> [mailto:200q20v-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of michael
> Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 10:16 AM
> To: 200q20v at audifans.com
> Subject: Winter Tire Recommendations
> 
> 
> All,
> 
> what is your recommendation for a Winter snow/ice tire?
> I'd accept an all season but I've found these to be not so good at  
> real snow/ice.
> 
> I've used the Blizzaks before but they feel heavy.
> 
> I've noticed that Dunlop has a Graspic DS-2.  Anyone have experience  
> with Dunlops recently?
> 
> The Michelin X-ice looked good but it's been discontinued.
> 
> - Michael
> 
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