[s-cars] B I G snow tires

[t44tq at mindspring.com]

Ray-
Here's a suggestion that I think Luke wasn't thinking of:

205/50R17 Dunlop Wintersport M2

I cannot say that these are the be-all, end-all of snow
tires, but for a high-perf. snow tire (what an oxymoron),
I'm very very pleased with them.

Note, my experience with these tires is exclusively in
205/55R16 on 16x7 wheels on A4s only, but they are great-
decent grip in the dry, no problems in the rain, no problems
in slush and they're quite fun in deep snow.

My experience with Nokian NRW-H in 225/45R17 on 17x7.5" wheels
says that they are not the right tire for real snow, although
they are great in NJ/PA "joke of a winter" type conditions.

Anyway, that all said, the NRW is being superceded by the
new WR tire, so if you must buy Nokian, get the WR.

Also, the Dunlops are NOT a multicell compound and the treadwear
seems quite decent- 3 seasons to date, going on the car usually
late November/early December, coming off in March.

IF I had known that the Dunlops were available in 205/50R17,
I would have bought them over the Nokians and I think I would
be a much happier snow driver when it actually does snow. If I
make it up to VT this winter, I know I'll be driving very carefully
with these Nokians. More than likely, I'll grab the A4 Avant.

One more thing, about the 16" wheels- if the calipers barely clear,
you'll have problems in snow/ice when slush/ice deposits on the inside
of the wheel and causes that 1mm clearance to disappear.

Taka

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