It's only a matter of time before the snow starts to fly in upstate NY, so I need to get myself some snow tires in a bad way. The old Dunlop SP Sport 9000s definitely aren't going to cut it. I read nothing but good things about the Avon Tech M550 A/S....but the question is: can they handle a Rochester winter?

In my current position, I definitely want to buy all-seasons rather than full blown snow tires.

Headshok, I know you're a big fan of them, any insight?

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....dex=1&vIndex=1

The other choices on my short-list are ContiExtreme Contacts and theMichelin Pilot Sport A/S

Holla!

 

ive got them on as well! they are amazing tires! however i cant say how good they are in the snow because it hasnt snowed here yet! ive put about a 1000 miles on them already. great tires!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Every year several european car magazines has a big comparison test of snow tyres.

This year's 3 best tyres were:

Continental Conti Viking Contact 3
Nokian Hakkapeliitta Q
Michelin X-Ice

In that order.

The tyres were tested with bias on slush, snow and ice performance. If you drive mostly on bare roads other tires might be better for you. Generally the tyres with best snow grip has a longer braking distance on wet roads than 'road biased' snow tires. For example; Michelin X-ice is a better snow tire than the dry road biased Michelin Pilot, but will have longer braking distance and a 'softer' feel on dry roads.

Also note that some tyre manufactures let reporters test tyres that are different from what you get in the shops, so raving reviews might not mean that much (yes, world known brands has done this). In the test above, they went to shops and bought the tires instead of asking manufacturers for test samples.

 

Conti's wear sooooo quickly! And the pilot sport A/S is TERRIBLE in the snow. I own a set.

I have never driven the avons... but I know many people who have. The tirerack reviewers rated them #1 in snow performance for an all season tire.

I can't wait till avon comes out with a dedicated winter! I'd be all over it.

 

Yeah, tire rack folks seem to love them. However, I have to question the validity of those survey results. While the Avons may have stellar ratings, they are based on only 200 user reviews...compared to the 2000+ reviews submitted for the Conti's. With that large a difference in sample size, I can't really make a valid comparison.

I'd LOVE to buy some snow tires, (Blizzaks or Nokians) and have a TANK for the winters. Somewhere down the road, I'd like to get some 17' alloys and have summer/winter wheels. But if my Dunlops are bald by next July, and I only have winter tires, I'd be forced to either A) buy 16' performance tires or B) Drop $1200 on 17' wheels and rubber...and for all I know, I could be broke by then :-)

Headshok, if any of your crew has can vouch for their snow performance, I'd love to hear it. Rochester winters can get pretty dicey, and I don't want to Slip 'n Slide my way to work every morning. That's the only thing holding me back from the Avons.

 

Honestly... just buy some dedicated snows for your 16's. If money is tight come time spring, buy a set of USED all seasons to save you from wearing down your snows... But I have seen plently of 17" wheels and tires sell for around 6 - 800 USD... so that could be an option for you as well.

But if you want to have the best performance in winter, you need snow tires. The difference between all seasons and snows is huge. Pit the best all season against a mediocre snow... and the snow will come out on top. So yeah, do it up -- buy some Nokians (that is what I run), and if **** has hit the fan by spring... then **** away 125 bucks or so on some used rubber to hold you over.

 

Well, you make a good point, and I'm aware there's a significant difference between all-seasons and snows. I drove a 12 year old Toyota deathtrap up until this March, so the concept of "good handling in the snow" is new to me. I figure the Quattro gives me a huge advantage over normal 2wd cars, so if a Honda Civic get by with allseasons in the winter, I should be fine. I realize that logic could be a little flawed.

And since I'll probably end up buying 17' S4 or RS6 replicas come summertime, I could get them on eBay for $400 (though I'd be very wary of the quality).

But still, I'm conflicted. Those Tirerack ratings, as limited as they may be, still give a very high rating for snow performance. I feel like I could be fine with the Avons in the winter, and have them as a pretty solid option for the summer for whenever I don't want to burn my performance rubber. And I don't really NEED my car to be bulletproof in the winter.

Bah...what I need to do is quit waffling and make a freakin decision. Thanks for the input Headshok, this my first winter with Audi. Keep 'em coming!

 

Well yes you DO have all wheel drive... so you are at an advantage in some ways.

But quattro doesnt help with braking. I don't know the stats... but I bet an inability to stop is what causes most winter accidents.

I'd feel stupid to have a set of summer performance tires, AND a set of all seasons... doesnt make sense. Have summers, and winters... and you'll never ever own another set of all seasons. There is no point.

 

I've got the Avon Tech's per Chris's advice and LOVE LOVE LOVE them. Great handling on dry, and great on the wet roads. Yet to try on snow, but man they are GOOD.

 

I am tellin ya, when my firehawks wear out... I'm after the avon summers! I have no use for all seasons though... but if all season is what you're after, avon fits the bill for pretty much anybody.

Tires needen't be so expensive... that is the #1 reason I love avon. They are reasonable, even though they know they have a kick *** tire on their hands... they chose not to gouge us.