lueben

What are the best all weather tires available on the market today? I live in Minnesota and would like tires for all seasons and not just summer or winter. Thank you for any advice in advance.

tusabes

In Minnesota I think you need dedicated winter tires

Quadcammer

I have been very pleased with my michelin mxv4s in the snow. Goes through 8" of powder like nothing and rarely flashes the eps light unless you do something stupid.

mrbobby

I support Quadcammer. I just put 18" Michelin AS on my S55 and I'm thrilled with the performance digging through the snow, and lord knows we have enough of it her to dig through.

lueben

Thank you, guys, for the advice. I understand that nothing really grips ice well, but do these tires help when driving on hard snow pack and ice when driving at safe speeds?

ibeforreal

Continental ExtremeContact DWS (Dry, Wet, Snow)

lueben

Thank you, John.

ibeforreal

The continentals are on sale at TireRack.

lueben

Never heard of Tire Rack. Is it an online store? --Bob

ibeforreal

Yes it is an online store. http://www.tirerack.com They are the tire experts and very helpful. Will be able to answer any questions you have about tires, wheels and other stuff. These guys are the best.

Quadcammer

yes, but they are not snow tires

Astro14

Dedicated winter tires have far more traction in snow and on ice than any all season tire. Surf the tests on Tire Rack. When I lived in Vermont, every car had winter tires. Nokian makes some of the best, but Michelin and others have good winter tires too. On hardpack snow, slush, or ice, true winter tires are the difference between stopping in control and smashing into the car in front of you.

Make no mistake, winter safety is about stopping and turning.

Where you live, the extra $500 for a new set of wheels on which to put your dedicated winter tires is worth every penny.

Now, for where I live at present, the Continental DWS are a good all season with decent winter traction.. Have them on the T5. The Michelin Pilot Sport AS3s are great performance tires that have some all season capability. Have them on the S600.

But they have far less winter/ice grip than true winter tires. I've seen dozens of crashes in Vermont, cars in ditches, cars hitting trees, cars hitting cars on slick/icy roads...the common factor? All season tires on an AWD car...owned by people from out of state who never knew how good winter tires were. Gave one of them a ride after he wrecked his Subaru right in front of me (couldn't make the turn). Impressed by how well my ancient Volvo climbed the icy, steep, winding hill, he remarked that he didn't know that these old Volvos were all wheel drive. They're not. I said, this one is rear wheel drive...I'm just smart enough to put snow tires on it...

lueben

Good info. I have had dedicated snow tires in the past and have enjoyed them. I am leaning towards them again for the safety afforded me under extreme conditions. Thank you.

Astro14

If you've not owned winter tires in the last decade, you will be amazed at how well they work...they're not like the deeply lugged, noisy snows of of old...the tread is a bit "squirmy" but they have phenomenal traction on slick surfaces, a dramatic difference from all season tires. In Virginia Beach, where we get snow maybe once a year (10" this last week was a rare event), you wouldn't need them. But in snow country, you'll be thankful the first time you're able to avoid a collision by stopping or steering. With the AWD helping you go, and snow tires helping you stop, your 4matic will be a beast in the snow...like my XC...

One word of caution - you may be able to stop with your winter tires...but the guy behind you might not be so well equipped...

lueben

Always the guy behind to look out for! lol

C3Duece

the worst winter tire will outperform the best AS in winter conditions.

lueben

I had Blizzak winter tires on my previous vehicle. They were terrific. I agree with you.