So it is time once again for new tires for the "summer" season. However, since we don't seem to get much of a summer here, and we sometimes seem to suffer from the odd freak snow storm in May and September, I was thinking of going Ultra High Performance All Season. I've been down the road of UHP Summers, and found that they can't handle the occasional skiff of snow, as well as having a short life span and being a bit too noisy as they wear. I will be keeping the 16" Dunlop Wintersports for winter driving.

So what is the current consensus on 17" Ultra High Performance All Seasons? Your input is appreciated!

 

I am currently running a set of Goodyear Eagle GT tires with Enkei EDR9 wheels on my 2005 Cooper S. I purchased them during the summer and switched to Blizzacks for the winter. So, far they have been wonderful. I would recommend them and so far they have worn evenly with regular rotations. Hope this helps.

 

Check out Tire Rack's comparison tests on the following UHP A/S tires.

For handling those pesky off-season snows: Conti Extreme Contact DWS (rating of 8.6, and cost $110 in size 205/45/17).

To spend a lot of money: Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus (rating of 8.3, and cost $191 in size 205/45/17).

In the HP A/S category: Yoko AVID ENVigor (rating of 8.0, and cost $114 in size 205/45/17).

If I lived where you do, I think I'd go with the Contis.

 

I've got Conti DWS on two cars right now (MINI and E90 BMW), and have been very happy with them. Decent in snow, quiet, not bad dry grip, and good price.

--Dan
Mach V

 

I went with the conti dws as well and would recommend them for all seasons.

 

I have a set of 205/45 17 Michelin Pilot Sports.
Fantasic in the wet.
Great touring tire.
I don't know about snow.
They are well worth the money!

 

After gettin' and lovin' the Michelins in my sig for the MINI.........

Have my eye on Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S for the kid's Mazda Protege' 5...... #1 High Performance All-Season in last months TireRack.com survey results, 195/50/16 runs $148 ea. Just waiting for a Michelin rebate offer, then will buy them for a Fall install. His current Toyo Proxies will be 4/32" by then - too worn for snow use.

http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/codys-corner

http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/detail.jsp?ID=119

 

Since the Continental DWS is not going to be available for months I've decided to go with the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus. Will be getting 225/45 18" for my Countryman. Will post my impressions here once my CM arrives and I get these tires on it.

 

On the DWS, you should check with Discount Tire - I have them coming in and some locations have them in stock today...

 

DWS tires are great all season tires. Michelin's are nearly double the price. I'm sure the Miche's are good, but double the price?????

 

Seriously? Good to know. I will check. Thanks.

 

I ordered mine last week with a 2-3 day ETA - they shipped from Georgia to Dallas, got snagged in Dallas by the snow storm. I am still waiting, but have not heard that there is any availiblity issue.

 

Get this - I called DT to see if my tires had arrived - "No", but the 215/45/17 are in another store in the area, "how about if i get them in for you?" I love customer service that really is service... hopefully have the new shoes on tomorrow, depending on the snow tonight!!

 

DWS are amazing tires especially for the price and the wear you get out of them. check out my post about my impressions on these tires here

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-thoughts.html

 

Nobody seems to have the 225/45 18 in stock on the DWS. Wish they did as I've got to order tires in the next two weeks.

 

Was very pleased with Bridgestone RE960AS on a previous car.