Hello everyone!

Yes, it's another tire thread! However, I couldn't find much specific to my question.

I'm currently running Yoko S.Drives in 205/50/16. They're at the wear bars, and winter is just around the corner. I live in Victoria, BC which has a climate very similar to the PNW. We don't have a lot of snow, generally, and it doesn't often fall far below freezing. We will occasionally get a big dump, but the worst I'm likely to deal with is icy roads and a few inches of snow in the mornings. This is balanced out by a lot of mild days.

I'm torn between getting a set of all-seasons (Pilot Sport A/S 3) or buying a set of winter tires, and investing in another set of performance summers come springtime. I know dedicated winters will be best for my 15KM commute, where it's likely I'll be driving in winter conditions. I'd like something that also has decent dry grip and will not be TOO squirrely when it's mild and wet.

Are the all-seasons really my best bet for *some* winter driving but a generally mild season, or is there a winter tire with decent turn-in and dry grip as well?

Note: I was running Falken Espia EPZ in 205/55/16 during the last few winters, and they were great in the snow and ice, but absolutely miserable when it was dry or warm out. Jello handling, terrible braking, etc.

 

Depends on your winter driving skill and comfort level. If I lived there I think I'd get by fine with the Michelin A/S 3's. They ranked first overall in the most recent Consumer Reports test with an average in snow traction and ice braking. Number two was the Goodyear Eagle F1 which was average in snow traction and above average in ice braking. A dedicated snow will be better in both of those categories, but worse in dry handling and wet braking.

 

I'd say I'm fairly comfortable with winter driving, but I've always done my winter driving on winter tires. I imagine if I tread carefully it should be okay... it would be nice to have just one set of wheels and tires. Thanks for your reply.

I hope someone who's had a chance to drive the AS3's in snow or ice chimes in as well.

 

I'm not from your part of the world. My advice is if you have to drive in snow buy winter tires. Pick up a set of cheap wheels to put the winter tires on. Makes swapping a breeze. The way I look at it my snow tires are cheaper than my insurance deductible.

All seasons suck in snow. I love flying by folks using them in the snow & seeing the surprised look on the drivers faces. ;-)

 

Due to your mild winters and assuming you are not planning to drive into the mountains or into deep snow,
I vote for Ultra High Performance All Season tires-

see
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...1&startIndex=0

There are some good values on special-
Bridgestone RE970AS

For snow use and for softer ride and comfort-
Continental ExtremeContact DWS

If you don't want to spend the $133 each for Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 in W or Y speed rated UHPAS tire class, consider-

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 in H or V speed rated High Performance All Season class- larger selection of possible tires to fit your R50 and lower cost with about the same levels of handling and performance for your base cooper and driving needs. Same 500 treadwear.

All are V speed rated-
195/55-16 $129 each
205/50-16 $136 each
205/55-16 $120 each

H speed rated tires will work fine for a base cooper, V speed rated handles heat a little better. W and Y speed rated handle even more heat but won't really be needed for a daily driver. Saving $$ is very practical.

Using All Season tires allows you freedom from changing to winter tires and you don't have to worry about funky weather changes. There is no changing of wheels and storage requirements.
UHPAS tires will give you enough crisp handling (depending on your choice) to suit your needs for dry or wet traction most of the year.

 

Thanks for chiming in minihune. I am leaning towards the AS3's. I got a quote from my tire place for $620 or so installed, although I can't recall which speed rating they were.

Last winter we got *zero* snow, so I felt pretty silly rolling around on snow/ice tires for three months, just waiting.