Hey everyone. So my Pirelli Winter Sottozero tires which I bought back in 2006 are finally done, so I've been in the market for another set of winter shoes. Here's my dilemma though. I loved the Sottozeros, but I had mine in run-flats, and they currently don't make them in run-flats anymore, so I was deciding if I should just continue with those, despite them not being runflats or go with another tire.

One of my initial requirements was to have run-flats because of the lack of a spare tire, and winter months I think tend to be harsher on tires, especially in Wisconsin with the roads getting chewed up from the salt trucks.

If I were to get a different winter tire, I was considering either the Blizzak LM-60, or the Dunlop Wintersport 3D DSST.

The issue with the LM-60's is they're the most expensive option, which is why I also considered the Dunlops because they were cheaper, but I don't know how they both do in the winter.

Anyone care to chime in? Oh and my tire size is 195/55/R16.

 

I had the Dunlop Winter 3D sport on my 2002 BMW 325i and they were great in snow.
I live in Illinois and had to drive 13 miles one way to commute to work during snow and they had really good traction and tread wear was awesome too...

 

I've had both the Dunlop Wintersports and the Pirelli Sottozeros our our Subarus the past two years. While they're both great, I prefer the Dunlops and have ordered those for my Mini (they just arrived today in fact!). I was strongly considering the Blizzaks...but Tire Rack was offering a free jacket with those versus a rebate with the Dunlops so that made it an easy choice.

 

Sottozero II RFT in 205/55/16 for $142
Pirelli SnowControl 3 in 195/55/16 for $126

If your suspension is stock the 205/55/16's will fit and provide an extra 4/10ths inch of road clearance.

 

Yeah, I noticed that with the Blizzaks and Dunlops. Going for the Dunlops seems like a better solution, especially since I have enough jackets as it is.


I do have stock suspension, but I already use 205/50/R16 as my summer tire, so going narrower for winter would be the best option, even if it means skipping the Pirellis in the end. I know Pirelli carries the Snowcontrol Serie III in 195/55/R16 w/ Runflats, but I don't know how good those are. Like I said runflats would be ideal in my situation, and the Dunlops I think would suit my purposes better for what I do and drive in.

 

The blizzaks ran great on my wives, uncles bmw. We live in ny where winters are no joy either. I wouldn't be afraid of the blizzaks.

 

I've been through a few sets of Blizzaks on a few cars. Never had a problem with them. Make sure to keep the right amount of air in them. So many folks let their tires get very low in the cold season.

 

One word in snow tires....NOKIAN

 

+1

 

Unfortunately Nokian tires are not sold in my part of the world. I managed to snag a couple of sets at a friendly price when I rallied. Since I no long do they seem to be hard to find in these parts.

 

Order online, Bavarian Autosport.

 

Thanks for the heads up. When I wear out the current snow shoes I'll search out some Hakka's.

 

Both the Dunlop and Bridgestone are good winter options. The 3D's advantage is on dry & wet handling. LM-60 has given up a little dry handling for snow, hard pack & ice.

 

The one thing I have come to realize with the good snow tires is that the better road performance the worse snow performance. Seems stiffer rubber does help grip the road...but SOFT rubber help flex and shed snow allowing for fresh grip.

I also have to say that I have only had limited success finding a common large brand tire that compared to the European winter tires. They work yes, but having a good tires means avoiding a ditch and kissing it.

 

Any sense of how these two compare to the new Dunlop "Winter Maxx"? I'm trying to pick a set in the 195/60R15 size - from a price standpoint the Maxx is attractive and I've had good luck with Dunlop winter tires in the past.

 

I have used the Blizzak and Wintersports and liked them both. They were on my Quattro Audi, not the Mini. They allowed me to drive with confidence in nasty stuff on my 1000 mile/week commute. My theory is once you get to a certain point, price becomes the deciding factor. I'd go with whichever got you the best after-rebate price.
If you really want to go in the snow. Put them on a Quattro Audi!