I'll be driving my 04 MCS in Denver, CO.
I'm looking at 205/45 - 17.
I'm trying to decide on the three options below (they're all season tires)

Falken ZIEX ZE 512 - $95 each
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...ance&tc=FALHV4

AVON Tech M550 A/S - $105 each
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ech+M550+A%2FS

KUMHO ESCTA AST - $67 each
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....speed_rating=Y

I have to decide ASAP. Please tell me your experience in all weather condition - especially during the winter ( in snow)

thanks a lot.
dominos

 

You might call or email Alex@tirerack about the Avon Tech M550 vs the Kumho AST, he knows about both those tires very well. Tirerack doesn't carry Falkens so it's hard to directly compare all three.

Tirerack's ratings show that the Avon Tech M550 and Kumho AST are not the highest rated in their respective tire classes. M550 has better dry and wet handling.

If budget was not of concern I'd check out the M550 first.
360 treadwear AA traction W speed rated

The Kumho AST (High performance All Season) comes in 205/45-17, and also in 215/40-17 and 215/45-17.
400 treadwear A traction H speed rated (not as good as the M550 which is Ultra High performance All season)
In fact most of the High Performance All Season tires don't rate that well
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey....jsp?type=HPAS

Falken Ze 512 in that size is about $75 each
http://www.edgeracing.com/tires/2054517/

Yet another option is to consider a different sized tire for your 17" rim.
215/45-17 will work with stock suspension and stock 17x7" rims. No rubbing. It would be slightly wider which isn't good for heavy snow but for wet or dry traction it's good. Both these Ultra High Performance All season tires are rated better for light snow than the M550 or Kumho AST.

In 215/45-17 for $139 each
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....+Pole+Position
400 treadwear AA traction W speed rated

Or in 215/45-17 for $90 each
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ExtremeContact
400 treadwear AA traction W speed rated

 

I just bought a set of the Avons from Tire Rack. I live in Omaha and we have had several snows recently and the Avons have performed well. These tires are remarkedly quieter than the all season run flats I had on previously. I stayed with the standard size. Overall, I am very pleased with these tires and I received excellent service from Alex at Tire Rack.