I need tires and am opting not to go with run flats.

I'm curious about the experience of others on the board when it comes to performance all season tires versus summer tires (I live in Seattle so rain is likely).

My goal is to have great traction in the wet/dry and still be able to get around safely in the cold/ice. I am not worried about snow as I'll work from home on those days.

I keep my driving on the street safe but certainly spirited in the corners.

Your experience an insight is appreciated as well as recommendations.

Thanks,
Todd

 

Check the Tire Rack out for some good info, but "Summer" tires tend not to do well as temperatures drop to the point where ice is a condition to be worried about. For an all-purpose tire go with the all-seasons.

Alan

 

+1

The high perf tires are typically very good wet/dry, but not in ice or snow.

We get maybe one measurable ice/snow event here every other year - but I drive on business and some places I go can get a little more dicey - I dodged a bullet on a trip to Atlanta this winter where it snowed and sleeted, but the roads cleared quickly. Just the same, I bought an extra set of wheels and will wear all-season tires next winter...

 

A question, how many of you run a summer performance tire year round? I'm in a position where I would love to have two sets of tires but the budget says one for now. I'm trying to decide if I want to give up some of the dry and wet traction for the all season. I know the compound of rubber is different, I'm curious how noticable it is.

I know, the practical side of me is saying to just bite the bullet.

Thanks again,
Todd

 

I bought a 2nd set of wheels with summer tires and put the all season runflats in the garage for next winter.

Summer tires are great for day and wet. But once the temperature gets near or below freezing the rubber compounds start to get stiff and traction goes out the window.

Put summer tires on your current wheels, the get a cheap set of wheels with all seasons or snow tires. Just look in the for sale forum and you can find a bunch of people that have changed wheels and are selling wheels cheap.