Winter tires....All (No) Season?

[ElectricIAC]

So I’ve made the decision to keep my P3D+ 20” for the time being and will swap out with the Gemini 19” when the Mrs’ LYD arrives. We have a trip coming up to CO and anticipate some wintry weather both coming and going and want a nice grippy tire that will still function well in more favorable weather.

Open to suggestions, best value for money is preferred. I could also just go with the 4S already on the car but unsure of their performance when it really gets cold out (below freezing)

 

[oripaamoni]

The stock 4s tires shouldn’t be used under 20F. They may crack. I just put a set of AS3+ on my 20”.

 

[WilliamG]

So, the consensus is don't use the 20s with PS4S below 40F - the (very general) rule for high performance summer tires.

THAT said, I've had no issues in 35-40F weather in Seattle, even in the rain/flurries of snow (no actual accumulation). They grip HARD. Now, I tend to definitely drive more conservatively in those temps versus when it's 50F and above. I'd be very, very leery too much below freezing, especially if there's any ice around.

 

[WilliamG]

The stock 4s tires shouldn’t be used under 20F. They may crack. I just put a set of AS3+ on my 20”.

Under 20F? Where are you getting that? Everything I've read says it's "best" not to use them under 40F, and if the tire temperature drops below 20F they should be allowed to come up to 40F before even driving on them to avoid them cracking.

 

[ElectricIAC]

Hmm. Yeah. Definitely anticipate weather below 30F so looks like a replacement tire is what’s needed.

 

[oripaamoni]

Under 20F? Where are you getting that? Everything I've read says it's "best" not to use them under 40F, and if the tire temperature drops below 20F they should be allowed to come up to 40F before even driving on them to avoid them cracking.

Check out the screenshot below. Information came from tire rack’s PS4S page. I read it as being able to use them down to 20 but needing to bring them back to 40 before use after being at or bellow 20.

 

[WilliamG]

Check out the screenshot below. Information came from tire rack’s PS4S page

Yes. That’s exactly what I’m saying.

I think we’re both saying the same thing. Carry on!

 

[KenC]

So, a tire that can handle wintry Colorado, but summer heat of Dallas? If you're only concerned about the grip when it's cold, perhaps you only need a tire with some silica in its compound. If you need a tire that actually can handle snow, then perhaps a 3mountainpeaksnowflake 3MPSF tire will work. They're snow-rated, but can handle all year weather. The Michelin CrossClimate+ or the Vredestein Quatrac 5. The Vredestein is inexpensive. I have it and it works well as far as I can tell. The snow has been fairly light this winter. Low rolling resistance, doesn't seem any noisier than OEMs. Hard to say about summer grip, since I haven't used it in summer. Not sure if those tires come in the 19" size.

 

[Fernand]

So what are the quietest inexpensive tires for California weather?

 

[Dolemite]

I've been driving 10+ years with summer tires year-round. They basically turn into a hard plastic during winter, but it doesn't get below 20 here very often. Never seen cracking - anyone experienced it?

 

[ewoodrick]

If your trip is for only a week or so, I wouldn't suggest swapping tires. DFW just doesn't get the weather to justify the cost.

 

[DrSmile]

I recommend a dedicated snow tire for snowy conditions. Performance all seasons are pretty crappy in the snow, the closest to barely acceptable snow traction you can get in an all season is something like a Conti ExtremeContact. Other alternative inlude chains or socks,

 

[SVL77]

FWIW - I'm in the middle of a Chicago winter running 20 inch Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ All Seasons on my P3D+ with stock performance rims. My daily 50-mile round trip commute includes snow, ice, rain, potholes, salt residue, fluctuating temps, high speeds, lows speeds, etc, and I can attest that the tires handle it all very well.

 

[SpigoT]

I recommend a dedicated snow tire for snowy conditions. Performance all seasons are pretty crappy in the snow, the closest to barely acceptable snow traction you can get in an all season is something like a Conti ExtremeContact. Other alternative inlude chains or socks,

I’m getting ready to pull the trigger on a set of these. Discount Tire price matched a set on Amazon for $186 each!

 

[ElectricIAC]

Update:
I picked up a set of Pilot Sport A/S 3+ in 255/35/ZR20

Lip/Rim looks a lot healthier and more sidewall is a welcome sight, Speedo is pretty much on point as it was previously 1-2mph fast against Independent GPS. Efficiency seems to be about the same as before.

 

[kwest2]

There are better true "All Seasons" out over the past year or two. I swapped my stock ones for the Michelin CrossClimate+. Excellent reviews, including very good in snow, ice and rain.

 

[ElectricIAC]

There are better true "All Seasons" out over the past year or two. I swapped my stock ones for the Michelin CrossClimate+. Excellent reviews, including very good in snow, ice and rain.

Wasn’t available in the dimensions aforementioned.

 

[ElectricIAC]

Little update: the tires have done admirably in the white stuff and kept this P3D passing everything else with wheels on the highway. Clearance is becoming an issue though with snow and ice buildup.

 

[dmd2005]

Nokian WRG4 all-weather are highly rated as well. I’ve used the previous version WRG3 and they work well in all conditions, except ice of course (that’s what studded tires are for).

 

[ElectricIAC]

Nokian WRG4 all-weather are highly rated as well. I’ve used the previous version WRG3 and they work well in all conditions, except ice of course (that’s what studded tires are for).

Looked into Hakka3’s but considering this isn’t an everyday condition for us wasn’t worth the price premium ($400/corner all said and done)