winter is fast approaching here in MN. I own A4 1.8T w/sport package, and LY experienced terrible performance on snow/ice. dealershiop recommended snow tires--any advice out there?

I'm also in MN and have heard the same about sports package tires. Current car (98 2.8 QT Avant), came with standard tires (Goodyear RSA) and was great in snow last year.

I have a 2000 Avant with sports package coming in November and I'm going to switch those tires for Michelin or Goodyear all season performance tires as I don't want the hassle of having two sets of wheels and tires.

As for your question, Tirerack.com has lots of info on performance snowtires. Recent posts I've seen mentioned here named the Dunlop and Michelin Alpin.

I bought snow tires for the first time last year (for my 93 Accord) - Michelin Arctic Alpins. I'm not qualified to comment on other winter tires, but I can tell you that there was a really big difference going to the Alpins from a good set of all season tires. I would recommend them unreservedly.

Now that I have my A4, I will likely get a set of Michelin Pilot Alpins on a separate set of steel wheels - mostly for the "H" speed rating.

Others on this forum have variously recommended Dunlop SP Winter Sport M2's, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 1's, and Pirelli Winter 210 Asymettrico's, among others. There seems to be a consensus against the Bridgestone Blizzak family - poor handling, and the special "ice" compound in the tires only extends halfway through the tread.

Good luck shopping.

Mac
99.5 1.8TQTip

Lots of people have criticized the Blizzak because the special snow/ice compound only goes half way or so through the tread. However, consider this: Do you really want to drive on bald (no tread) snow tires? I would think that a snow tire should be discarded when it gets to 1/3 or so tread depth anyway (maybe even half). So, just about the time the Blizzak turns into a regular all-season tire, you shouldn't be using it as a snow tire anyway. And then you can still use them as a (crappy) good-weather tire if you want.

Also, I've heard good things about the newer Blizzak tires (MZ-01, and -02 or similar numbers), as opposed the originals. The newer ones are supposed to be competitive in handling, at least according to early word from Tire Rack.

My 2000 A4 1.8T just came in today(I will pick it up thursday) and I am purchasing Hakka 1's for winter driving. They are by far the best all around winter tire. I too live in MN. They do not have the feeling of a low pressure tire that most snow specific tires have and cost less than the comperable pirelli 210's.

but definately leave something to be desired with dry handling. I have a set on my 98 A42.8Q and couldn't believe the difference. I will probably go with a better dry performer for my next set however.

So I have heard from a number of sources.

Had Gislaved snows on old Coupe Quattro; got thru 12+" of unplowed snow on slight upgrade. Bought Noian Haaka for the A4 Avant; got thru 2 good 8" stomrs last January in hilly Steelertown area.

For gbest snow traction, ecommend getting 15" wheels from stock 1.8T, get narrow snows. I'm using 195/65X15; old Coupe had 185/70.

The Sport package I have severely reduces heavy snow performance. Avant does not feel as secure as old Coupe did in heavy snow; I can feel it bottoming out sooner (lower snow levels) than the Coupe.

I have lived in wisconsin my whole life until 96 when i moved to colorado, so i have handled plenty of snow and ice. last year i lived exclusively in the mountains and decided to purchase snow specific tires. Shopped around, bought the blizzaks. Honestly, they (in conjunction with good reaction times on my part) saved my life twice, once on the downslope of loveland pass (1-lane each way, almost no shoulder). my .02: they are MUCH better than ANY tire I've ever driven, on any car.

I am buying them from G & G in Miluaukee, WI. For the 205-55-16 size Hakka 1's I paid $110 + shipping. e-mail me direct for the phone number.

Randy