Living in the Chicago area, I would like 4-season tires without having to swap winter tires on/off each year. Can I get away with all-season performance tires on the S4 without sacrificing too much on performance, handling, etc? Will I increase, decrease, or not effect the chances of damaging my rims if/when I hit potholes?

I was looking at the Pirelli PZero Nero M+S, Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, or Continental ContiExtremeContacts in the same size as the OEM performance tires. Any opinions on the best tire option out of these three?

Thanks in advance for your resonse.

Although excellent tires, the ones you mentioned will be a step down in dry traction and steering response from most summer-only performance tires. I personally prefer the Nero M+S from your list above if you're trying to minimize the performance loss of going to an A/S tire at a reasonable price.

Going to an all season should not affect your chances of bending a wheel.

Hope this helps!<ul><li><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR8&amp;url=/tires/index.jsp">Tires</a></li></ul>

Gary, thanks for the quick response.

Regarding the loss in handling....

If I don't take corners at crazy speeds, then can I assume the S4 will feel stable and under control?

My assumption is that the loss of dry weather control only applies when pushing the car to it's limits on turns, not when going straight, or making quick starts, or quick stops.

Am I correct?

It should feel stable still, just be aware that the steering response/cornering traction and dry grip will be reduced. Steering response is something that can be felt at almost any speed, whereas the reduction in dry traction itself is more something you would feel at the limit of adhesion.

Most of the performance all season tires, while performing well in the dry, give up more than a regular performing all season in the snow. That means while you may be satisfied with the performance of a high performing all season in the summer, you might not like the compromise of traction in the winter months.

The only way to get the best of both worlds is to get two sets of tires. What I did was buy a cheaper set of wheels for the winter (smaller diameter too), and got winter tires mounted on those. I just change the wheels myself in the garage twice a year. Easy job. most tire shops will store extra tires or tires and wheels, and will switch them for you twice a year (for a charge of course).

Yes, you can "get by" with an all season, but you're giving up handling and safety with the compromise. You have purchased a great performing car. Why not enjoy your purchase all year round by having appropriate shoes? (A great athlete will still fall short wearing tennis shoes while playing hockey)

On a final note, having separate winter wheels will allow your OEM wheels to remain in better condition. The winter is harsh on wheel finish with sand and salt being blasted at them for months on end.

Being in Chicago, you may not want to get the most aggressive winter tires around, since much of your driving will be on dry pavement. Look at the "Performance Winter" tires as a good option.
Nokian WR
Dunlop Wintersport M2/M3
Blizzak LM22

I'll get off my soap box now :-)