Since it snowed here in northern Michigan today and I know others are looking at snow tires, considering cost and performance, I thought I'd stick up a pic of what my Hak 1's look like after one winter, about 14k miles. They do claim to be one of the longest lasting snow tires (as opposed to, say the blizzak), and seem to be holding up quite well. Maybe something to consider for those like me who drive lots of miles all year long. <p>They were about $125 each and may be available at your Audi dealer. Passable dry performance, great deep snow traction w/ Quattro, and a little whine (easily defeatable by stereo). (Deceptively?) safe at higher speeds than one should probably travel on snow, but controllably fun on the back roads! Higher speed ratings than all the "ice" tires, better snow / ice traction than the Dunlop Winter sport M2, but not as good in the dry as that one. A definite dry performance compromise, but worth it if you get snow or go skiing, and a necessity if you have the sport pack tires and live in a snow belt. Cheap insurance against injuries and nasty fender benders that ruin those nicely waxed paint jobs. IMHO, the A4Q is an optimal car, and it makes sense to give it proper winter shoes. It's studdable with a new type of stud, if you feel it's necessary.<p>Others I'd consider: Dunlop Winter Sport M2 (better dry/worse snow), Pirelli Winter Asimetrico (good compromise, too soft for me in "ice" form, Michelin Alpin, Goodyear Eagle GW, some of the Dunlop Graspics.<p>Enjoy the snow!<p>Rich<br>'98 2.8Q sport, gettin' ready for winter #2

Hey, they look great. I just picked up a set this past Monday and am looking forward to the first major snow fall here in Ottawa, Canada! I'm glad to see that the wear on these tires is about what they claim. Here in Ottawa, I'll probably end up driving on snow tires for almost 5 months of the year. The guy said that even with that much driving they should last around 4 winters.<p>Marcin R.<br>---<br>'98.5 A4 1.8Tqms (Hak 1's equipped!)