Winter use of Dunlop 8000's (a novice needs some advice from the experienced)????

I've always lived in SoCal so I don't have any experience with winter tires. I only took up snowboarding 2 years ago and always rode with someone else (my former car was a 5.0 Mustang, so no snow for it). I'd like to take my 98.5 2.8qms A4 to Mammoth this year. Do I have to get new M+S tires (for just a couple of trips)? If I don't, then can I still avoid using chains (I've never used those either) with the quattro with the Dunlop 8000's?

CHECK THE ARCHIVES!!! Oops, just kdding. Wanted to see how the other side lived! =)

Anyway, I live in SF and go up to Tahoe several times/year. It was the majority opinion that the SP8000E was not a suitable tire for snow conditions. What to do about it varied wildly.

The options as I remember them are as follows in order of cost/winter driving performance:
0. Do nothing - Although some people had used the SP8000s in snow, the rubber compound of the SP8000 gets too hard in the cold. Add some slick ice/snow and forget about it. Actually one tire shop talked a person out of getting snow tires/wheels and said the Dunlops were fine, if driven cautiously.
1. Get cables/chains for occasional snow use - Generally regarded as bad, but better than nothing. A little better than 0. above, but still the two tires not cabled would have poor traction. Also, chains were a no-no, as they damage tires/car. Find cables, which should be carried for R3 road conditions in anycase.
2. Get M+S rated All-seasons. This is what I have done. Of course, this is a compromise giving up some dry performance and not having the total grip of true Snow/Winter tires. Of course, the possibility exists that the all-seasons could become the winter tires, if I chose to go to 17" summer tires. They defintely handle better than snows. I don't envision changing tires 2 times a year so it's either all year round or new summer wheels & tires.
3. Get snow/winter tires - Definetly the most costly option. I think this makes sense if you're up in the mountains every weekend or in a different climate than CA (i.e. east coast, mid-west, northern, etc.).

This summarizes the discussions, and I *would* suggest reading the archives to hear more opinions.

HTH

- Andrew
98.5 2.8qms

I do not think it is justifiable to buy winter tires for a couple of trips to the mountain unless you have the money just laying around. The chances of it snowing bad on the one or two trips a year is minimal. I live in Utah and drove on the 8000's all last winter. Granted they are not optimal for snow but if you use common sense and drive cautiously you will be fine. BUT, if you can afford to buy the winter tires do it. Remember also they wear out very fast when used on dry roads. The compound is much softer, and your performance will suffer. I am still amazed at how the quattro will make such a difference in traction. It won't help you stop though.

The SP8000 is a Summer-ONLY tire and is not suitable for winter use.

The idea that winter tires wear quickly is not nessisarly correct.
In fact, there are many winter tires that last longer than SP8000's.

If I lived in a situation where 5 days a week I lived in summer,
and on the weekends I drove to winter areas, I would strongly
consider the Nokian NRW (H). This is a H rated all-season
performance tire that has a special emphasis on winter
traction. Excellent wear properties.

Erik

Do your self a favor. Don't even think of using the 8000's, or for that matter any z rated tire, in snow. Even a dusting of snow will provide an experience you will not be anxious to repeat.

LouisE

I've driven my car with the 8000's in 4-5 inches of snow on several occasions with no problems, just have to slow down. all I am saying is snow tires are not necessary for 2 or 3 trips to the mountains a year UNLESS money is no object.

Hey Gary,

Sounds like we are in similar positions. I live in Seattle and 99% of the time during winter, I'll be on clear roads (albeit wet ones). I have a 99 A4 2.8QMS and decided that the fancy SP8000s that came with the vehicle are just not going to work, even for occasional trip to the mountains. On the other hand, 'cause I'll still be on good roads most of the time, I don't want to give up too much performance or - more importantly - have snow tires that wear quickly and are really noisy. I've pretty much decided to go with the Dunlop Winter Sport M2. Pirelli has a similar tire - the 210 Asimmetrico - but it's a little more expensive than the Dunlop and most poeple I've spoken with don't seem to think there's any difference. There are much better "real" snow tires - the Blizzak, for example - but I understand that they are squirmy and loud on dry roads.

I'm going to leave the M2s on all winter, then put the original SP8000s back on in spring. Costs about $40 for the change. Also, I'm going to have a pair of chains in the car for when things get really hairy. My previous vehicle - a Land Rover Defender 90 - was amazing in snow but hopefully the new setup will be pretty good too (and more fun to drive!)

Good luck and let us know what you decide to get.

Fergus

P.S. I just re-read your message: if you're really oonly going to the mountains once or twice, then maybe the standard tires will be fine. However, as a fellow snowboarder, I can't believe that you wouldn't be tempted to go more often!

Hey Gary,

Sounds like we are in similar positions. I live in Seattle and 99% of the time during winter, I'll be on clear roads (albeit wet ones). I have a 99 A4 2.8QMS and decided that the fancy SP8000s that came with the vehicle are just not going to work, even for occasional trip to the mountains. On the other hand, 'cause I'll still be on good roads most of the time, I don't want to give up too much performance or - more importantly - have snow tires that wear quickly and are really noisy. I've pretty much decided to go with the Dunlop Winter Sport M2. Pirelli has a similar tire - the 210 Asimmetrico - but it's a little more expensive than the Dunlop and most poeple I've spoken with don't seem to think there's any difference. There are much better "real" snow tires - the Blizzak, for example - but I understand that they are squirmy and loud on dry roads.

I'm going to leave the M2s on all winter, then put the original SP8000s back on in spring. Costs about $40 for the change. Also, I'm going to have a pair of chains in the car for when things get really hairy. My previous vehicle - a Land Rover Defender 90 - was amazing in snow but hopefully the new setup will be pretty good too (and more fun to drive!)

Good luck and let us know what you decide to get.

Fergus

P.S. I just re-read your message: if you're really only going to the mountains once or twice, then maybe the standard tires will be fine. However, as a fellow snowboarder, I can't believe that you wouldn't be tempted to go more often!

Driving on snow with non M+S tires is crazy and against the law in some places. I would personally not want to give my insurance company any reason to say the accident was my fault because I had the wrong tires on it. 8000s are probably good in light snow when they are new. After 10-12,000 miles I doubt it though. Even snow tires lose their grip in snow when they are worn. I wouldn't buy snow tires if I lived in S Cal either but I would buy a good All season tire. The Pierelli 7000SS and Michilen Pilot Z4 are both good tires. They are both M+S rated. I have the Z4s and I think they are great in snow and rain. A lot better than the Dunlops. Quattro isn't a good reason to drive with summer tires in the snow. Quattro is great to get you going but it doesn't help in braking and cornering on snow. The manual says not to use chains. I would carry a set of cables just in case the police require you to have them in your car but I would not use them. They will damage your suspension if they come loose. Anyway, have fun snow boarding. I can't wait till I move to Utah in March so I can do some downhill skiing there. Take care
Dave Hess
98.5 2.8QTS