Big Yak Attack

After a horrible winter last year here in balmy Edmonton, I've decided to invest in some winter tires for my 2006 S4 Avant. At the risk of inviting much bias, I'm looking for input on what experiences others have had running winter performance tires in similar climes. There are lots of reviews for each tire make and model out there, but what works on the family minivan is not necessarily good for this beast, so I'm hoping folks will have more relevant experience to share.

Here's a few I'm considering (in no particular order):

Falken Eurowinter HS439
Dunlop Winter Sport M3
Dunlop Winter Sport 3D
Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 2
Bridgestone Blizzak (not really "performance" but available in my tire size)

I plan to use the factory wheels so trying to stick to 235/40-18s. I only average less than 7K kms total per year, so tread life is not a huge concern.

sakimano

I've bolded the ones that I've heard GREAT things about for our cars.

Try to find a set of Nokian Hakkapellitas. They're unbelievably good. Quite loud, but excellent.

Big Yak Attack

The shop I deal with had limited inventory on all winter tires in this size, but good pricing on the Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance II. They were less expensive than most of the online suppliers all things considered. Side-by-side with the Dunlops they were almost identical tread pattern (not surprising).

If anyone out there needs TPMS sensors, the shop quoted me less than $50 per, which sounded like a good deal. PM me for their details (wasn't sure about endorsing them publicly).

I'll provide some feedback once I get some kms on them under different conditions.

FuriouS

Michelin X-ICE2's

Amazing on snow and ice, and whisper quiet.

arjag

I second the Michelins. Had them for 4 winters on my last vehicle and loved them. They lasted probably 50000 km, in fact I sold the vehicle before the tires wore out. They are great in the snow too.

mikeh

The S4 came stock with 18s, however for winter I would go down to 17s.

sakimano

what's the difference? tire patch is tire patch. Plus 17s look silly.

FuriouS

I also vote XICE-2s.

Otherwise, Blizzaks.

slingshotz

Second that, I have them for the truck and my previous Subaru for many years. The truck has studded Nokians and they are amazing but quite loud but it's not a big deal as I don't usually drive with the windows open in the winter anyways. On my Audi I just put on Pirelli Sottozeros as I got them used with the spare rims. We only just got snow here so I don't have too much experience to report back. I'm in Calgary so our climates are similar.

robitaille

Hi It very much depends on where you live and if you do a lot of city driving.. I personally have never found better handling and GRIP than the Nokian HK 3 or 5 or now 7 STUDDED!
But I do a lot of snow mountain and secondary rod driving. And during storms... in the city... even the heavy trucks stay far behind. Unbelievable feel to the steering. And they last for ever while giving grip until the end. it's my 8th year with them and will never go back. Nokian are winter specialized.
voilà