I am trying to decide what direction to go in. I know the summer tire would be great for performance and probably last longer because I'd be switching them off after 3-4 months, but what are the pros of using a good all season tire? What tires are best for both of these types of tires? Money is kinda of an issue right now, and want to get something that will be wide enough for my 166s while sticking to the road, wet or dry.

 

i have the same question...
same wheels...
same..car...non sport..
and i want to know if i can go 285 on the rear without any issues?

 

If you have to go in the snow (e.g. can't call out of work when it snows) buy dedicated snows on basic wheels - stay away from low low profile tires. It's hard to predict what snow next winter will bring and if you had an xi you could get away with all season tires (I have) and drive carefully during cold and snowy weather. And many "winter tires" are very quiet and handle well even after the deep winter weather has passed. Then switch to your summer performance tires and let 'er rip!

If you really want to go for an all-season tire/wheel combo check the ratings in Tirerack and buy the best performance your pocket can handle. Tires are the only thing between you and the road! And if you shop/buy through the link in my signature you'll pick up an extra 4-5% cash rebate there and other online stores.

 

Thanks. I'll look into both. Summer for now. I'd be shocked to see snow at this point.

 

i went with summer tires, simply because they last a lot longer, and partially due to weather changes. also, in reality, how many of us really need summer performance tires for a daily driver?

 

THE CAUTION IS NOT "ONLY" about SNOW -- UHP Summer Tires are NOT recommended for use when temperatures are below 40 degrees F.
Cold temps can turn their sticky rummer compounds hard & slippery - Hard and slippery is great for some "sports" but NOT for driving your car!


"Ultra high performance summer tires"
"Available in the highest speed ratings of ZR with sub-speed rating categories of W and Y, these tires deliver the ultimate dry and wet grip and handling. But the penalty is often a stiff ride, short tread life, and a hefty price. As the name implies, summer tires are not suited for cold, winter temperatures."

 

I went with ContiExtreme DWS's for this reason... I try not to drive in the snow at all and have a Jeep for that purpose, but had been caught out there a couple times in my runflats and seriously had no traction at all... NONE! The DSW's have been great in the little amounts of snow I have been caught in but also in rain. Big difference in the rain.

But as luigi stated, if you can go dedicated, especially in the Northeast, do so.

 

[quote name='jaycal3' timestamp='1331129759' post='1425321']
I went with ContiExtreme DWS's for this reason... I try not to drive in the snow at all and have a Jeep for that purpose, but had been caught out there a couple times in my runflats and seriously had no traction at all... NONE! The DSW's have been great in the little amounts of snow I have been caught in but also in rain. Big difference in the rain.

But as luigi stated, if you can go dedicated, especially in the Northeast, do so.
[/

i have the same tires as above quoted...reasonable cost, quiet, smooth, good on wet. no snow here this season though... bought mine through amazon 225/50/17, you may want to check.

 

I have the conti DWS as well currently on the 18 inch wheels. They have been good for me. I would buy them again i suppose for winter. My plan will be to buy dedicated tires and wheels for the winter and summer. I'll have time to save for a set of 19in wheels for winter and get a set of winter tires to go with them. maybe switch the 166s to the winter set at some point.

Most people on the forum say that the ventus 12 tires are good...what are your thoughts? I know they are decently priced compared to the michelin super sports....

 

I have michelin pilot super sports, summer only tire. They are great if dry and warm outside, great grip, no road noise. Once it starts raining, no grip AT ALL. Downright scary to drive in rain. Ditto for when temp drops below 45 deg, they have no grip at all. It's almost shocking how quickly tire grip disappears depending on temp and water. Also, my rears are down to wear bars after ~8k miles and not cheap to replace, although they do have 30k mile warranty (I think 15k warranty on rears if different than front tire sizes). I might look at all seasons when they wear out.