“All-Weather” vs “Snow & Ice” Tires

[jyl]

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

I have Vredestein HT on my 4x4 PU and Conti DWS on the Cayman. Both are really quite good in light snow, just ok on ice. For frequent trips to ski resorts and significant ice, studded or genuine winter tires are probably the cat's meow at least for 1 car.

**I fully expect new EU tariffs to be long gone by May 1st. They will negotiate a more fair trade arrangement to preserve access to the US market.

https://thehill.com/policy/international/5236107-european-union-tariff-negotiations/

How would you compare the Conti DWS and the Vredestein on snow/ice?

We tried the Conti DWS as the "snow tire" on my wife's RWD car, and they were not good. No grip at all on the wet slick ice we get here. I was stuck in a parking lot that was pretending to be a hockey rink for 10 minutes, rear wheels spinning rear end slewing around until they finally got on something rough. Also the DWS hydroplaned badly in heavy rain - though it was a 245 section tire.

[Cajundaddy]

Originally Posted by jyl

How would you compare the Conti DWS and the Vredestein on snow/ice?

We tried the Conti DWS as the "snow tire" on my wife's RWD car, and they were not good. No grip at all on the wet slick ice we get here. I was stuck in a parking lot that was pretending to be a hockey rink for 10 minutes, rear wheels spinning rear end slewing around until they finally got on something rough. Also the DWS hydroplaned badly in heavy rain - though it was a 245 section tire.

They are on very different cars so tough to make a direct comparison. My DWS are the 06 Plus model which were reviewed by Tyre Reviews on YT with high marks, particularly wet roads. I like them a lot on the Cayman buy honestly I am just not out slogging in the snow with them much. When I did they were 1000% better than summer tires and never felt unsettled or lost significant grip. Maybe the excellent balance of the car contributed but on summer tires I could barely get out of the driveway. On DWS I could get around fine considering there was 3" of recent snow on the road.

The Vredestein HT (highway terrain) is a pretty ideal tire for my 4x4 PU as I do drive it in all weather and to ski resorts. Only in fresh morning black ice conditions did they feel like grip was marginal but those days are honestly about 1 per year. I can wait 2 hours for the sun to come out and restore road grip. If I HAD to regularly drive in black ice conditions, studded tires for the win.

https://youtu.be/rocBhnxkf38?si=L2gBzONBqi2x48fX

[E Sully]

In lower NYS here. On my AWD SUV I run all season tires, Cooper Endeavor+. They are great all around tires. Work well wet, dry or snow, quiet with a smooth ride. On my FWD car I have a set of spare rims and put snow tires just on the front. My cousins in Oswego, upper NYS need to switch to snow tires with the Lake Effect snow. When I get 4 inches, they get 4 feet of snow.
My friend with a WRX uses summer performance tires, and has another set of rims with dedicated winter tires.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I have the DWS on my RX-8 and my son’s C6. The RX-8 never sees snow but they have done great in heavy rain. The C6 checks the box for good enough until it turns into a snowplow with about 3” of snow. In the dry they are great.

[cjh]

Michelin X-ice winter tires on both cars. Cheap insurance.

[billybek]

I guess the Geolanders on the one ton are technically all weather tires, I have run them winter only and switch to a much quieter wrangler all season for the towing season.
The Geolanders are a bit noisy on dry pavement but seem much more solid than the Wranglers.
My wifes CR-V has Michelin Ice winters and a Michelin Defender all seasons for the rest of the year.
Keep in mind, I have seen snow in Calgary in every month of the year.

[flipper35]

Blizzaks on one car for the bad days. My commuter has "performance" all seasons with 3PMSF which work well in cold and a couple inches of snow. If it is really bad, I just work from home.

We have always had at least one car with Blizzaks or other dedicated winter tire. Stopping and steering is more important than going. Our 2000 Durango was RWD with s sure grip diff and I drove out in the field during deer season in several inches of snow.

Always on all 4 corners. I can't imagine an emergency stop with great traction on only one end.