Any recommendations on a good so-called all-season tire? 17 or 18 inch, I don't care.
These would NOT be for winter per se but at least could be used in snow with some confidence. Late fall, early spring, that kind of thing. In other words, a tire that doesn't scare the ***** out of me if a snowflake falls in its path.

 

so is this something you are going to use all year round? as in summer and winter.

or are you planning to park it for the dead of winter and use those tires for the rest of the year, because you will be giving up handling and braking with an all season tire over a straight performance tire (summer) I think its a must to have a summer set of tires and a winter set of tires.

 

All-season tires won't instill confidence when the temperatures are low. The rubber is not as pliable in the cold as snow tires and you will find that they will slide in cold temperatures on dry pavement (not quite as bad as summer only tires). If you don't plan to drive much in winter, you would be better off buying the lower cost ice/snow tires (ie. Toyo Garrits or Hankook W300) as they would be cheaper than a good set of all seasons (Michelin Pilot A/S or BF Goodrich T/A KDW-2) and provide better traction in cold temperatures and light snow.

 

I posted this a while ago and I think it will help with what you looking for..

Working Winter Tires...yes, they actually work
________
Buy Grinder

 

To clarify: I do have snow tires (Blizzak) and they work well. I was curious to know if there's an acceptable alternative to the OEM tires, that's all. Something that's a bit more forgiving. Something that doesn't freak out in the presence of .00001 inch of snow. Shogun mentioned Michelin Pilot A/S or BFG T/A KDW-2. I'll check those out. Thanks.

 

I wouldnt recommend wasting any money on some All season tires, if your going to use them in the summer. You should have some serious summer tires, and just make sure to get them off the car before the snow comes. I bought my car, for summer time driving/ track days because its a blast to drive it hard, by putting all season tires on, you are compromising that summer fun factor, why not just buy an civic if you want a safe car in the winter...

 

The Michelins are high performance winter tires. Great but expensive. Approx $250 each. I don't think that is what you want. They will wear out real fast. I know because I use them now in the winter and can even smell rubber burning when driving aggressively without spinning the tires.

Try the Bridgestone RE 930's.

 

Actually, I can appreciate your desire for a tire than handles 3 seasons in Canada, because late spring and early fall can still surprise us. Hell, last year I put the summers back on my RX-8 at the beginning of May, and it snowed two more times!

The Pirelli PZero Nero M+S all-season is getting really good press in the Tires/Wheels section - size 245/40-18. Users report dry summer handling as good as the OEM tires, and they do have that surprise-light-snow capability. I'm seriously considering those for when the time comes to replace the OEM, just so that if I'm out in the Rockies somewhere and a sudden storm comes by and drops a bit of snow, I'm not screwed (and that can happen in the mountains all year long).

I still absolutely agree that winter tires are required for winter, but I can also certainly see wanting 3 season tires that have more then the non-existent tolerance of the OEM tires to cold/slushy conditions.

Regards,
Gordon

 

Yes, I recall that it snowed last year the second week of May. Not much here but heavy in southern Sask., and Winterpeg got blasted. It's that kind of situation that prompted the question. So those Pirellis are on my list too. Thanks, Gordon.

 

My 2 cents worth:

I put on a set of Conti Extreme contacts about 3 months ago. Admittedly, Calgary hasn't had a serious winter, but the tires have proven more than adequate during that time.

Compared to the original Bridgestones, the Conti's have vastly superior traction under adverse conditions, a slightly smoother ride, good dynamic behaviour, and ARE WAY QUIETER... sorry, but the Bridgestones were deafening after about 18,000 km.

I haven't decided whether to add a second set of wheels and rims for summer, but these tires have really exceeded what I thought an all-season tire would be capable of on an 8.

Certainly, they aren't a pure performance tire, but they are an extremely good touring tire if you use the 8 for extended highway use.

Cheers

 

Interesting. Thanks. My OEM tires are Dunlop Sport 8090s but my limited experience with them (took delivery on Dec. 23, drove about 5 miles with no real control) is similar to what I hear about the Bridgestones.

 

I just bought a set of Pirelli PZero Nero M + S 245/40 - 18 and had them installed today. I've only driven them for about 100kms (dry roads) so far but they feel nice and grippy. Plus the wider tire does look a lot cooler.