Tires Continental or BFGoodrich
Aren't the Continentals OEM? They came on my 2010 S5 and I've stuck with them for the past 120k miles, year round, with no issues.
If you don’t get roads covered in ice and compacted snow for large parts of the winter, I’d personally go for studless. They’re quieter than studded tires, and you don’t need to pay the «studded tire fee» when entering major cities. In a coastal climate the roads are mostly just wet asphalt anyway, so no need for studs. They don’t help in fresh snow either.
I use Continental VikingContact 7 (now replaced by VikingContact 8) in Bergen. I’ve never had any issues with them in deep snow or over mountain passes on my FWD hatchback. Super predictable when they lose traction as well. In those dimensions the price difference between good and cheap tires isn’t that big, so get something good. If you’re a NAF member you get a really good discount at Best Drive (continental).
I’m on my 4th or 5th set of dws06. Unless I need a specific performance summer tire I’ll keep running them
Continental ice contact 3s are the best winter tyres i have driven so far
I just put the DWS 06+ on my A5 SLine, replacing the original Conti Sports. Only been 3 days, but I love em so far
I've had lots of customers comment how much they like their DWS06 tires, I'd go with those myself but im also unfamiliar with that Pirelli tbh
Pirelli All Seasons are some of the worst in the category. By contrast the DWS06 have been my go to for A/S tires and are excellent in the dry and rain. Hard to go wrong unless you're expecting to use them in the snow frequently.
Put the Contis in 275 20" on my RS5 a few months ago, and they've been a great change. Looking forward to all weather driving.
I had the PureContact LS before these. The PureContacts were slightly quieter, and also slightly smoother on roads, and because I didn't take the Extremes to the extreme, I can't say if/how much better they are at handling, but on paper they should be.
I would have stuck with the PureContacts, but I had a very unfortunate puncture that was unserviceable, and they don't make them anymore.
I have load range E tires (BFG KO3) on Rock Warrior 17" forged wheels, so I've made that tradeoff too, but am clear-eyed about consequences. Also, loss in MPG and acceleration due to having to spin more weight on each wheel. And incorrect speedometer / odometer readings. And loss in tow capacity (due to giving away torque via taller tires, which effectively decreases gear ratios).
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