I went with 205/50R-17 Michelin X-Ice Xi3 SL (from original 225 on 18\") for winter driving on my GTI. Motivation was keeping circumference the same. Have been happy with Michlins in North East.
I drove on a set of Michelin X-Ice 3s during my time in Detroit. We didn’t get tons of snow, but plenty of ice and they held up well.
Same for tires. Michelins are the premium tires to buy. Bfgoodrich is great not as good but made by Michelin. Uniroyal (which makes tiger paws that some people loathe) is a cheap tire made by Michelin.
The Dunlop Direzza ZIII is worth looking into. A close friend has half a season of autocross and 4 time trial events (So about 17 twenty to 30 minute long sessions) on his ZIII in a 2013 NC and they still have life left. For autocross they're basically a less grippy Re-71R, but they come into their own on track.
Dunlop direzza zIII's good wear 9/10 traction never get greasy, great stiff feel and break away.
I took advantage of the 4th of July sales and ditched the stock Pirellis for Michelin Sport 4S because I’m going for a road trip along Big Sur and through the Redwoods (Hated the Pirellis).
I have Ecopias as OEM rolling @ 99. My winters (GTA) are Michelin X-Ice Xi3 99T @ 215-65-17.
I have a focus St with Michelin pilot super sports. While the compound sucks when it hits freezing temps, I've had no issues getting around, unless it's super icy.
I loved the Sottozero 3's on my previous STi. I got a set of Dunlop WinterMaxx on my R now (got them on sale from TireRack when I got winter wheels) and while they're fine and even good in the snow, they are horrific on wet pavement.
Stay away from American made tires, it might sound crazy to hear but it's true. Michelin, Goodyear, MasterCraft, Cooper, they aren't worth the hassle the compound is much too soft.
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