All season or summer?

[mis3]

I think it's debatable if summer tires are more safe than 4 season tires.

There is no absolute. It all depends on your driving style.  For me, Pirelli Pzero Nero M&S is the way to go.

[mis3]

Actually, I meant to say that it's debatable if summer tires are more safe than 4 seasons in the SUMMER.  

This is definitely true for winter, especially in Toronto.

[davidm]

I don't think it's debateable at all, the extreme traction limits of summer tires are better/higher that A/S tires.  The key is you don't get into situations that require this level of traction in the summer unless: a) you drive "in a sporting manner" like myself, b) you get into an accident avoidance situation, c) it's raining.

Don't get me going on "performance" A/S tires in the rain.  They blow compared to a high end summer tire.

The key is the difference between A/S and summer tires is much less noticeable at normal speeds and situations than the difference between a winter tire and A/S in a winter situation.

In my mind, A/S tires are a quieter, longer-lasting summer tire.

[johngenx]

I still think the term "all-season" is a misnomer.  I have used some all-season tires in the summer that were excellent wet-performing tires with high speed ratings and stiff sidewalls.  However, their ability to handle ANY snow/ice was pitiful.

Tires like the Bridgestone RE950 are all-season.  It's a nice summer touring tire with exceptional wet performance.  Snow?  What a joke.  Ran them in a May snow storm, ended up getting a hotel room.  Terrible.  Don't ask about the April weekend we drove from Crow's Nest Pass to Canmore in a blizzard in the 911 on S-02's.  Only a little scarier than the E300 on those RE950's in the snow, though!

[davidm]

Crow's Nest in a 911 on S0-2's sounds perfect except for the snow!  I can imagine the back end took on a mind of its own ...

[trueno86]

Ok, since you guys keep posting here, I may as well update what I got.

I got a set of Fuzion ZRi's 225/45/17 for the summer and I'm loving them!  They handle great and look sexy!  I got them from Jack at Tiremaxx (amazing guy and really great place) in Toronto.  Let me know if you want contact info.

For the winter, I am planning to buy a set of Nokian Hakkapelita 2's from Tiremaxx.  Best winter tires IMO.

Hope that ends this debate.

[Snowman]

Trueno,

What car are you running with your Fuzion ZRi's 225/45/17’s? I am waiting for a set of T-1R’s but the availability is non-existent and on back order. I may be forced to make another choice….more details please.

[trueno86]

I drive a VW GTI 1.8t.  Check out the Fuzion's.  They're great tires.  I was thinking of the T1R's as well but they were out of my price range

[vz64]

Snowman,
I put an order and supposedly getting my set of T1Rs (245/40/17) next week from a Mississauga dealer. I understand it is still not very close to your place, but they should be available everywhere pretty soon.

[Snowman]

Thanks for the update Vz64....I will wait for a week and see.

[smokeshowjoe]

No one thought of the relationship of the tire width and pressure when damning AS tires!

In snow, the wider widths of AS tires are actually worse than narrower ones; the 245 / 45's in the original post are most useless in snow. Now if you had ever tried dropping the pressure to a visible "half full" for the drive wheels, you would gain significant clearing of the treds and hence much better traction. I had the Goodyear GT 4S on my old 90 super coupe and was stuck in downtown Toronto going up Yonge St. at the St Clair hill  in a blizzard from a stop at the lights at the bottom..got out and drained half of the air from the RR tire and took off up the hill like a summer day. (Torque to the RR wheel)

Now case in point is that a 35-45 aspect ratio tire doesn't have the ability to drain as far as a 55/70 series AS tire..so tread claering would still be worse. A case for winter tires would be in order..in my 30 years of driving in Ontario, I have never been stuck, rear ended anyone or slid out of control (pre ABS days) due to my ability to "DRIVE" thanks to professional training and from my racing days (motorcycles) I am not so lazy as to get out and lower my tire pressure to gain traction in the snow. For the 5 days a year it is a problem, I deal with it accordingly and will never buy 2 sets of tires and rims unless I buy a BMW/Mercedes that is RWD and comes with Hi Perf. Summer tires.

[wing]

Those Fuzions are suppose to be pretty good, they are what are so nicely called "Ricer" tires, but actually suppose to be good.