Question on summer tires vs. all seasons

[sna77]

Hi guys, here's a quick question about snow tires / all season / summer tires:

For starters, I have a 2001 325i sedan. I have stock 16" rims with Nokian RSI tires for winter driving, which have been fabulous.

This winter, I purchased some BMW OEM 17" wheels for my non-winter tires. I've looked at Tire Rack, and have a few finalists for my tires of choice... However, the question is:

Should I be buying All-Season tires for my non-snow tires, or should I go with ultra high performance tires?

I'm considering the Michelin Pilot Sport A/s if I do an all-season and Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 if I do a max performance summer.

Thx!
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[Nick325xiT 5spd]

Why the hell would you do something dumb like buy all seasons when you've got winter tires?

[Gary@Tirerack]

For maximum dry/wet traction and cornering stick to a summer tire since you already have snow. IMO the GSD3 and Pilot Sport PS2 are two outstanding choices.

The main reason to go all season would be if you're willing to give up some traction/handling for a bit softer ride and longer wear that most all season tires would offer you. Even a non-aggressive driver is likely to notice the difference in handling and grip.

Tires http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AB2&url=/tires/index.jsp

[Desertnate]

Why the hell would you do something dumb like buy all seasons when you've got winter tires?

:stupid: (Although I probably would have been a bit more diplomatic :D )

If you have winter tires/wheels, go with a good summer tire. You give up far too much performancce with an all season to not go for a summer tire.

[Desertnate]

Even a non-aggressive driver is likely to notice the difference in handling and grip.

Tires http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AB2&url=/tires/index.jsp

Yep...Ask me how I know. :(

[Gary@Tirerack]

:rofl: part of what I love about Nick, hes a straight shooter!

[sna77]

For maximum dry/wet traction and cornering stick to a summer tire since you already have snow. IMO the GSD3 and Pilot Sport PS2 are two outstanding choices.

The main reason to go all season would be if you're willing to give up some traction/handling for a bit softer ride and longer wear that most all season tires would offer you. Even a non-aggressive driver is likely to notice the difference in handling and grip.

Tires http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AB2&url=/tires/index.jsp


I think my concern was: are summer tires OK for the 3 non-winter seasons in New England? (ie can they hack sand in a beach parking lot, maybe wet leaves inthe fall, etc)...

[Gary@Tirerack]

I think my concern was: are summer tires OK for the 3 non-winter seasons in New England? (ie can they hack sand in a beach parking lot, maybe wet leaves inthe fall, etc)...

No problem non-snow driving wet and dry.
Not greatest in sand, but we're just talking about a parking lot, climbing a sand dune right?

[Desertnate]

I think my concern was: are summer tires OK for the 3 non-winter seasons in New England? (ie can they hack sand in a beach parking lot, maybe wet leaves inthe fall, etc)...

I drove on summer tires year round while I lived in the UK. They saw tons of rain, frost covered roads, wet leaves, and 1~2 light of only 1" or so and performed great. No problems when driven appropriatly for the conditions. I don't know about sand, but I drove mine on the damp/muddy grass parking areas of castles and manor homes and again didn't have any problems.

If you get all season tires, you will regret it. I moved to an area that gets a few brief snows a year, so I made the move to all seasons. This winter we recieved NO snow that stuck to the roads more than a few hours over night. I am pissed because I now have tires that don't handle very well at all and the whole reason I bought them never transpired. I really wish I had just bought another set of summers.

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

:rofl: part of what I love about Nick, hes a straight shooter!
That was the rewritten version. :eeps:

[sna77]

That was the rewritten version. :eeps:


Looks like I'm going with summer tires then... Anyone have any issues with the Goodyears I picked out?

[mecklaiz]

Looks like I'm going with summer tires then... Anyone have any issues with the Goodyears I picked out?


I'm also considering this as a summer tire for my 330 anyone else tried the Goodyears? I have Eagles RS-A as original equipment and they suck. This is why I'm a bit hesitant to go with Goodyears.

[alpinewhite325i]

Looks like I'm going with summer tires then... Anyone have any issues with the Goodyears I picked out?
I only got about 7k miles with the Goodyears on the rear. I'm guessing about 14k on the fronts.