Originally Posted By: rg200amp
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
If you already have the Dunlops for Spring, Summer, Fall, then why not get dedicated winter tires for winter? DWS are good tires, but they're nowhere near as good as dedicated winter tires when it comes to the white stuff or ice.
Around here, during winter, I actually prefer driving my RWD BWM with winter tires than my wife's AWD C300 with DWS.
Ehhhhh. . .
I just really don't feel dedicated snow tires are needed for my area.
All it takes is one more Nemo for you to regret those words. It's all about what's best for you, though. If you have the extra cash AND storage space, then I'd highly recommend you buy an additional set of beater wheels with dedicated snow tires. You'll be amazed at how well your Scubie will go and stop.
Just a couple of things to add:
1. Every vehicle is All-wheel stop: with summers (or even UHP AS) tires installed, stopping could be dangerous in anything more than a small amount of snow.
2. AWD does not mean you won't get stuck: with UHP AS tires installed, my STI definitely had some trouble on inclines, and I've got some extra LSD's compared to you. In that case, a Civic with snow tires would have out-performed me!
3. TIRES, TIRES, TIRES: if you want to have the maximum fun in each season (safely), then buy the appropriate tire. Unless I can continue to pick up good second-hand summer tires, I don't plan to pay new-money for them. Summer tires ARE more fun in the twisties, but man do they wear fast. I'll definitely be swapping out for AS tires if I have to pay so much. The added benefit may be a better ride and less noise.
There are always trade-offs, so figure out what you want, what you need, and then what you can afford.
