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I had poor experiences with Pirellis... but also specifically the Slottozero and Slottozero IIs...
The IIs are better than the original but still not great. Had Conti WinterContact SI, they were amazing in my 986 with 17"s, I could pass trucks on the highway. Too bad they don't come in 18s.
I've had good experience with Pirellis and Dunlop's in New England winters. Two things to keep in mind: 1) a narrower tire is generally better in snow and ice and 2) four to five inches of snow is max. More than that and you end up being a snow plow.
I've had the PIRELLI WINTER SOTTOZERO SERIE II 240, N1's on 18's for the last couple winters and have been happy with them. Standard 18" sizes (not downsized in rear to accept chains... I really don't expect to run chains on the Boxster).
Wearing well, rotating side-to-side each season, stock wheels. I run Michelin PS4S in 19" during warm weather on stock wheels.
Be aware that winter tires are subject to seasonal availability, that is... they make what they think they'll sell for the year and kinda stop. Selection dwindles as winter approaches and arrives. At least that was my experience. You may want to lock in and acquire to avoid being left out in the cold
Something I learned a long time ago about winter tires. There are ice tires and there are snow tires. When I was in NY I went towards an ice tire. Living in CO i drift towards a snow tire. The folks at Tire Rack can point you in the direction that will suit your needs best. Another thing is the type. We are on the third set of xIce on my wife's XC90s. They wear great, give great grip, are quiet, and are great on her SUV. I had a set of Yokohama Ws on my Astra and they were great. They may have been better than the factory tires. They were a performance winter. I replace them with a set of xIce on the Astra and they were not fun at all. The sidewalls were way to soft.
And what Dave said about availability. I've gotten great deals from Discount on line in March or April on leftover tires, but I was limited in size and model.
I drive my Boxster year round and crazy as it sounds, I use the pilot sports even in winter here in Reno. Yes we get snow, and, yes we get cold temps. I have not had an issue even in very bad weather.
I drive my Boxster year round and crazy as it sounds, I use the pilot sports even in winter here in Reno. Yes we get snow, and, yes we get cold temps. I have not had an issue even in very bad weather.
You must be the exception that proves the rule - i.e.: Never drive with summer tires in snow/ice or in temps below ~40 F.
Tom R's point on "ice vs snow" tires rings true for me. I had Blizzaks on my '88 944... that car would climb trees. I could drive on icy surfaces that were dangerous to walk on. Can't say the same for the Sottozeros on my Boxster. That said, they are pretty performance-oriented and you still feel like your driving a very capable all-round tire.
Heated outside mirrors, washer nozzles, etc. Quite good winter cars, these.
I live in the North East and have used my ExtremeContact DWS on my 987 for years. Driven her with a few inches on the ground with 245/18s front and 275/18s rear with no problem. Currently on the same set I purchased 3 years ago, there was a super sale for these sizes then. I love these tires so much I have them on my new daily during the colder months a 2018 Ford Focus RS.
Next time I will go smaller on the width to be able to cut trough the snow and rain better. Just take your time on the road when they are horrible. Lessons I learned in Canada years ago.
I'm using Nokian Hakkapeliittas on my 2012 Cayman S in Connecticut. It's my daily driver. Last year was first winter, no issues worked fine in snow and good in wet too.
I have 245/40r18 rear and 225/40r18 front Michelin Pilot Alpin pa4s and love them. I drive the car year round so they're a must in CT. The dry cold performance is amazing and they handle snow just fine.
Went with Conti TS830P due to limited sizes available in Canada for the newer TS850P & TS860. I've decided to stick with factory recommended 255/40/18 rears. Tire shop installed a set of aftermarket TPMS and they started working within just a few miles.
Stole my old 986's Carrera Lights and man they're the best looking winter wheels!
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Which winter tire?
