johnhv

Has anyone put snows on their c4? Called tire rack and was unable to get an answer as to what to use. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Nicoli35

Your local dealer service advisor should have a Porsche-approved list

rnl

Pirelli Sottozero II is approved

John 996 TT Cab

According to the Porsche published approved tire list for winter tyres the following are approved in 20":
Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 and Pirelli 240 Sottozero II. Both in 245/35 R20 front and 295/30 R20 for rear.

For 19" the only approved is the Pirelli 240 Sottozero II.

I saw a video done at the Porsche Winter camp site in Ontario, Canada and according to that the Michelin 20" far exceeded the performance of the Pirelli.

Nicoli35

We drove to the Canadian border last night (well a small town alongside the border), passed 3 cars off the road in slushy near-ice conditions, and the 20" Michelin Pilot Alpin 4's were rock-solid steady. I mean rock-solid through standing water and slush at 70+ mph. It was great. All the SUV's we passed (probably on all-season's) were like, 'huh?'


What really surprises me also is how compliant they are in normal dry or wet conditions. No "rrrurrrr" noise at highway speeds - they are fantastic during spirited driving and comfortable to drive on. Really glad we got them.

DrJay

Get the Michelins. I had the Pirellis on my 997 and, well, they sucked...

seapar

I have Pirelli sottozeros on 19s ultraleggerras. . No complaints but really not snowy in Seattle. Just cold < 40 degrees F in winter.
Get 18 inch wheels and you'll have more options.

John 996 TT Cab

I've been told that there are no 18" wheels that will fit the rear of the 991. Something to do with placement of some suspension pieces I believe. Found that info on several other threads on this site.

Bob Rouleau

If you have real snow, the sizes suggested by Porsche are useless in real snow. Way too wide. I had a set of Porsche approved Nokians on my 997.2 C4S and in anything more than 2 inches of snow I had no grip. Wide tires float on snow.

brad@tirerack.com

????????? Call me, I'd be happy to help.

Chris from Cali

Damon hooked me up on my C4S. I ended up with 18" wheels w/265 rear tires (Pilot Alpins) - it was a phenomenal setup. I actually looked for snow to drive in!

trysixty

did you get them in seattle or b'ham? or online order and self install? thx

John 996 TT Cab

Were you able to fit 18" on a 991? I would assume so given you're on the 991 forum? Or, is the fitment on a 997?

Nicoli35

Our snow tire story really started because we wanted a new pair of wheels for summer. We had Benchmark in Seattle put on Vossen 20" CV3 wheels for the summer tires. We kept the OEM 20" Carrera Classic wheels so they can CPO our car at some point in the future, if we decide to move into a 991 Targa..

Roger Jobs Porsche in Bellingham was very helpful, offering to pick up our OEM wheels from Seattle and return them to Bellingham, for no cost whatsoever. I decided to order the Michelin Alpin 4's and have them put on the OEM wheels while Roger Jobs was transferring them. I wanted the rear-wheel, manual, classic Porsche experience in all seasons while I can.

Our dealer delivered the OEM wheels, with the Michelin snow tires, to my garage - neatly stacked and cleaned. Again, the delivery was absolutely gratis. I really appreciate Roger Jobs Porsche, Elliot our Porsche Service advisor, Mitch my salesman and Byron our General Manager. All good folks I don't mind dealing with a bit. Just had to give them a shout-out. They rock.