Mike in Switzerland

Dear all

my rear winter tyres need replacing (Dunlop Winter Sport M2's) and the tyre specialist is recommending the above Toyo's as being markedly better in ever category(I think they won Germany's Auto Zeitung test against Pirelli, Michelin, Dunlop etc). He states the M2's are old technology and even the M3's haven't fared that well in recent tests.

I have no independent feedback but my questions are:

(i) Have you any experience of these tyres?

(ii) I will still have Dunlop M2's on the front - (I've been assured there is no problem but I'm a little nervous about this).
Is there a "winter tyre rule" about mixing brands front & back?

(iii) i have 205's at the front and will be putting 255's (up from 225's) on the back - what handling differences can I expect?

Thanks for any help you can give me - the guy will order the toyos on monday unless I change my mind and insist on sticking with M2's. Since tyres are already expensive here in Switzerland I want to get it right first time.

Regards

Mike

STLPCA

Mike
No experience w/the Toyo Snowprox S950 (I'm not sure they are sold in the US). However, the general rule about mixing tires is don't. In good conditions it can result in some pretty scary & unpredictable handling. Especially for snow/ice, where balance is more important, I wouldn't take the chance. A rear size increase to 255 should be better in the dry, but will likely decrease snow performance. As a generality, what's best for snow traction is an open, narrow, deep tread - just the opposite of what's best for dry roads.

BTW, neither the Toyo Japan or the Toyo UK sites list the S950 as available in a 255 width.

Mike in Switzerland

Dan

Thank you for taking the trouble to respond (and check the sites!) I think you've confirmed a nagging doubt and I'll stick with the M2's

Many thanks

Mike