cgaites

I think I know the answer to my own question, but am going to ask anyway.

This is my first winter with my 997.2 C2. I’m using the 911 as my daily. I’m currently running Michigan Pilot Super Sports on the OEM 18” inch wheels (Carrera IVs). The PSSs obviously are a non-starter for winter driving. So, I went to Tirerack to buy some winter tires to mount on my 18s. Unfortunately, the only option offered is out of stock (Pirelli Sottozero Serie II). The next best option I could find was a set of Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06s. These are billed as ultra high performance all season, and according to Tireracks reviews have best in category snow performance.

I live in Denver, so get real - if infrequent - snow. I plan to continue to drive the 911 through the winter, but have a beater SUV for real inclement weather days. The main case for snow usage of the 911 is if I get caught at the office (~5 miles from home) or the airport (~15 miles from home) by an unexpected storm.

My question is, given my intended winter use of the 911, are the Conti’s sufficient as a winter tire?

vern1

No

cosm3os

If you live where it snows, get proper winter tires. Call tire rack and ask for Luke. Hell set you up. Tell him Kyle sent you.

cgaites

Thanks guys. This is the answer I expected. I will call Tirerack. So far I’ve only been on the website, so am likely missing good options in narrower sizes (always used to run narrower winter tires on my STI) as the website doesn’t always look for tires beyond the OEM sizes.

Quadcammer

while decent in light snow, the dws 06 ain't gonna cut it for real snow.

BillNye

I'll play devils advocate. Based on what you've said about having a second vehicle, the DWS would probably be fine as an intermediate compound. Sounds like you aren't planning on using them in deep snow unless, like you said, there's an unexpected storm. If that's the case you probably aren't any worse off than most people who have generic all seasons as long as you're careful. Assuming the roads are generally cleared when you are planning on driving, it shouldn't be an issue. The "S" in DWS stands for snow after all.

That said, since you worded the question as "sufficient as a winter tire", I sounds like you want to use the 911 primarily, and your SUV when it's really bad, as opposed to use the SUV primarily, and the 911 when it's a nice day. In that case, I think I'd still recommend an actual winter compound. The DWS sounds like it has a relatively short life span for acceptable snow use, so you'll be replacing them more often (and with a lot of otherwise usable life left) than a snow tire that would theoretically be usable down to the wear bars.

Hula

I'm a big advocate of dedicated snows but the all-seasons are fine for what you want to do. Denver's moderate winters makes things pretty manageable and CDOT is on top of things keeping the roads plowed. I'll wager only a small percentage of people even think about changing out. The DWS and slowing down for the conditions should be enough. If you haven't driven a car with a staggered setup, it'll feel a bit different if there is accumulation.

BTW, don't limit yourself to TireRack. If they don't stock it, it doesn't exist. I found some Blizzak LM-32s for my 18 inch rims from the Firestone Autocare downtown (235/35R18 front 275/40R18 rear). They had to call around but got them shipped from a store in SLC.

ATSR

Since you have to buy another set of tires for winter, go for a real winter tire. I had the Continental DWS tires on an Audi S5 when I lived up north and I wouldn’t recommend them. Actually, I don’t recommend any all season tire for driving in winter weather regardless if you get a lot of snow or not. Once the temperature goes below freezing, all season tires are marginal at best.

alexb76

If your getting a 2nd set, doesn't make any sense not to get a Winter tire. However, the one thing that's insane is the LACK of sizes for our cars, specially in 18s. May need to extend search beyond TireRack!

DC911S

Dealers usually have access to snow tires and they will price match but only if you bring it up. Least in DC area they do. Also try Mr Tire and NTB.

dgjks6

Do an eBay search for the Dunlop winter tires. They are there in 18 inch sizes. That being said I have the DWS06 and they are fine in winter. But for really bad days I like you have a back up.

Dennis C

I live up in Evergreen, not far from you. We used to run Conti ExtremeContact DWS as the summer tire on our Cayenne. I liked having some minimal snow capability for transitional seasons. I realized the importance of a true winter tire one year when we had an early season snow, and my wife got stuck at the end of our driveway in the Cayenne. All four wheels were spinning. With proper winter tires, the driveway isn’t an issue at all.

Tlaloc75

We run dws06 tires on our Audi year round. Lots of snow and ice and it does great. Yes, snows are marginally better in the worst conditions but they are worse in average conditions. Adding up all the miles I feel most comfortable on the DWS, not on snow tires. Done both for many years.

For the 911 I prefer the Michelin a/s 3+.

Dartmouth

Continental DWS was a bad tire for my 997.2 4S. I wouldn't recommend them and I had them on my car for about 2 years. They wandered on the highway on speeds over 60 mph or even worse I couldn't keep the car running a straight line at 75 + mph. To the point of dangerous! Stay away from these tires.

WhipE350

I had some of that on my Boxster with them. They were a hoot though taking 90 degree power slides.

I just put them on my Cayenne and they very nice at 85 mph...but then again they are 255/55/18s. First time in 27k miles it hasn't pulled to the right compare with the awful Goodyear original factory wheels.