DrJay

I live here in MN, and since my C4S is my only car, I have to drive it year round...

So, being a knowledgeable guy about these things, I go to Tirerack and get snow tires, the only ones listed being the Pirello Sottozeros, get them, install them, etc.. Then I come here and do some reading and see people using all sorts of winter tires other than the Pirellis...

Where are you getting these tires, what sizes, what rims, etc.. and why did Tirerack not give me these options?

GuyIncognito

tire rack only gives tires that match the exact specification of the originals. you can fit a larger (or smaller, I guess) tire and get more options, or go to 18' rims, etc. etc.

FWIW I used Bridgestone Potenza all-season tires, they were good in light snow. not sure if they'd keep up with the stuff you guys get in MN.

Edgy01

Am assuming that you have 19 inch rims being a C4S. Also, that rear rim will have trouble clearing the fenders if you are putting cable chains on it, should conditions dictate. I always like the ability to run chains if conditions get that bad, but 19s don't really allow it. Others have opted for 18 inch rims in the winter. The advantage of the 18s is apparent. More options on tires, a narrower tire patch on the ground (less snow-planing) and a bit more clearance for cable chains.

cbzzoom

The Tirerack search by vehicle is pretty busted. It's easiest to just figure out what sizes work for your car and then search manually that way.

You can also use the tire/wheel sizes for the C4, so sometimes it helps to use that on Tirerack.

Scott997

dont use tirerack. ask your dealer instead.

DrJay

I guess I should have asked here first.

mander

The manual also gives recommended sizes, including 18s if I recall correctly (manual not at hand). I went with my dealer's recommendation and am running Porsche spec Nokian WRs in 19s, 235 and 295. My only issue last year was clearance. While not as sure footed as my S4 was with LM-22s the handling is very predictable in snow and quite acceptable in dry.

GuyIncognito

a lot of dealers source their tires from......TireRack!

Norsk

If you are in the Twin Cities, Norm's Tire in Little Canada is a good resource. They handle Nokians and can store your summer tires. To get decent snows you have to sacrifice speed rating, and maybe pop for smaller rims.

jkramer

I run the Michelin Alpins on my C4S which I got at Tirerack. I went down to the 18" size - work very well.

DrJay

Thanks, that will be helpful, I am right in Minneapolis!

FI Flyer

I got my snow tires from Damon at Tire Rack. He was very helpful. I bought 18" Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2 (Porsche N2) tires and wheels. Including the wheels, I paid a bit under $2200.

I just drove up to northern Vermont from NYC and back (through the blizzard) and the tires worked well. I did no extreme driving but I did some driving on unsanded hills with new snow.

My suggestion is that you call Damon (who is sometimes here) and certainly knows Porsches. Here is the contact information on my Address Book card for him:

damon@tirerack.com800-428-8355 ext. 643

**Or use this link:

http://www.tirerack.com/affiliates/l...sp?AFFCODE=AQ5

teflon_jones

Yes, talk to Damon. You can find him on 6speedonline pretty much daily too. I've gotten more tires from them than I can count over the years, including full winter sets, and I've always been happy.

I've used Dunlop Winter Sports on all my cars for years and have never been disappointed.

DrJay

Damon at Tirerack, got it.

I really should have come here before buying the Pirellis.

thanks for the info!

Chris from Cali

I did the same thing. Damon had some OEM C4 wheels in 18" that I've got with TPMS and Pilot Alpins. No snow so far to report on, but they are tremendous in sub-freezing temps (much unlike my OEM 19" summer tires).