gleamingred944

In Ontario Canada we aren't allowed studs, and in Ottawa the main urban winter problem is ice. So, I went for 215/55 Nokian Qs all around for my 944. Previously, the best winter tires I ever had (on a Volvo) were Michelin XAS (no longer available), with a cornering tread outside and deep gutters inside that grabbed snow like you wouldn't believe.

The Nokians stick like glue on ice and wettish pavement for straight driving - accelleration and braking; no other tire I've ever had comes close. The Michelins grabbed OK on steering corrections, but not as well straight as the Nokians. The Nokians are not as good as the Michelins on cornering on ice, but OK. But, on deep snow, the Nokians are a wipeout compared to the Michelins - they just don't have deep enough paddle-wheels.

OK, so I'm a nut driving a 944 where it hits 30 below and we get 100" of snow a year, but it's a dream car. And, the car works just fine in Ottawa winters.

Bill Gregory

I know someone who uses their 944 in snow that likes the Bridgestone Blizzak's, which are supposed to be optimized for ice. More information <a href="http://www.tirerack.com/winter/tech/blizzfaqs.html" target="_blank">here.</a>

Dave in Chicago

I run Blizzaks on my 944 all winter. Unfortunately, that's the only snow tire I have experience with. I do like them and the car will climb trees. They are quite soft. I run about a 1/2 inch taller tire for snow clearance and generally stay below 80 mph with them.