Live in Seattle. It rains in the winter. Temperature doesn't go below freezing for very long, so typically things are in the 40s and 50s with some light drizzle. I would not drive a Porsche in heavy torrential rain.

I used to have an Audi R8 but I was comfortable driving it around because of Quattro. My 991 is just regular rear-wheel drive, so I'm a little concerned.

Can someone explain which tires I should use in the winter (if I should even change the tires)? and a rough estimate on the costs?

I have the 20-inch Carrera S wheel which has the standard factory tires:

• 8.5 x 20 with 245/35 ZR 20 tires (front)
• 11 x 20 with 295/30 ZR 20 tires (rear)

Thanks all! Hoping I can keep driving this thing around in the winter in Seattle without spending too much for new tires.

 

Yes, it is not the snow, but the temperature that requires winter tires. Below 45F the summer compound is worthless, quite dangerous actually.

http://www.porsche.com/usa/accessori...sanddownloads/

I believe in following Porsche's recommendations for tires, but I'm an old dinosaur.

I bought Pirelli Sottozeros and they are quite nice, in your size you have them as well as Michelin Pilot Alpins.

Good luck.

 

I live in Vancouver and I do NOT use winters. If snows or very cold - black ice risk, I leave car at home. Perhaps 3 days per year only. Not worth the cost of winter tyres for me - but I do not leave the city. Main decision is related to availability of 2nd car. Over 40 degrees is fine.
Cost starts at $3000 and can go way up - 19"

 

I don't use winter tires in Seattle. I've driven my car every day for over a year (over 17K miles). Totally fine. Not planning on driving in the snow.

 

Thanks for the responses. I was kind of thinking along the lines that I would just not drive when the temperature is under 45 or when its raining hard.

Are the summer tires ok with driving in heavy rain?

Can anyone comment on driving a rear-wheel drive car in the rain? I can't remember the last time I owned a rear-wheel drive car.

 

My 991S is not my daily driver, but I did have it out 2 or 3 times in the monsoon here in Portland over the last 5 days (record rains here, as well as Seattle. Apparently, remnants of a typhoon that hit Asia 8-10 days ago).

On both city streets and on the freeway, the car was stable and solid. No sliding, skidding or any concerns. Obviously, I was sensible with the throttle, but the rain is not an issue with this car.

 

Agree w/ above, in your situation I'd keep the Pirellis on and just avoid driving below 40 degree temps.

 

I'm in the same boat - being driving around in an Audi. Look like I'm going to be able to save some money with not having to buy winter tires!!!

 

I live in MN . I drove my car the first year 2012 on Pzeros it came with through the winter. Very little snow that year. Tires very squirrelly below 40 degrees which here it is all winter.
Next year I stored the car for the winter. This year I got Michelin alpines on their own wheels. I won't drive it if really snowy or sloppy, I have a 4 Runner for that. But I decided what am I saving it for. I went one wheel size smaller for winter. That's what's most everyone does here.

 

I'm not sure if they make the sizes to fit your car but I ran Conti DWS's on my M5 and they are awesome!!

 

I'm up in Vancouver and lucky enough to have a car that I have a set of proper snow/winter tires and wheels (BMW 650 Cab) for. That's what I use if temperature gets below 40'F. Porsche's with high performance summer tires stay warm in the garage those days.

 

I've driven my 991-911S with Pirellis at freezing temperature on dry roads and at 35 degrees on damp roads. The tires have reduced traction, but the car remained eminently drivable. You just have to drive it smoothly and gently.

 

If anyone needs any help with winter wheel and tire sets from Porsche give us a shout.

We have a few listed online in both 19's and 20's:

http://www.suncoastparts.com/categor...SISWINTER.html

They come mounted with a factory approved winter tire and in most cases the tire is a Pirelli Sottozero II.

 

I have 3 cars and I put winter tires on all of them. I think it is penny wise and pound foolish to not use the type tire recommended for the weather. I like driving my 997 year round. Rarely snows here in the valley, but persistent damp and 40's in the winter.
It's interesting to hear the rationalizations people use to justify their non-compliance with recommended practice. I don't buy cars for "seasonal" use, I drive them when I, not the weatherman, decides it is time for a drive.

 

Would love to hear your impressions and comparison to the R8 .. . while I love my 991S I always wanted an R8 and was thinking in the future of getting one.