Hi all, I have a 11' CTT with factory 21" summer tires. I've been thinking about the coming winter setup. Even tho I live around the DC metro area that we don't get much snow (no snow in the last 2 yrs), but sometimes, we do get dumped (40"+ 3 yrs ago!).

I have narrow down my choice to either a 22" all season tires (I had good experience in snow/dry/rain with Yoko ParadaX on my old Land Rover) and be done with it all year long, or get a dedicated winter tire (21" or 20") and swap every year?

I'm afraid the amount of snow that we got in here (DC/MD/VA) might not warrant a dedicated set of winter tires....

 

Everyone will have an opinion. I was raised in DC and live in Colorado. We have more snow days than you will and I run on All-Season Ice & Snow Pirelli Scorpion Verdes with no trouble. There are plenty of similar tires from all major makers. If you don't want the hassle of storing a set of tires/wheels year-round I would go the all-season route.

 

Agreed.

Landshark - Considering the relatively low cost of having a spare winter set of wheels, why wouldn't you want your vehicle to be as safe as possible for both you and your family?

You are looking at approx $600-900 for used OEM rims (18",19") + $1000 for winter tires. Plus the added value of extending your summer tires tread life.

IMO, looking at the big picture, this is not a cost prohibitive option and an easy decision for anyone in the NE.

 

I just put on 21 inch Pirelli ice and snows on my OEM rims.. Crazy to run on summer tires in temps below 40 degress even in the dry.. Gripping and stopping power is seriously compromised./
The Pirelli is really an attractive tire, and Im moving toward the idea of leaving them on year round.

 

It is a horrible idea to run dedicated winter tires in any temperature above +7C as they will melt with the warm temperature.

Keep them for the winter only and keep your summers for summer only. Simple as that.

 

where in the world did you ever hear anything like that. the softer compound will simply wear faster, not melt

 

Thats what I was implying. No one in their right mind would run winter tires in the summer temperature. Waste of money, poor traction/handling.

 

Have a set of 18" wheels with Blizaks off my Q7, anyone know if they will fit/work on my '13 Cayenne Diesel?

Thank's

 

Take one front wheel off your Cayenne and give it a try.

 

Agree. Winter tires are so much better than all season tires are. Please call me if I can help.

 

Good question, never thought about it. True, there has been very little snow/ice in NVA for the past two years. The current tires on my 10 CGTS are 295/35/ZR21 Michelin Latitude Sports (PS2 tread with a different name, I didn't know this!). Anyway, after researching this thread and tire options (Tire Rack) I discovered my Latitude's are NOT a good tire in snow/ice/low temps and should not be used. So, what choice/s do I have? Well, it seems only one, Pirelli Scorpion snow and ice which will give my good dry traction and much better traction and handling in snow and ice. So, do I gamble on another mild winter and telework when it's snowing or, do I call Tire Rack and purchase a set (4) of Pirelli's for the winter (approx. $1,400.00). Something to think about!

 

Thanks for all the info/replies. I've decided to get a set of dedicated 21" winter wheels+tires instead of all season tires on a 22" rim (afraid of harsher ride & easier to bend, plus not sure how's the look on the car). I'll be getting the Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow for the car and looking forwards for a foot or two snow in the coming month.

Now next questions, what size socket is for the Cayenne's wheel lugs? And how much torque should I tighten the bolts? And good torque wrench you recommended?

Lastly, mine is black, and I'm think to get a replica SportDesign wheel in black with silver lip. Do any of you guys have any photo of a black Cayenne with black SportDesign wheels on? Not sure how it'll look or will it be "too black" as I've already has the blackout trims.

Thanks again guys!

 

I believe the Pirelli Scorpion Snow and Ice are the only Porsche-approved winter Cayenne tire. However, I do not take this as the gospel and went with the Bridgestone Bliizzaks for the last 2 winters and just bought another set. They are not listed as winter-performance, just winter tires. However, they have a much more aggressive tread pattern for SUVS (DM-V1) that will fare better in deep snow- not to mention a loyal following of supporters. For a set of 255/55/18, I paid under $800 on Tire Rack this season. That is cheaper than the Pirelli option.

 

Good call on the dedicated winters. I understand why people go with 20" and 21" winter tires for looks, however, you should realize that this is somewhat self-defeating. Smaller diameter winter wheels will outperform larger diameter winter wheels - everything else being equal. The smaller diameter tires will also be more friendly on your wallet. Just something to think about...

Check your tire iron in the back. I believe it is a 19mm. The tighten specs are 118 ft lbs. Anything in the $100 + price range should be good. Just avoid the cheap knockoffs.

 

Overkill in NOVA. An all season biased toward foul weather like the Conti DWS is all you need. Lived in DC for 4 years including that aforementioned Snowmageddon. Had a RWD 535i and was just fine. Had all seasons on my MDX and it was a tank.

Yes, yes, I know Winters are better. You're talking to a guy who between my dad and I owned at least 6 sets of. Blizzak WS50's - back when they were the ONLY Blizzak. Truth is in NOVA, the amount of snow is negligible. More so, the average temp frequently pops up into the 50's and even 60's even during the dead of winter. Those high temps will kill a snow tire faster than leaving your headlights on overnight will kill a battery. Not to mention the loosey goosey handling.

I'd grab a dedicated set of 20's or 19's with DWS,s and run them Thanksgiving to Easter and be done with it. With snows, you'll pull them early to avoid killing them, and then be screwed during that freak storm.

Unless you HAVE to be out in terrible conditions, then I'd go with snows. Otherwise, DC / NOVA shuts down when it snows anyway.