We just picked up our new '05 SXT AWD and love the car. Trying to research a little about the tires run for winter on the AWD version. We live in Ohio where winters can be brutal at times. We live back paved rolling hills and generally am out before the roads are cleared. The car has the OEM 18" Continental Contact 4X4's. Could anyone here tell us if these will be suitable for winter conditions. Having once had a Audi TT AWD, we learned to change the stock tires fast to Blizzak's for winter. The difference between getting around was tremendous! Any help would be appreciated. Glad to be a newbie here on your forum. Thanks.

Laurie
'05 Magnum SXT AWD Mineral Gray Metallic

 

I RESEARCHED AND ORDERED 4 TIRES(Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero) BASED ON THE FOLLOWING LINK AT TIRERACK WHICH GIVES THE SAME OPTION BOTH FOR THE AWD SXT AND AWD RT.... http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e1=yes&place=1

GOOD LUCK!

 

I have used several different pure winter tires, and have found the Continentals to be excellent in the snow. They are, year after year, in the top 5 when I read test reports about winter tires. I am not a fan of their summer tires, but their winters are quite excellent.

I would (and will) go with the TS 790 for their better snow grip. The description of the Pirelli tire says good for light snow, I don't think Ohio (like Minnesota and Germany) gets a lot of light snow.

 

Bridgestones have a very good reputation. Their only drawback is as the tire wears down, the "special tread compound" also wears away and you end up with an all season tire.

I used an older version Michelin Alpins when I lived in northern Minnesota on my old '96 Mustang GT several years ago and they worked very well on packed snow and ice.

I also used 2004 version of the Michelin Alpins on another car in northern Michigan (250 inches of snow a winter - that is a hard winter) and they do well, seemingly better as they wear in with a few thousand miles. Only thing about snow tires is due to the heavy siping and soft tread compounds, they are much looser on dry pavement than summer tires.

 

there is numerous brands of after market snow tires out there that would fit. It all depends on how much you really want to spend. Just keep in mind that when you replace them on an awd system it is recomended to do all 4. blazzaks are nice along with michelin alpines, nokian make some nice ones also,

 

I bought Pirelli Snow and Ice tires for my 05/RT and what a difference it made!!!!! The Conti touring tires sucked in snow. Got them at the Tire Rack.

 

I differ with Honas. I have the original Continental Tourings on my RT. Last winter was a little harsher than past few and I thought it drove excellent. Far superior to a FWD Lumina Minivan it replaced, so I dont know if it was the car or tires. Ill be running them this winter also.