Winter vs All Season Tires

[Kong]

Looking at either getting Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 or Continental Extremecontact DWS 06.
225/40/18 for both.

I've read that most members swear by the DWS. Want to know opinions on how well they are compared to Blizzaks in winter. I need new tires in general and living in MN, it would be a nice addition for the winters.

Plan on getting the DWS once spring comes around, but seeing as we're headed into the winter season, would it be better to get the blizzaks and get the DWSs once it warms back up?

Any opinions, advice, etc? I'd appreciate it!

[Cheapspeed]

Originally Posted by Kong Looking at either getting Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 or Continental Extremecontact DWS 06. 225/40/18 for both. I've read that most members swear by the DWS. Want to know opinions on how well they are compared to Blizzaks in winter. I need new tires in general and living in MN, it would be a nice addition for the winters. Plan on getting the DWS once spring comes around, but seeing as we're headed into the winter season, would it be better to get the blizzaks and get the DWSs once it warms back up? Any opinions, advice, etc? I'd appreciate it!

Get the blizzaks then the Continental Dry Wet summer tires for when it warms up. What's the point of getting winter tires then all season?

[Kong]

Originally Posted by Cheapspeed Get the blizzaks then the Continental Dry Wet summer tires for when it warms up. What's the point of getting winter tires then all season?

I could stick with my current tires for the next season and stick with the blizzaks for winter, that's why.

[broda]

Since you're in Minnesota I'm going to say you'll want the Blizzaks

[Cheapspeed]

Originally Posted by Kong I could stick with my current tires for the next season and stick with the blizzaks for winter, that's why.

That's not what you asked.

Plan on getting the DWS once spring comes around, but seeing as we're headed into the winter season, would it be better to get the blizzaks and get the DWSs once it warms back up?

You asked if you should get winter tires for winter and all seasons for summer.

[ChaunceyM]

Any winter tire will absolutely dominate an all-season tire in winter. Even if the roads are clear, the rubber compounds stay soft in freezing temps thus providing superior traction. Add in any snow and ice and it's not even close.
I've had great experience with Blizzaks on 3 cars, but all major manufacturers make a great winter tire.
Get winter rubber for winter and performance summer rubber for the other 3 seasons.

[MikeBavaro]

I wouldn't oversize on the DWS tires, the sidewalls are already soft enough, if you drive the car hard you might roll it over far enough and muff up the bead........ Ive gotten very close on 215's on the autocross course

[Kong]

Originally Posted by MikeBavaro I wouldn't oversize on the DWS tires, the sidewalls are already soft enough, if you drive the car hard you might roll it over far enough and muff up the bead........ Ive gotten very close on 215's on the autocross course

Kinda just went off the stickied tire thread.

[MikeBavaro]

Are the gen 2's 225s from the factory?
Im assuming you have a gen 2?

[anavrinIV]

Originally Posted by MikeBavaro Are the gen 2's 225s from the factory? Im assuming you have a gen 2?

yeah that's stock size. But I also wouldn't recommend them for hard driving...I ran a set of 245/45/17 DW's on 17x9s and you could see the sidewall rubbing an inch down the tire at the dragon. DWS will not be any better, and straight line traction will be worse as well.

[phate]

Originally Posted by anavrinIV yeah that's stock size. But I also wouldn't recommend them for hard driving...I ran a set of 245/45/17 DW's on 17x9s and you could see the sidewall rubbing an inch down the tire at the dragon. DWS will not be any better, and straight line traction will be worse as well.

Lol, either quit overdriving or bump up pressure.

[Yatta]

If it stays below 40 there, get snows, I ran some blizzaks and they are amazing; but... if it gets above 40 it is like using a roll of electrical tape... the tread rolls right off. (we have wild temperature changes in Colorado for winter). I’ve used general Altimax (a continental brand) and they worked very well, this will be my first winter on DWS but I can say the dry and wet performance is great; they do not have any overlap on the sidewall to protect the rims though...

[anavrinIV]

Originally Posted by phate Lol, either quit overdriving or bump up pressure.

I don't have them anymore.

[phate]

Originally Posted by anavrinIV I don't have them anymore.

The same holds true for all tires.

[anavrinIV]

Originally Posted by phate The same holds true for all tires.

Understood...but the NT05s I was on last trip didn't have this issue.

I'm obviously not an expert driver my only point was I wouldn't suggest DWs if you're going for a serious summer tire.

[smurugby12]

Originally Posted by Kong Looking at either getting Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 or Continental Extremecontact DWS 06. 225/40/18 for both. I've read that most members swear by the DWS. Want to know opinions on how well they are compared to Blizzaks in winter. I need new tires in general and living in MN, it would be a nice addition for the winters. Plan on getting the DWS once spring comes around, but seeing as we're headed into the winter season, would it be better to get the blizzaks and get the DWSs once it warms back up? Any opinions, advice, etc? I'd appreciate it!

Dude you'll want Blizzaks. I am from Minneapolis too. I have the exact setup above; DWS for spring/summer/fall and Blizzaks for winter. Even though the DWS is an all season tire, they are pretty lousy in the snow, especially below freezing temperatures. I don't feel safe driving around with those in the winter and I would highly recommend Blizzaks for better winter safety and performance.