Ultra High Performance All Seasons

"Cixelsyd" (marend)
03/24/2015 at 16:56 • Filed to: None

Yes, I know, dedicated summers and winters are the only approved Jalop way, but it doesn't make sense when I only need snows for approximately two weeks a year. So, here we are. Let's talk All Seasons.

Looking for tires for a 2009 Lexus IS250 AWD. I currently have Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Positions. They've been fine and lasted me about 30,000 miles. They did absolutely suck in the snow, but it was only an issue for a few days of snowfall this winter, so I'm not that concerned. I liked the way they drove in the dry a lot.

I'm considering replacing them with either the same tire or with Continental ExtremeContact DWS or with the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3. All three received good testing marks on Tire Rack.

Does anyone have any insights or comparisons they can offer?

DISCUSSION (14)

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Cixelsyd
03/24/2015 at 17:15

You can probably get a used set of winter wheels and tires (would easily last a few seasons if it's only 2 weeks a year) and some decent performance summers for about the same price, maybe slightly more. Just sayin'. ;)

'Wägen, EPA LOL > Cixelsyd
03/24/2015 at 17:15

If you are actually going to see/worry about snow, just get the DWS.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Cixelsyd
03/24/2015 at 17:18

I'm going with the A/S 3's when the 128's Bridgestones are done.

HammerheadFistpunch > Cixelsyd
03/24/2015 at 17:22

I have pilot sport AS 3's on the sportwagen because Utah weather isn't really summer/winter: its can be 80 in November or snow in June and anything in between. I have dedicated winter tires I run from November to about now but otherwise its the UHPAS tires. i.e. its not just about snow, its about temperature. I don't think there is any reason not to love UHPAS tires, they work great if it is warm, but rains alot too where you live. As for their effectiveness? Depends on the car. I had full time Pilot sport AS on my forester for year round duty (previously conti DWS). I also did some light autocrossing on both tires and they both were decent performance tires. On the Sportwagen the pilots blow goats in the snow, in the forester they worked a treat.

finn's arm > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
03/24/2015 at 17:28

I love my A/S 3's. Not too removed from the PSS in terms of overall quality. Quality of tires these days is amazing.

nermal > Cixelsyd
03/24/2015 at 18:11

I have the Continental DW, which is basically the summer version of the DWS.

Based on my experiences, I wouldn't hesitate at all to go with the DWS in your situation.

JGrabowMSt > Cixelsyd
03/24/2015 at 18:52

I rock a full set of Yokohama IceGuard snow/ice tires and a set of Firestone Firehawk all seasons because performance tires dont typically come in 225/60R18 size. I never ran the Firehawks in snow, but in dry weather, theyre great. I wouldnt try and mistake them for high end tires, but for the price, they are really nice.

Great wet weather performance though.

Rico > Cixelsyd
03/24/2015 at 19:00

Get the Pilot AS/3's they are superior.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Cixelsyd
03/24/2015 at 19:06

Those are the only two options I would consider. The AS3's are better, but more expensive if I remember correctly. I run DWS's, because for the slight improvement I would have gotten from the other tires it wasn't worth the extra money on a 16 year old wagon with a modest amount of power. They're both excellent tires however.

sellphones2493 > Cixelsyd
03/24/2015 at 23:13

I know people who swear by the DWS's. I'm die-hard Michelin but I'd probably choose the Continentals if I were looking for three all-seasons.

Rows His Own > Cixelsyd
03/25/2015 at 10:14

The A/S3 is a half assed all season from my experience, especially for the price. The DWS is a very forgiving tire choice.

Cixelsyd > Rows His Own
03/25/2015 at 10:35

Thanks. Sounds like you've owned both. Can you expand on those thoughts a bit? What do you mean when you say it is half assed? Is it not a good tire overall, in your opinion, or just not good in the snow? They are pretty comparable in price right now.

Rows His Own > Cixelsyd
03/25/2015 at 10:50

Overall, the A/S3 isnt a bad performing tire. But if you really don't want to buy a winter tire, the DWS is better, as it will wear in a way that lets you know how capable it has remained. It also handles deep snow and sometimes ice in a more predictable manner. The A/S3 is also fairly rough riding , like many Michelin tires.

Cixelsyd > Rows His Own
03/25/2015 at 10:58

Got it. Thanks for the response.