I have a new 2013 Cayenne GTS with 21 inch wheels/summer tires.

I recall that I ran summer tires year round on my 2008 Cayenne Turbo and I was just fine on the 2 to 4 days a winter we have an inch or two of snow or freezing rain. Obviously, it required common sense and a healthy appreciation for driving smoothly and carefully.

Anything different with the 955? Anyone feel that the new Cayenne absolutely should have snow tires for the couple of days a year that we get a dusting of snow? Or are there some who get through that just fine on summer tires?

Thanks in advance.

 

Summer tires really shouldn't be used in temperatures below 40-degrees, even on dry pavement. They get hard and lose their pliability in cold temperatures. An AWD car doesn't eliminate this issue.

Is it possible? Absolutely. They are round, and they will roll. The downside is drastically reduced stopping performance and road holding ability. For comparison, you could drive a car with racing slicks in the rain. They are also round, and they also will roll. If you're really careful and drive slowly, you would probably be fine.

If you're willing to take that risk, then go for it. Personally, I am not willing to take that risk.

 

Thanks for that perspective. Good point.

 

Have you considered high-performance all-seasons? I'm generally not a fan of all-seasons, but if you really don't want to change your tires every season then they might be an option for you.

I actually run the Continental ExtremeContact DWS as my "summer" tire on my Cayenne. Where I live, we can get snow any month except for July and August. In October, I drop down to an 18" wheel and use proper winter tires.

If you aren't pushing your Cayenne to the limits of handling, then good all-seasons might be a reasonable option.

 

Current high-quality performance all-season radials don't give up much in performance unless, as stated above, you're racing or running hot all the time. As it is, with the amount of rain you all get, all-season tires should be a part of your arsenal anyway. The ultra-high performance tires on my 911 are Summer DRY tires so they don't see the pavement once the weather gets colder or wetter than they are rated for - for everyone's safety, not just mine.

 

FWIW, For my family's safety I always run dedicated winter wheels. The major difference in winter wheels is not necessarily the straight line traction, it is the cornering grip and increased braking ability. Both of which have much more gravity IMO.

 

This should help:

Tire Rack Tire Test - Winter/Snow vs. All-Season vs. Summer Tires

 

RM, That's a great comparison video. Each cone is a pedestrian ....

 

Hahahaha! I may be paranoid, but that is how I feel too! Dedicated winters for my CTT and the wife's Audi. Both are AWD, but it isn't a save-all. IMO, the additional costs are blown out of proportion by most people.

 

Some summer tires are easier to live with in snow than others. Some are just downright dangerous. What brand & model tire did you have on the 957 and what are on the 958?

 

All-seasons in 295/35/21 don't exist.

 

Got it. I've only got 20s on my Cayenne, so it's not an issue for me.

 

Edit: Maybe not all-season but certainly winter. Pirelli's Scorpions come in that size. Additionally, it's a great tire and although listed as a Winter/snow/ice, they work great year-round and perform great unless you're driving like a ......... madman or racing.