Best Tires for Volkswagen Golf

The DWS06 (mine with about 4K miles) were impressive going up and down snow covered back roads with up to a 12% grade. I had to try if I wanted to break traction except for one time when I braked too hard at a downhill stop sign. Hopefully I'll never need the socks but they don't take up much space so I'll leave them in the back for the winter.

I've got 19" Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 tires, which (for all season) are rated very well for snow, and also carry snow socks in case extra traction is required (lowered so any sort of chain is out of the question). I've seen many people say that all seasons are the jack of all trades master of none, but they're certainly going to be worlds better than a summer tire. I understand they're not going to be as amazing as a dedicated snow tire, but for the few trips over the mountains to Tahoe that I'm going to make, they should suffice just fine. I drove into some collected snow off the side of the road last year (intentionally, wanted a picture of the R in the snow :laugh: ) and had no problem what so ever getting out. There were other cars parked there as well, an SUV looked like it was spinning a bit of tire trying to get out, so I felt pretty confident that my tires worked well enough.

And of course better tires - upgraded to Michelin Premiers for best suite of AS characteristics.

I have Nitto Motivo tire on my Golf and love them. Good grip and wear.

So, this year, I banked big and bought the test-winning studded tires from Nokian (Hakapeliita 8). And let me tell you, I don't think I'm going back to studless tires ever, unless studded tires suddenly become illegal here.

- The grip and handling-ability on ice is unmatched. Everyone who sais that studless tires have come such a long way that there almost isn't a difference anymore has never tried a studded tire and should shut up. Especially the difference in brake-ability on ice is huge. Studded tires outperform studless in any icy-condition, that is for sure and any other claim is wrong. these tires really have given me confidence that no other studless tire has before.

I live in Vancouver as well, and went up to Whistler/Squamish/Cypress in the snow last winter with my R equipped with my "winter" setup of Conti DWS 06 and it was more than fine. She handled it like a champ.

Also, to answer your question regarding the Michelin PSS - I made the switch from the stock all seasons over a year and a half ago...They absolutely transform the car. The stiffer sidewall increases steering feel and responsiveness, and the softer compound not only rides better but also grips like hell in the corners. Wet traction and confidence also increased significantly.

+1 on PSS. Best all around tire with a perfect blend of dry and wet grip, turn in response, longevity, road noise, etc. I'm going to be grabbing my second set in a few days after getting 22,000 miles on my first.

2015 MK7-R purchased June 2015, now has 6900 miles with Bridgestone (130 Treadwear-RIDICULOUS), rotated at 6500 at Discount tire, 7/32 in front and 8/32 in the rear. Mostly city driving, only 4.5 miles to work.

My R32 came with 4 matching 'new' tyres. They were made by 'Landsail' which apparently is a premium chinese brand... yeah ok... but anyway took it for first MOT a few weeks later and they phoned me up soon after saying I was lucky to still be on the road. The inner walls of the two rear tyres had almost completely perished, held on by threads almost.