Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

Initial Review, 2000 Miles on Tires
December 29, 2010

After more than 10 years driving a Porsche Boxster with Dry Weather Only Performance Tires (PZero, Michelin PS2's, Bridgestone Potenza S02, S03, and 050 Pole Positions in 18 and 19" sizes) in the West Coast and Southwest I decided to move to Chicago. Having spent the first 25 years of my life here, I knew what I was getting into in terms of driving conditions in the winter, in fact when I received my drivers license, I took the test in the snow in a rear wheel drive manual in January here. My options: 1) Sell Boxster and get something with All Wheel Drive, 2) Buy second car and store Boxster, 3) Buy 2nd set of wheels with dedicated winter tires. I went for the 3rd option and purchased the WinterContact 810S tires from Continental on a set of 17" Stock Porsche Wheels.



I waited until after Thanksgiving to do the changeover and spent a good number of days driving in the very cold and periodically wet weather with the Bridgestone 050 Potenzas Pole Positions on 19" Carrera S Wheels. VERY SCARY! Seriously, when it was colder than 35°F, I elected to take a cab rather than driving as it just was not worth the risk. After doing the swap (I suggest buying a 4-way wrench and floor jack), I am completely blown away, the car is quiet, comfortable, and well mannered on dry (cold) roads and superior on wet and snowy roads conditions. I can pull into and out of parking spots layered in 6 inches of snow/slush, cruise side streets, and alleys, and have no problem ascending or descending the 15° ramp that goes in and out of my building garage. I strongly recommend this tire over any 4 season option! Most tire shops will swap and store your other wheels for a minimal price twice a year, in my case I stick them in my storage unit. It takes about 30-45 minutes to do the complete changeover including bagging up the other wheels (to keep me clean). Best tire purchase I have ever made! I am only limited by the height of the front spoiler!