I haven't been on the site in a long time, but got a PM question via email and figured I'd share it with everyone.
The question: I'd like to know your impressions of driving with tires of that size for the season. I got a set myself thinking it wouldn't be so bad so long as I don't turn full lock. @
Harlock
After driving on it a few years, I've turned it full lock a several times. I'm pretty sure its just rubbing on plastic so no big deal. The tires are not marked or cut in anyway the last time I checked and its at low speeds anyways. I've replaced the stock springs with RCE yellows and it rubs only on medium/hard bumps. Again, not a big deal to me since the car or tires arent visibly damaged.
As for driveability, they are green tires, meaning low rolling resistance for supposedly better gas mileage. I'm coming from summer hankook rs3's so there is a noticeable difference in grip and sidewall stiffness (turn in response). It does make for a slightly plusher ride than the summer tires, but with that big of a difference in height its not surprising. If you are currently on stock tires you won't gripe about this as much, but even stopped turning 90 degrees onto a road, the tires tend to loose grip and screech without trying to be an asshat and purposely gunning it everywhere. I might just be too used to the rs3's
. Overall for late fall/winter tires I feel confident in them. I've done trackdays in the rain so I know what the limit feels like and I can't complain about them. They disperse water well and feel predictable (when not hydroplaning... lol), NJ had a sprinkle of snow earlier this week and the roads were wet - no issues going 75-80. Ice and slush obviously there are limits to any tire's capabilities, but I'll always have a set of summer and winter tires.