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The Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive ranks as the best all-weather tire for Audi vehicles, delivering exceptional dry performance and near-leading wet grip at the lowest price point[1]. For Audi owners seeking maximum wet-weather confidence, the Michelin CrossClimate2 offers unmatched hydroplaning resistance and balanced snow capability[1]. Both tires carry the 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake) certification required for winter driving in certain regions[1].
Overview: Why Audi Owners Need All-Weather Tires
All-weather tires differ fundamentally from traditional all-season rubber by incorporating winter-certified compounds and tread designs that perform in snow, slush, and ice[1]. For Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, pairing capable tires with the drivetrain’s torque distribution maximizes traction benefits year-round.
Audi owners consistently report strong satisfaction with premium all-weather options. Real-world testing on an Audi S3 demonstrated that the Michelin CrossClimate2 handled 10 inches of snow without slipping, while maintaining excellent grip during warm weather and heavy rain[2]. The Continental DWS06+ and Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 also receive frequent praise from Audi A4, Q5, and Arteon owners for their handling, NVH characteristics, and durability[3].
Comparison Table
| Tire | Price | Tread Warranty | Dry Performance | Wet Performance | Snow Performance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive | $219 | 60,000 mi | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Year-round sporty driving |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | $232 | 60,000 mi | Very Good | Best-in-class | Very Good | Wet/snow focus |
| Bridgestone WeatherPeak | $224 | 70,000 mi | Average | Average | Best-in-class | Heavy winter regions |
| Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady | $221 | 60,000 mi | Good | Good | Below Average | Mild winter climates |
| Nokian Remedy WRG5 | $220 | 60,000 mi | Good | Below Average | Good | Longest warranty |
Prices per tire in 225/45R-18 size as of testing[1]
Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive (Best Overall)
The Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive emerged as the top performer in Car and Driver’s comprehensive testing, delivering the best dry performance of any all-weather tire evaluated[1]. During autocross testing on a BMW 330i xDrive (comparable to Audi’s platform), the Pirelli offered the most responsive and direct steering feel with precise reactions to inputs[1].
Key Specifications:
- Tread Depth: 11/32 inch
- UTQG Rating: 700
- Interior Sound at 70 mph: 67 dBA
- Speed Rating: Y (186 mph)
The V-formation directional tread pattern channels water effectively while maintaining dry grip. Ride quality stands out as the Pirelli absorbs road imperfections without loud slaps[1]. Snow performance trails the category leaders by only 0.6 seconds in acceleration testing to 30 mph[1]. At $219 per tire, the WeatherActive offers the best value among premium all-weather options.
Michelin CrossClimate2 (Best Wet Performance)
The CrossClimate2 swept every wet-weather test category, achieving 9.4 out of 10 for both hydroplaning resistance and wet traction in Tire Rack consumer surveys[4]. Wet braking from 60 mph measured nearly 25 feet shorter than the worst performer in the test[1].
Key Specifications:
- Tread Depth: 10/32 inch
- UTQG Rating: 640
- Interior Sound at 70 mph: 66 dBA
- Speed Rating: V (149 mph)
The distinctive tread pattern uses 3D SipeLock technology with V Ramp chamfers that generate additional friction during braking[5]. The specialized compound maintains grip below 45°F where standard tires lose flexibility[5]. Audi S3 owners report the tire performs exceptionally during warm spells mid-winter and handles heavy rain with confidence[2].
Trade-offs include a firmer ride quality and increased noise on smooth surfaces[1]. The CrossClimate2 also exhibits understeer in aggressive dry cornering, which may affect spirited Audi S-line or RS drivers[1]. At $232 per tire, the Michelin costs more than competitors but delivers premium wet-weather safety.
Bridgestone WeatherPeak (Best Snow Performance)
The WeatherPeak dominated snow testing with the quickest acceleration, fastest autocross lap times, and shortest braking distances[1]. For Audi owners in northern states or regions with harsh winters, this tire offers the closest performance to dedicated winter rubber without seasonal swapping.
Key Specifications:
- Tread Depth: 10/32 inch
- UTQG Rating: 700
- Interior Sound at 70 mph: 65 dBA (quietest tested)
- Tread Warranty: 70,000 miles (longest tested)
The softer compound that excels in snow creates trade-offs in dry conditions. Dry braking distances exceed the best performer by more than a car length, and the tire tends to wander and tramline on highways[1]. The WeatherPeak earned the quietest cabin measurement at 65 decibels during highway cruising[1].
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady delivers solid dry and wet performance but falls short in snow capability[1]. Snow braking distances finished last among all-weather competitors, making this tire better suited for mild winter climates[1]. Goodyear has announced the successor WeatherReady 2, which may address these deficits.
Nokian Remedy WRG5
The WRG5 stands out with the best warranty at 60,000 miles with no age limit[1]. Dry and snow performance rank strongly, but wet-weather stopping distances measured nearly 25 feet longer than the Michelin CrossClimate2[1]. Consider this tire if warranty protection and dry/snow balance outweigh wet-weather concerns.
All-Weather vs. Dedicated Seasonal Tires
Testing confirms that dedicated summer and winter tires still outperform all-weather options in their respective conditions[1]. The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 summer tire added only 20.2 feet from dry to wet braking, compared to 26.6 feet for the best all-weather tire[1]. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 winter tire stopped 7.2 feet shorter in snow than the best all-weather performer[1].
For Audi owners who cannot easily store and swap seasonal tires, premium all-weather options like the Pirelli WeatherActive and Michelin CrossClimate2 provide an excellent year-round compromise. If you’re exploring more Audi tire options, consider your regional climate and driving priorities when selecting between all-weather and all-season alternatives.
Key Takeaways
- The Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive wins overall with the best dry performance, excellent wet grip, and the lowest price at $219 per tire
- The Michelin CrossClimate2 dominates wet conditions and offers the best balance of dry/wet/snow capability for $232 per tire
- The Bridgestone WeatherPeak leads snow performance and offers the longest 70,000-mile warranty, ideal for harsh winter regions
- All-weather tires eliminate seasonal tire swapping while carrying 3PMSF winter certification
- Dedicated summer and winter tires still outperform all-weather options in extreme conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all-weather tires worth it for Audi quattro vehicles?
All-weather tires complement Audi’s quattro AWD system by providing consistent traction across dry, wet, and snowy conditions without seasonal swapping. The 3PMSF certification meets winter tire requirements in regions like Quebec[1]. However, dedicated winter tires still outperform all-weather options in severe snow conditions.
How long do all-weather tires last on an Audi?
Which all-weather tire is quietest for Audi sedans?
The Bridgestone WeatherPeak measured 65 dBA at 70 mph highway cruising, making it the quietest all-weather tire tested[1]. The Pirelli WeatherActive and Nokian WRG5 both measured 67 dBA[1]. Owners seeking a premium cabin experience in models like the 2025 Audi A6 should prioritize the Bridgestone.
Can I use all-weather tires on Audi performance models like the S3 or SQ5?
All-weather tires work on Audi performance vehicles but involve handling compromises in aggressive dry driving. The Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive offers the best dry handling and steering response among all-weather options[1]. For SQ5 or S3 owners prioritizing track-day performance, dedicated summer tires remain superior.
References
- Car and Driver. (2025). Tested: Best All-Weather Tires for 2025. https://www.caranddriver.com/car-accessories/a64432470/best-all-weather-tires/
- Reddit r/cars. (2025). Tested: Best All-Weather Tires for 2025 Discussion.
Tested: Best All-Weather Tires for 2025
byu/tsar73 incars - Reddit r/Audi. (2025). Need to get some new all season tires for my Q5.
Need to get some new all season tires for my Q5. Torn between a few choices. Any feedback to share?
byu/CasualDisastering inAudi - Tire Rack. (2025). Michelin CrossClimate2 Reviews. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/michelin-crossclimate2
- Performance Plus Tire. (2025). Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Continental TrueContact Tour. https://www.performanceplustire.com/Blog/michelin-crossclimate-2-vs-continental-truecontact-tour
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
