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].
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].
| 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]
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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].
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.
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.
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.
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