Just installed Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snows
 

All 4 of the Diamaris were roasted and beginning to make noise. I opted for a dedicated snow tire for the best traction in the mountains. Most reviews that I read stated that owners were getting 40K or so out of a set running them year round. So far I like them. A touch noisy on the freeway but that was the tradeoff for superior traction in the snow. I'll report back as the miles increase.

Interesting idea running snows year round. I've heard great reviews of snow traction with them.

Definitely a plus being able to keep the 20" wheel look year round.

I have been considering this exact tire swap. My Diamaris' will be ready for replacing soon and I would like to replace them with all seasons or Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snows all year. I live in Phoenix, AZ I think I would be literally the only person running snow tires year round haha!!! In the winter time I do a lot of snowboarding so I think we would really enjoy having them.

How loud are they at speeds? What are the handling characteristics compared to Diamaris? My uncle runs Blizzacks year round in Ohio on an RS6 and they are loud and bumpy on the freeway.

Keep us updated on your thoughts!!

I run them all winter because the sumer tires I have - Yoko Advans - suck big time in the rain. they work very well in the snow btw. I am running the 265-50-19 size which is about .5" taller than stock. they certainly do ride smoother, but some of that is a 19" 50 series vs. a 20" 35 and 40 series tire. also there is less tramlining. Still, I love getting the summers back on after the winter season because the dry grip is just not on par. Plus the 20's with the fat 315's in the back just look way better!!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/...5ef_z.jpg?zz=1

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AZ,

The majority of the reviews that I read stated that owners were running these tires year round and they had great wear characteristics. That was a huge component of my decision to go with dedicated snow tires versus all seasons. My Diamaris were becoming slightly feathered on the inside rears so the noise was terrible at any speed. So far the Scorpions are much quieter and smoother overall. We'll see how things go with a few more miles.

Good to know. Can't wait to drive em with 8 inches on the ground. Looks like Tahoe last year in the photo.

Sort of. Up near Bear Valley. And that was at 5K feet too....

You should not be running dedicated snow tires all year around, they will melt on anything above 7C. I see a couple of people do this, i am guessing because they can't afford to swap, i laugh in my head at them at traffic lights.

Do it right, or don't do it at all :)

I would not suggest using these all year long. When the temps rise in the summer you are compromising your safety and performance big-time. Have you every seen the video on Tirerack's website showing how winter tires out perform all-season in temp around 40F and below? Well the same would be true about all seasons in summer temperatures. When it gets hot outside and the streets warm up, it is going to take you longer to stop and you are not going to be as safe in emergency situations where you need the car to handle properly. I would really do some research on this if I were you.

Exactly, thanks for expanding :) I would suggest the OP get something for summer and winter. Most people will run 17" or 18" in winter and 19" or 20" in summer.