[roastpuff]

More update on the PA4 on the A4 Allroad:

They don't like deep snow - probably don't have enough void space to grab/bite due to the tread design. So the tires need a bit of wheelspin before catching, even with quattro, and then they can head out. Same with the border regions on the road where the slushy mix thrown off by cars passing by end up. You can almost feel the tread filling up and then throwing the slush/snow clear, regaining grip.

One thing that is especially notable is when you are turning out of an unplowed side street into a cleared main road, the rear tires tend to slide and then catch suddenly as they find grip once past the slush zone that accumulates. A bit unsettling if you're not expecting it.

This is not to say that the tires are not controllable, but that the ultimate grip levels are lacking compared to a true studless winter tire such as the Blizzak/Hakka/X-Ice family. However, as they are performance winter tires, not especially surprising.