tyre recommendations

[shav]

Hey guys,

I know there is like 11ty billion threads like this, but each and every thread I've read has slightly different criteria than the next.

Looking to spend some coin on a really good set of tires for the Spec b rims. 215 or 225 doesnt matter as long as its legal.

My driving style is mainly urban driving, but on a weekly basis, I like to push it in the corners and hills. Grip is important to me in both wet and dry. In saying that, I don't want the tires wearing out after 5000km either so they need to have fairly reasonable wear life. Anything over 30,000km out of a set of performance based tires is a bonus in my opinion. My tire maintenance is ok currently on the Kumho KU21's (these are crap tires for grip and noise if you ask me). I check my tire pressures fortnightly but am prepared to increase my tire servicing to more frequently if required for maximum durability and wear.

Noise wise, I'd like them to be as quiet as possible but realize this may be a pay off for grip and handling due to tread pattern. Uni-directional is fine with me if this is the case.

Price wise, I have allowed for 1k maximum for supply, fitting and balancing. I am also an advocate for warranty, so I would prefer to buy from a local supplier than over the net to reduce unforeseen risk.

I am relying on what you guys think is the best based your experience with these cars and my personal requirements. I understand it's subjective, but your constructive opinions will help narrow down a huge list of possibilities.

[ferret89]

Bridgestone Potenza RE002

[shav]

Bridgestone Potenza RE002

Thanks mate. Can you elaborate more on the benefits of these tires? Prices? etc.

[ferret89]

Bridgestone Potenza RE002

Thanks mate. Can you elaborate more on the benefits of these tires? Prices? etc.

Not sure about pricing for 18", but 215/45/17 are around $200 each. I'd guess that in a 225/40/18 or 215/45/18 they would be around the $250 mark?

Quiet tyres, not really audible over engine/exhaust noise. Excellent wet and dry grip, they wear fairly well for such good performance. Car never felt unsafe or noisy, and I did push them.

[shav]

Not sure about pricing for 18", but 215/45/17 are around $200 each. I'd guess that in a 225/40/18 or 215/45/18 they would be around the $250 mark?

Quiet tyres, not really audible over engine/exhaust noise. Excellent wet and dry grip, they wear fairly well for such good performance. Car never felt unsafe or noisy, and I did push them.

Thanks for that response. I have read that the adrenalins (RE002) are an excellent all rounder. But finding it hard to get them in a 215/45R18. I'd like to stick with this size if I can, but would consider the 225/40s if there was no other option.

Another tire Im looking at is the Kumho KU36's as a lot here are raving on about the bang for buck they give.

Other options are:

RE050A
Pirelli P-Zero Rosso/Nero
Sumitomo HTR Z3 (size permitting)
Toyo T1R

[RX25SE]

Another tire Im looking at is the Kumho KU36's as a lot here are raving on about the bang for buck they give.

Other options are:

RE050A
Pirelli P-Zero Rosso/Nero
Sumitomo HTR Z3 (size permitting)
Toyo T1R

The two I can comment on are the Kumho and the Sumitomo.
I have had a few sets of Sumitomo's on a different cars and while they are a well made tyre, they suffer from repeated heat cycles. This caused the rubber to go off and loose grip. I won't be using them again.
Most of the Kumho range represents good bang for buck but look otowards the upper end of the range.

I have Hankook RS2 on my Gen III and they are very very good. My only complaints are tyre wear (as you would expect from a soft tyre) and, being directional tread, a little noisy.

As they have been superseded by the RS3, I will be trying these on my Gen IV.

This is the RS3.

[mynameisdaniel]

I just put RE002 tyres on my car, best all-rounder tyre I've ever driven on. 235/40/18 though. Comfortable, great grip and at speed I've never felt a tyre feel so stable!

Had the RE050A Potenzas on my last car and they were fantastic too (narrower and FWD so can't compare grip) but I went through those pretty quickly

Also had the P-zero rossos on my car when I got it. They weren't too good, definitely wouldn't buy them again for what they cost.

[shav]

Thanks mate. The hankooks have come along way for sure.

Im beginning to lean towards going the 225/40 sizing as there are more options available at better pricing.

Would this have an detriment to the handling of the car? Will the tire also 'balloon' out like the light bulb effect?

[shav]

I just put RE002 tyres on my car, best all-rounder tyre I've ever driven on. 235/40/18 though. Comfortable, great grip and at speed I've never felt a tyre feel so stable!

Had the RE050A Potenzas on my last car and they were fantastic too (narrower and FWD so can't compare grip) but I went through those pretty quickly

Also had the P-zero rossos on my car when I got it. They weren't too good, definitely wouldn't buy them again for what they cost.

Thanks Dan. Thats good feedback. Leaning towards the RE002 (adrenalin) tires now since considering the 225/40 options. Hardest part is getting them for the best price

[mynameisdaniel]

Call up heaps of Bridgestone and Bob Jane stores and get them to beat each other. Got my set of 235/40/18s for $825 fitted (RRP of $289 each) and another set of 235/45/17s for $600 fitted

[ferret89]

Call up heaps of Bridgestone and Bob Jane stores and get them to beat each other. Got my set of 235/40/18s for $825 fitted (RRP of $289 each) and another set of 235/45/17s for $600 fitted

235/40/18 would be cheaper than 225/40 as its a more common size, but 235 would be too wide for the stock 7" wheels

[mynameisdaniel]

Call up heaps of Bridgestone and Bob Jane stores and get them to beat each other. Got my set of 235/40/18s for $825 fitted (RRP of $289 each) and another set of 235/45/17s for $600 fitted

235/40/18 would be cheaper than 225/40 as its a more common size, but 235 would be too wide for the stock 7" wheels

Yeah, should be able to get 225/40 under $1k though

Otherwise you're going to have to buy new wheels Shav

[jslayz]

Goodyear Eagle F1assymmetrical 2 FTW!
IME better than 050A's.

Good in wet too.

J

[JamesR]

i just bought a set of Bridgestone S001.
i got them on special at Bob Janes, buy 3, get 4th free.. $354each, fitted and balanced. [special ended end of May]
i previously had RE050A's, and they were over 65k old, and i only changed due to canvas showing on inside corner of fronts. need to rotate tires more...
but they still had plenty of grip, can only hope the S001's perform just as well!

[deadlegs]

i just bought a set of Bridgestone S001.
i got them on special at Bob Janes, buy 3, get 4th free.. $354each, fitted and balanced. [special ended end of May]
i previously had RE050A's, and they were over 65k old, and i only changed due to canvas showing on inside corner of fronts. need to rotate tires more...
but they still had plenty of grip, can only hope the S001's perform just as well!

I just bought a set of these as well only I got them for $329 each on the same buy 4 pay for 3 deal and I LOVE them. They are ridiculously grippy on both the wet and dry road and are quieter than the old re050a tyres. I got 225/40/18 so they'd fit the standard spec b rim cause the 215/45/18 were more expensive and harder to get. Only thing to watch out for is the slightly lower profile of the tyre puts the speedo out.