In terms of the performance testing I've seen, the Bridgestones are consistently lower rated. The top two UHP all season tires are #1 Michelin AS4 and #2 the Continental DWS 06+, and both are very close by the numbers. Unfortunately, the AS4 is not currently available in OEM rear sizes for 911s.

For whatever reasons, Porsche has not worked with a tire manufacturer to offer an N-spec UHP all season. The only available N-spec (Porsche endorsed) tires for 911s are either the Pirelli P-Zero or Michelin PS4S max performance summer tires, Michelin Sport Cup street legal track tires, or Michelin Alpin PA4 winter tires.

In my view, that's ridiculous because for a lot of people, neither a summer, nor a winter tire are the best choice. A lot of folks live in areas where it is cold enough to make summer tires hazardous, but don't see much, if any snow. Moreover, if you do get caught in snow, as I did recently, the DWS 06+ is competent in up to 4" of snow. I had surprisingly good traction.

 

My loval dealership charges $300 cad to mount tires and balance whether you buy from them or bring them the tires.

 

That makes sense if you buy the tires from them, but I suspect a Porsche dealer will not offer anything other than N-spec (Porsche endorsed) tires, and there is no such thing when it comes to UHP all season tires.

 

My dealer will bring in tires other than N-spec, and will also mount tires sourced elsewhere.

But they always recommend N-spec tires.

 

That's cool. Mine just said order the tires you want and bring them to us. You got a great price.

 

Is there a labor price difference between center locks vs "traditional"?
My local dealer quoted me $200 to mount all four tires, and I don't have center-lock.

Is it more effort to work on center-locks?
Wouldn't it be less, since there's only one main lock to deal with, instead of five bolts?
Also isn't the whole purpose of center-locks to speed up the process during racing, so in theory it would take dealer less time...no?

 

@cooky01

I don't believe there is a labor cost difference for center locks at Porsche dealers. You just need the proper tools, which are primarily a LONG (40" or so) breaker bar, and a heavy duty, precision torque wrench capable of 444 ft lbs. "Billy Bob's tire store" might not have those tools, or might not want to deal with center locks due to lack of experience with them.

There's also a detailed process Porsche specifies, which the average tire store might not know about. That process involving proper cleaning and lubrication of the center lock nut and hub probably negates the difference in time associated w/ 5-lugs vs. center locks.