Edward

As in, dismount then mount inside out so as to maximize tire life?

Yeah, I know this is not be possible with assymetrical tread patterns, but other than these tires, I figure I can get better life out of my rears since I typically wear the inside edge long before the outer.

My alignment is right, if not a bit on the aggressive side ...which I had done way back when my 993 was a regular track-rat. Well she's long since now back to commute-only status, but I don't want to pop $$ for another alignment (which I doubt will give me much more in tread life anyway). So I'm thinking: ah ha! Pay the man $40 to remount the rear tires "inside out" about 1/3-1/2 through their life and maybe I'll get more out of em. I had done this with my Kumho Victoracers, but never for my street tires. Thoughts? Anyone out there as dollar conscious as I am?

Edward

KLSpeed27

I just put new tires on my car and had the same thought as I watched them take the old ones off. Swapping them a few times during their life is certainly cheaper than buying new ones! I am interested to see what the group concensous is on this...

NP993

If they're not asymmetrical tires, go for it. I did this with the RA-1's on my track car. For the 993, I also buy those Sumimoto HTRZ II tires that are about $85 each for the fronts and $133 each for the rears (18"), so tread life doesn't end up being so financially painful.*

*is "not asymmetrical" a double-negative, or a litotes?

Terry Adams

Sounds ok for stuck in LA traffic on a dry road. Otherwise, I would think the patterns are there for braking and water evacuation. Problem could be worse if you have flipped an already worn tire. Not sure TireRack would give you an objective opinion.

NP993

We're talking about tires with symmetrical tread patterns...in other words, the tread patter is the same on both halves of the tire surface.

Here's an RA-1 for reference:

flatsixforme

I too am running the Sumi's and am very impressed with their treadwear so far with almost 6k miles on them. Rear's still look brand new. So, for me since the tires are so cheap to begin with I don't think it pays to swap. If I had $700 in the rears I would be singing a different tune for sure!!!

Terry Adams

Do not the grooves and arrow patterns reverse themselves when you flip it?

Randy M '96 Silver 993

This will not answer your question, it is just a thought I decided to share.

Mine wear almost perfectly across the tread, so I would run a less agressive alignment if treadwear is the goal.

BOL.

cgfen

in this example, they most certainly would.

i recently "flipped" my front tires, goodyear KDs i use for AX, to experiment with evening out the not-enough-negative-camber-dialed-in-scrub.

be safe

craig

brad@tirerack.com

Why not?

On a directional tire it's fine to do. As long as you don't wait until the camber doesn't kill enough of the tread on the other side that it could affect the handling. That's why BMW does not recommend rotating - most people wait until it's too late and then the car handles irratically. There's no issue at all with doing it, and it will lengthen your lifespan on the tire by probably 25-30%.

We don't recommend flipping an asymetric tire primarily due to construction differences, and more impotantly, rubber compound differences as you move accross the tire. Many of today's max performance summer asy. tires (PS2, PSC) have compounds that change as you go from inside to outside of the tire. Most have harder outside shoulders and larger tread blocks on the outside for cornering response, and softer inside compounds for better wet traction. As a result you often end up with tires that could wear faster if flipped than they would have if left alone. And, by upsetting the intended position of the rubber compound the car's handling could be quite upset.

Terry Adams

Thanks Damon, well explained. I have no intention of flipping my PS2.

jimbo3

No. There is no left or right symetrical tires. One needs to take the tire off the wheel, flip it, then put it on the other side.

AOW162435

+993


Andreas

Edward

Thanks, all! And thanks, Damon! I guess I never noticed you around these parts ...very cool to have someone from TireRack on board!

I think I'll give it a go ...Kumho MXs are an inexpensive tire, and they have been very good to me. But if I can get another 25-30% on the rears for a scant $40, it's worth a shot.

Edward

Mark Harris

Good ole' Rennlist....you learn something new everyday.

Thanks Damon.