Hope all is well,

Took my car in for the 15K service. My service rep called me, the rears are worn, with maybe 3 to 5K left. I actually have 13K on the tires.

My questions:

Since I will be replacing just the rears should I stay with the same brand?

Conti (sport contact 2) 285/30ZR18 N2 at Tire rack $243 each, dealer says they would install for $125. Does this sound like the best move?

Thanks for your assistance.

Gary

 

I know a lot of people tht would be happy to install 2 tires for $125. The last set I had mounted cost $20 per wheel. But that is in Cincinnati not Jersey and not at a dealer.

 

This topic has been covered pretty extensively. The general consensus is that it's not a good idea to mix tires. If you're not going to change the front tires, stick with the Contis.

 

I'd run them for the 3-5k you have left, you may be pleasently suprised and find you have more. I know a lot of people aren't particularly happy with the Contis and if you would like to try something else, replace all 4 at this time. Replacing tires on a Porsche is the same as a Hyundai or anything else. Use a qualified shop and ask them to please be careful. I always tell the guys that I personally want to break the lugs by hand and torque by hand, no air tools as the sockets can spin and scar my wheels. Everone has been real understanding and doesn't blame me one bit.

 

I agree with Nick, I'd squeeze the last few miles out of those puppies. You didn't say whether or not you track your car. Although 5 people can give you 6 or 7 different opions, the Pilot Sports seem to be the generally preferred choice.

 

I switched to Pilot Sports from Contis and won't go back. I purchased at Discount tires they will match TireRack.com Price.

 

Unless you are switching all of them, don't mix on this car. It will upset handling characteristics for several reasons.

And $125 bucks to install two tires is insane. National average is $15-$25 PER.

 

Just make sure that you get the tires installed by someone with great experience with low profile and wide tires and wheels on a Porsche. Scratching the wheels can really be a bummer.

 

Very good idea.

The Michelin PS for the GT3 and Michelin PSII for the regular 996'.

 

They can drop ship to a highly qualified and usually more careful installer near you. I agree on pricing others have said. 100-120 for four is ok. Call the recommmended guys near you until you find one with a Hunter GSP 9700 machine. You will by far get the best balance and road force installation. Don't settle for less. I'll bet the dealer doesn't have on either.

 

I'm probably bias because I put these on another car first, but I replaced my origanal tires with Bridgestone Potenza Pole Position III which are fantastic on dry or wet surfaces. Price wasn't bad either.

 

Bridgestones are my favorite brand - I've also come to like my Pirellis that came brand new with my car. Defintely get your tires "road force balanced". Also, make sure you do a walk around with a manager and ideally take photos before they take your rims off. Then inspect the rims before you leave their parking lot with the car. If somebody scratches those puppies, make sure they take care of you.