mchopra

Hi,

I was driving home last night and the road suddenly got bumpy, and after pulling over my right rear tire had a nail in it and was torn. I drive a 2004 911 C4S, and have about 60k miles on the car. I put these tires in about18 months ago at about 15,000 miles. This is my everyday driving car, minus predictable bad weather day.

I purchased the dealership recommended Michelins, but was wondering if I had any other choices. Please give your advice and recommendations. Oh, I live in Cincinnati Ohio, so we do see some snow in the winter, but I use another car n those days.

Thanks
Manny
1984 911 Targa
2004 Boxster
2004 911 C4S

ZuffenZeus

I currently use the high-end Michelin Pilot Sport, but I would also recommend Continental ExtremeContact DW because they handle very well for about half the cost of the Michelins. I also used Pirelli but they wear out too fast in my opinion and the control is not as good at the Pilot Sports. Cheers!

thebowl

If they make them on your size, I suggest Bridgestone Potenzas. I use them for all weather.

ZuffenZeus

I wouldn't recommend the Bridgestone Potenzas. Their wear out rating of UTQG: 140 A A is lower than both the Pirelli and Michelin. The Conti Ext Contact DW are UTQG: 340 A A by comparison.

Just something to think about.

Gator996

I too use the Potenza's for everyday driving since they came on my car. Good tire. Check out the Falken Tire line. Superb grip, especially in the wet at a very good price point.

Arch1t3ct

That 295 width rear is really a drag when it comes to picking out tires. Not many choices out there. For the money, the Sumitomos are looking a lot more attractive.

mchopra

I just went to Tire Rack to see if they have the size that I needed in the Continental Extreme Contact, and they do not make the size that I need. The dealer recommends 295/30 R 18 on the rear tires, these come in a 285/30 ZR. The choices are Bridgestone Potenza S-02A or Pilot Sport PS2. There is a Sumitoma HTR Z3 - not sure about these choices. I have the Pilot Sport on them now.

Thanks again for all of the assistance.

alpine003

I don't really see the point of asking if you already purchased them.

Oh, and never listen to the dealer.

JayG

A really good low cost summer tire is the Sumitomo HTR ZIII. Lots of bang for the buck and you can probably buy 2 full sets for the cost of Michelin's.

Also Bridgestone sells a bunch of different tires that are under the Potenza brand. You need to be specific to which tire model. Same with Michelin

mchopra

No, I think you misunderstood me, the Michelins are what the dealer recommended when I replaced the tires about 18 months ago. The Michelins are on the car at present. I just wanted some advice on whether I should go with the same tires, or more affordable options if they last about mileage. The dealer asked me what tires I want to put on the car, and I said that I'll get back with him. He will order and install whatever is appropriate for the car. Not too many choices though.

5CHN3LL

I continue to be a fan of the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 tire - it's a summer tire, but since you have a winter car, it might be worth considering.

craig001

Michellins are what the car came with IIRC. The Sumi HTZ III seen to be well liked. I had an earlier version and did not care for them - too much tramlining. You could head over to tirerack.com and read reviews. 1010tire.com had some calculators if you want to play with sizes.

Arch1t3ct

Since it's a daily driver, I would just go with the Sumitomos unless you are pushing the car's limits. I believe there's only one Bridgestone Potenza listed on tirerack in this size, the S-02A, which costs twice as much. The only real difference is the load rating is slightly lower (98Y vs. 94Y) and it doesn't carry Porsche's N rating, which I assume probably costs about as much as the tire itself.

Arch1t3ct

This one unfortunately falls into the same category as the Conti DW, not being available in the correct size. Could probably get close enough going up or down one, but I can't comment on how well that works.

alpine003

Ah, gotcha.

I think you are going to have to decide if you're willing to sacrifice ultimate grip for some flexibility. What I mean by that is you mentioned you don't drive it in the snow but that doesn't mean you don't drive in cold weather.

Some of these max performance summer tires do very poorly in the cold and can be dangerous below certain temps like 40 degrees for example.

You should also specify if you're willing to sacrifice overall grip for better wet weather/rain performance.

I think you'll be able to get more accurate tire recommendations for your priority/environment/driving style if you are more specific about your needs.