kneeman997mk2

just recently put a set of scottozeros on my 997.2 GTS and noticed steering feel has changed....

Almost as though steering effort is much lighter?! I used a reputable private tire service shop to change my center locks. They noted that the summer tires and wheels had been labeled backwards in regards to the ‘tighten’ and ‘loosen’ arrows.

Is this something others have noticed when they changed from summer to winter setups?

Alex

cosm3os

Normal

Bxstr

Normal.

ADias

Narrower tires right? Everyone is after wide tires and yes they are grippier in the summer, but they are heavier and are less nimble. Thinner is more fun.

kneeman997mk2

Agreed, but it just feels as though turning the steering wheel is considerably easier with almost less vibration and feedback through the wheel. Could this just be my imagination? It was unexpected.

Petza914

Compound in winter tires isn't as grippy because it needs to work at lower temperatures. If you went narrower, you also probably went taller which means you're probably going to get more sidewall flex in turns, which will also be a different feel.

ATSR

+1

In 2.5 years of ownership which included a few track days, I’ve learned that these cars are very sensitive when it comes to tires. After I went from Michelin PS2’s (Porsche N rated) to a much cheaper and softer Continental Extreme DW (non Porsche N rated) it affected the handling of my car negatively. The Continental has a much softer sidewalk therefore I had to give much more steering input to get the same result as with the PS2’s. The car lost its sharpness considerably.

I recently went back to the PS2’s and I couldn’t be happier. The steering feels sharp and the car is super responsive once again. I never understood why the PS2’s and other N rated tires are more expensive, and I also thought that the N rating was pure marketing BS. I was wrong and I also learned that these tires cost 3 times as much as my previous ones because they are a far superior product.

Tj40

Your summer tires have big treadblocks with shallower tread depth, this gives less flex or 'squirm' as you are trying to turn the tires. Winter tires are the opposite, deeper tread depth with smaller treadblocks with 'sipes' that cut the treadblocks into even smaller chunks mean that the tread has more flex as you try to turn the wheel. Hence easier turning on the winter tires :-)

captainbaker

You will get a different feel from brand to brand tire to tire every time. The 'new tire feel' is a real thing.

MDMX997

OP, thanks for bringing this up. I just changed to winter tires 2 weeks ago from P0's to Sottozero's. The steering feels much lighter and, to me, gives much more compliant ride. The only difference in size is the rear - from 305's to 295's.

z3mcoupe

I had this experience too, when I bought my car it had Hankook Evo12's which I know people like on here, but for spirited driving they are not a match for the performance the 911 can deliver. I now have N-rated PS2's and the car behaves much better. I have the Pirelli winter tires and the grip and handling is quite reduced with these tires.