first 997S

At what point should you change your tires?
All four or two at a time.
whats the sticker shock? I'm running michelin's.
Are there any driving or other ways to know when its the right time. I do understand the gauge but in general can you wear then thin.
I was told 8-10,000 miles!
thanks.

Edgy01

The old rule using the American 1¢ (Lincoln head) is the simplest. If you place Lincoln's head into the tread of the tire and you are not covering his head at all it's time for a new tire. Always replace them by the axle. Generally, you can get twice the mileage out of the fronts compared to the rears.

It's virtually impossible to tell you how far you can go on your tires,--everyone drives differently and even some regional road surfaces will affect tire wear at an accelerated rate.

Do what I do. Keep a log book with enough detail to clue you in to your tire wear in the out years.

first 997S

what does replace them by the axle mean?
thats a great idea about the penny!
thanks

mglobe

I think most people go through two sets of rears for each set of front tires. Here's a poll we did a while back to get data on how long tires are lasting.

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/270423-rear-tire-treadwear-poll.html

kauai_diver

He means the front/rear may be replaced at different times. I've heard you can get twice the milage from the fronts than the rears. But again how you drive, where you drive are definately big factors.

gota911

Another way to check on your tire wear is by looking at the wear bars that are in the groves between the tread. Once the tread gets wears down to within 1/32" to 2/32" of the wear bars, then it will soon be time to get new tires. If you look closely at your tire tread once a month (especially the rear tires), you can see the progressive wear of the tread.

holminator

30-35k with PS tires. Back tires will wear more of course.

lawjdc

The wear bars are the most reliable way to check your tire wear. Be sure and check the tread on the inside 2" - 3" of the rear tires - because of the negative camber, the rears will wear much more quickly on the inside part of the tread.

Pete Lech

That means that you need to track the car vigorously to equalize the wear.

10 GT3

Most likely they will be replaced in pairs. For me, my fronts have only worn 1-2/32's in the last 6000 miles. The rears on the other hand are close to needing to be replaced. I do have 4 track days on them and I drive it pretty hard on the street, so I am not that surprised about the rears; but I am surprised at how much is left on the fronts.

gravedgr

I remember reading an article about the 911 and how (obviously) the majority of the weight is over the rear axle. They way they described it, during enthusiastic driving accelleration increases that effect (they called it the "teeter totter effect") - and the reduced front end load on the tires is why the 911 has such good steering feel. This would seem like a good reason the front tire wear is so low compared to the back.

eric997florida

Just found out I need to replace my rear tires (9500 miles). Curious as to thoughts of whether I should have my local dealer do the tires and alignment or whether I could have it done elsewhere for possible cost savings. This is my first Porsche so I am not sure how other shops (non Porsche dealers) would do with the alignment process. I'm in the Tampa Bay Florida area - any suggestions? My dealer quoted me around $1100.00 for the two rear tires and alignment. Thanks.

mdonline

Are you kidding me? Are you sliding around in your car on ice?

I am replacing my front tires at 4,500 miles next week. Two days of autocrossing did them in.

In California, Costco is the cheapest. $320 for each front tire Michellin PS2. That includes shipping, installation, and warranty.

discoganya

I would not install my tyres at Costco. Very very high chance of scratching your rims. There are several specialized tyre installers in California who charge only about 10 bucks more per tyre than Costco. Buy tyres at tirerack, ship em to the installer and get them installed. Peace of mind.

royalpar1

I have Bridgestone Potenza, i replaced the rear at 16k, my fronts are still going strong at 20k !

I am not tracking the car but i do run fast and hard, I have 18 inch and check the air weekly with a guage. i keep them at 37/44