It's time to start thinking about new tires. I'd like to switch to S03s as it is my understanding they are a bit better in the rain. What tire would you guys recommend? And what size? The rears are different than the front, yes?

Before anyone asks, I have read all sorts of threads about tires but honestly it's all very confusing and it seems no one can agree. I have 0 tire knowledge and just want to know what to order.

Many many thanks to anyone who can help me out a bit.

Julie

 

For everyday driving on stock wheels - S03's are an excellent choice. Not quite as good as S02s in the dry - but better in the rain.

205/55 in the front
245/45 for the rear

I know it sounds goofy - but the OEM S02s are actually closer to 245's in terms of contact patch.

HTH

lig

 

Are you replacing the fronts too? If you are going to have the original 02's on the front then I would put 02's on the back and if you are going to switch do them all at once.

 

Thanks, lig.

Pok--I'll switch all 4 at once. The fronts are ok, but since I do want to get something a bit better in the rain I'll just have to replace them early.

Someone suggested Kumhos, which I've never heard of. Are they decent or should I stick with the Bridgestone?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jmc1971
Thanks, lig.

Pok--I'll switch all 4 at once. The fronts are ok, but since I do want to get something a bit better in the rain I'll just have to replace them early.

 

A PM to xviper would be a good idea. He's always happy to help. Same with hardtopguy who can also get you a good deal.

 

^^ Good advice -- Julie, I run S03s front and rear on my car and am now on my second set of rears (fronts last about twice as long). I've had no probs with the S03s and Xviper was absolutely precious about explaining the size, etc. that I would need. I put all four 03s on last year and replaced the rears in January -- I think I got about 11,500 mi out of the rears. I replaced my front S02s early just as you plan to do. I enjoy a spirited run in the car from time to time and find the 03s handle just great as long as they are warmed up. Since I drive my S year round, and we do have some rainy spells, the 03s were better for me. Jim at TireRack is helpful and Xviper is great about telling you all about the different types of tires that work well on the S. A lot of people run those Kuomo tires and they are considerably less expensive than the Potenza. Just PM Xviper and he'll make you quite knowledgeable. If you do switch to S03s, let me know how they compare to the 02 -- I was surprised at how nice the ride felt when I made the switch.

 

If you go with the Kumhos - I would only go with the MX. It's a good tire for the money.

First choice would be the S03's...

$0.04

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lig
If you go with the Kumhos - I would only go with the MX.

 

Lig, I don't believe you can get a 245 in the MX line.

JMC, I have a set of Kumho 712 on my street rims. As with anything there are pluses and minus. They are not as good as the S02s but they are no where near the price.

Triple-H and myself have both driven on both and we both agree that the 712 will give you about 80% of the performance of the S02 at about 50% of the price. It is available in the right sizes for the car. So it comes down to your driving style and if you want to spend the extra $ for the extra grip.

I don't have any experience with the S03s so I can't comment.