So, it is finally time to replace my rear tires. Since my front look almost new (go figure that one out), do I have to replace all 4 wheels and keep the same tread pattern at all four corners or does tread pattern only matter on each axle?

TIA,

Tom

 

Changing to different tires on the rear simply means you will change your handling patterns. How would you like your car to handle differently and buy accordingly.

Definitely don't cheap out on the rears. And definitely check the real width of the tire, not just the rated size, so that you get tires that are the right size and you don't end up with an oversteering beast.

 

The Bridgestones are usually always on sale at tire rack

 

I am looking for some tires that are symmetric so I can do the "tire flip" to get more out of my tires with my UK Alignment. Asymmetrical will not work because I can't get a tire shop to flip my Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Pole Positions.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/CompareTireR...=All&loadRank=2

I am thinking that the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 are the ones for me...

 

Just replace the rears with the same tires as the fronts and the next time you need to change the rears the fronts will probably need it to. Get a different set then if you want to try something new, my 2 cents.

 

Well, if you're going with a 225/50/16 rear, the only way to go is the OEM S0-2.

 

I'm pretty sure he has an AP2 so 17"

 

You might want to rethink the Goodyears, they are some of the skinniest tires for the rated size you can buy.

If your fronts are anything near approaching stock width then you will end up going in circles at the slightest provocation and usually when you don't want to.

Here are actual widths of the stockers and their relationship of width front to rear:
205/55 X 16 = 7.1

 

That is an excellent idea! Thanks! I've been really pleased with the bridgestones (except when we had that snow and I sat there spinning) but one day out of 550 days isn't too bad.

550 days = 1.5 years which is approximately how long I've had the car.

 

Sorry, I should have been more clear - I was responding to tomauto, who has a 2002 it appears, and is looking so symmetric 16" tires.