Am looking at F1 GSD3, RE 050A PP and RE 01R as replacements for OEM tires, maybe going one size wider front and rear.(assuming the rear 01R is available in 255).

I like to drive the car on cold, clear days in the winter. Temp above 28 or so and completely dry roads. No fancy moves just an easy hour drive to warm up the engine. I've had no problems with the OEM 050's and am wondering if the tires I'm looking at will also be ok under these conditions. I realize snow and ice are no-no's.

 

For the same reason as you, I purchased Yokohama Advan S4's for the cold temp rating. I am very pleased with the performance of the tire, it hasn't been hot enough in southern Michigan to tell if I've lost anything in the twisties when the tires heat up, but so far very pleased.
They were Jim's recommendation @ Tire Rack.

Sam

 

I also live in Michigan, AA area. I guess that wouldn't come as a total shock to you given the question. We eat at Daryl's once in a while. Where's your favorite twisties around there?

I hadn't considered the S4 but from the tests you don't seem to be giving much up to get the more all season performance. I'm curious at where you had the tires installed and if you were pleased... if you don't mind saying.

 

I was out there last weekend! I had the tires installed locally in Jackson (AutoTech) since they had a mount/balance machine that did not "touch" the wheels with metal to avoid scratching.
As far as twisties, there aren't many...but I pick different routes to and from work. South Jackson Rd (runs from Jackson to US-12) is decent in parts, but I am always looking for new ones!
I took the car to WTD this spring and I was quite pleased with the tires, very predictable. They are great in the rain, unlike the Potenzas. They are still a Z rated tire, but with the bonus of a colder temp rating although the S will never see winter weather.

 

Thanks for the tip on AutoTech. As a matter of fact we're heading to NC this summer and I'm planning on "discovering" that we're near the Dragon. We'll be there during the week so I'm hoping it won't be too crowded.

If you haven't done it try driving East out Seymour Rd all the way to Clear Lake Road. Go north to Waterloo Road then east to M52. Then south(right) on M52 about a mile to Werkner Rd and hang a left to the north. Follow this all the way north over North Territorial Rd and through Unadilla to Doyle Rd. Go West on Doyle and keep right onto Unadilla Rd into Gregory. Go left onto M106. This will take you back to Jackson. If you want you could head south at Munith onto Coon Hill. Then left on Portage lake Rd back to Seymour. Some nice sweepers on that stretch.

Put this on a map and it will make sense. You will see ways of rearranging or cutting it up if you don't want to do the whole thing at once. Enjoy.

 

^^ Thanks for that, I'll check it out.

 

For your information none of the tires you mention are going to be better than the next for cold weather. A performance tire looses 30% of its traction at 45 degrees. Even colder and the tires get even harder.

 

So Jim, does that mean we should take your tire advise with a grain of salt in the future? Since that wasn't what you told me 2 months ago when I purchased the Advan S4's from you...really curious. What is the purpose of the temp rating then?

Sam

 

[QUOTE=Jim@tirerack,May 24 2007, 01:54 PM]For your information none of the tires you mention are going to be better than the next for cold weather.

 

There is no all season tire that is going to be great in the ice and snow. An all season tire is going to be much better than the performance tiers that come on the car. I don't think I would mislead anyone on the tires. The Advan compared to the Potenza that comes on the car is going to be at least 30% better in the cold and snow than the summer tires. Depending on where you live the all season may be enough.
If you live in the snow belt I go for winter tires.