I am going to buy a set of tires to go on the stock wheels and leave the S0-2's for the track on a different set of wheels. Here's what I am looking for:

1) Something that lasts a bunch more miles than the stock tires
2) Something that is the stock size front and rear
3) Something that is good for four seasons use (snow, rain, dry)
4) Handling is not a concern at all, as these are just used as highway cruisers

What would be your suggestions? Thank you!

 

My car is a 4 seasons daily driver. The limiting factor in your quest is snow traction. You can pretty much always get by with any tire on dry and rain but not just any tire will get you through snow and ice. Cold temps are generally associated with snow and ice. You must have a tire made of a compound that will work in cold. I run dedicated snow tires for winter. This car will not work without them. Of course you can compromise with some sort of "all season M&S" tire and plan to leave the car at home when the snow gets too deep or when the temp gets to the "critical" range. I can't tell you exactly what this range is but below and above it, you're usually OK with all season tires unless the snow is deep. (Approx. just near freezing to about -10*C. I can't explain it.) Although I don't have personal experience with them, you might take a look at something like a Goodrich GT+4. I had a friend that ran these year round and found them adequate but it was NOT a RWD. Another tire to look at is the Goodyear Aquatread (same observations as my other suggestion.) Any tire that will give you good winter traction will wear quickly in the warmer seasons.
Remember, a non OEM rear tire needs to be 245 to be comparable in tread width.

 

Thanks for your reply. I see your point about the snow tires. I was hoping to avoid having three sets of tires but I guess that is not going to be a possibility. So, crossing snow off the list above what would be some recommendations. I have never had good luck with goodyear tires and would like to stay away from them if at all possible.

 

Hopefully, others will chime in here with real world info. You might go to a tire shop and check the tread wear numbers on a few brands that you like the name and price of that have our sizes. The tread wear will tell you how it will compare to the S02's.

 

Can anybody help with this? I got a screw in one S0-2 yesterday so I need new tires ASAP and don't know what to go with.

 

Email or PM Jim, the Tire Rack guy. He'll make some suggestions, I'm sure.
If your S02 is still OK for tread, you can have it patched assuming the nail is NOT on the sidewall.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper
[B]
Email or PM Jim, the Tire Rack guy.

 

Bulge - BAD! You're going to need another S02 anyway so may as well get one.
If indeed handling is not an issue for you, you might see if Michelin has one of their high mileage tires in our size for you. I've had exceptional wear with this brand.
I'm kinda surprised noone else has responded to this thread. I guess nobody has actually had non-OEM tires long enough to tell you if they wear well on this car.

 

TTT ---- i PM Jim but still no reply.... Anybody help?

 

i use mine as a daily driver. i replaced the rears w/ SO-3's and retained the stock SO-2 in the front. the SO-3s are built for all-weather conditions and seem about the same as stocks in terms of loudness and width. go with 245s and you should be happy.