Different tires in front vs. back
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: SF Bay Area
Different tires in front vs. back
I bought some used AP1 rims that had OEM S02's on them. The rears have plenty of life left but the fronts were really worn on the inside.
When it's time to replace the rears, I'd like to go with a different tire than the S02's but I would like to just replace the fronts for now.
Is it safe to go with something like the REO50A PP's or the Star Specs in the front and keep the S02's in the rear?
From reading other threads, it sounds like it's OK to mix front/back tires as long as they are in the same performance category. But on the other hand, maybe the other tires perform better than the S02's, and since the better performing tires would be in the front, I want to make sure I wouldn't be making a stupid newbie mistake.
The other idea I'm considering is to see if I can find someone who is replacing their S02's, and buy their used front tires that are still in great shape. I know, used tires. LOL. If I can find used fronts, would that a bad idea for some reason? That way, I can replace all four with another model when the rears wear out in 5000 miles or so.
I hope I'm not being naive but this is an honest question, so please have mercy on me.
Thanks in advance!
When it's time to replace the rears, I'd like to go with a different tire than the S02's but I would like to just replace the fronts for now.
Is it safe to go with something like the REO50A PP's or the Star Specs in the front and keep the S02's in the rear?
From reading other threads, it sounds like it's OK to mix front/back tires as long as they are in the same performance category. But on the other hand, maybe the other tires perform better than the S02's, and since the better performing tires would be in the front, I want to make sure I wouldn't be making a stupid newbie mistake.
The other idea I'm considering is to see if I can find someone who is replacing their S02's, and buy their used front tires that are still in great shape. I know, used tires. LOL. If I can find used fronts, would that a bad idea for some reason? That way, I can replace all four with another model when the rears wear out in 5000 miles or so.
I hope I'm not being naive but this is an honest question, so please have mercy on me.
Thanks in advance!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,863
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From: Pawtucket, RI
Any of the higher-rated "Extreme Performance" or "Max Performance" tires up front should be fine, with the caveat that the S02 is almost certainly going to have less wet grip, so take it easy when roads are damp. Monitor rear tire wear and you might replace them a little early, a little before you get to the wear bars.
If you drive in the wet and hydroplaning resistance is important to you, stick with "Max Performance" category.
IMO, your best options for reasonable $$$ are Dunlop Star Spec (Extreme Perf) and Continental ExtremeContact DW (Maximum Performance).
Be aware that turn-in response will likely be less sharp than with the S02's (particularly with the Conti's) although maximum grip will likely be improved (particularly in the wet).
If you drive in the wet and hydroplaning resistance is important to you, stick with "Max Performance" category.
IMO, your best options for reasonable $$$ are Dunlop Star Spec (Extreme Perf) and Continental ExtremeContact DW (Maximum Performance).
Be aware that turn-in response will likely be less sharp than with the S02's (particularly with the Conti's) although maximum grip will likely be improved (particularly in the wet).
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 597
Likes: 1
From: SF Bay Area
Any of the higher-rated "Extreme Performance" or "Max Performance" tires up front should be fine, with the caveat that the S02 is almost certainly going to have less wet grip, so take it easy when roads are damp. Monitor rear tire wear and you might replace them a little early, a little before you get to the wear bars.
If you drive in the wet and hydroplaning resistance is important to you, stick with "Max Performance" category.
IMO, your best options for reasonable $$$ are Dunlop Star Spec (Extreme Perf) and Continental ExtremeContact DW (Maximum Performance).
Be aware that turn-in response will likely be less sharp than with the S02's (particularly with the Conti's) although maximum grip will likely be improved (particularly in the wet).
If you drive in the wet and hydroplaning resistance is important to you, stick with "Max Performance" category.
IMO, your best options for reasonable $$$ are Dunlop Star Spec (Extreme Perf) and Continental ExtremeContact DW (Maximum Performance).
Be aware that turn-in response will likely be less sharp than with the S02's (particularly with the Conti's) although maximum grip will likely be improved (particularly in the wet).
Thanks, Dan. I try not to drive the S in the rain and have held onto my Civic to beat up on when needed. So I'll most likely go with the Star Specs up front for now, and then add them to the back later after I get some more use out of the S02's. I'll replace them a little early as you recommended. Thanks again!
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