First, please note that I am based in Japan so may not be able to get all tires that are available in the US.

I am looking for replacements for my SO2's which now resemble racing slicks !! I wanted to go for improved wet weather performance, so was looking for SO3's (pole position). It seems that Bridgestone in Japan only go up to 225 for R16's. Which, I understand from a number of discussions and threads, many people consider to be too narrow and many advise us of 245's if switching to SO3's.

They have also offered me Bridgestone RE-01's, which are "high grip" tires, which Bridgestone say offer higher wet and dry grip than the SO3's, but again they only go up to 225 in these as well.

I know that the stock SO2's are badged 225, but my understanding is that the contact patch is more equivalent to most 245 tires.

Jim - If you are reading this your opinions would be very much appreciated.

As an additional question, does the alignment of the wheels mean that the inside will wear more quickly than the outside? The tires at the moment are heavily worn all over, but noticeably more worn on the inside than the outside, and this is on all 4 tires ??

Thanks in advance for any advice

 

The S03 is going to give better wet traction but you are correct on the size. To keep the same stagger as OE you would need 205/55R16 front and 245/45R16 on the rear. If you want to go this way we can ship them to you.
The uneven wear is from to much negative camber.

Jim

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jim@tirerack
[B]The S03 is going to give better wet traction but you are correct on the size.

 

bump

 

Sorry James, it is hard to keep up with the repost. The OE spec S02 is 139.00 front and 152.00 rear and we have them in stock. Shipping would be about 7 to 8 per tire. If you go to the S03 I would recommend the 205/55R16 front 135.00 and the 245/45R16 at 171.00 rear.
If I can help let me know.
Thank you

Jim 800-428-8355-364