I have to replace the rear tires on my car. I have 10,000 miles on them now and have started 'gliding' all over the lane in rainy conditions. I didn't know what the problem was so called the dealer who informed me this was 'normal' so obviously he didn't understand the tires need replacing before 10,000 miles either. At any rate, I knew my driving had changed considerably. I use this car every day driving to and from work, about 100 miles per day. I don't race it and most of the miles are highway miles. Can anyone recommend a good tire that will get good mileage and is good in all weather conditions? I don't understand a lot about why sports cars hardly get any good tire mileage. This is only the second sports car I've ever owned and the first one was not driven enough to have had the tires changed before I sold it. So, if anyone has any good input I would appreciate it as these tires need to be changed out pronto! Also, can you mix tire brands or is it better to stay with just one brand? Thanks again for any help and perhaps I should direct my Honda dealer to this website so he will discontinue the practice of giving out erroneous information off the top of his head that could cost someone their life.

 

I have seen several posts suggesting the S03's for longer life...

David

 

if you are looking for a cheap alternative, i would recommend the Kuhmo Esta Supra 712. They do NOT have NEARLY AS MUCH grip as the s02, but the price is alot less and they wear a lot slower. I have also had much better luck in the rain with them. The s02 is definately a better tire, but the kuhmo is cheaper and lasts longer.

M

 

When you say S02 or S03 tires...is that a Bridgestone like what comes on the car initially? Thanks for your input, I will look around for these tires.

 

This is "normal" if you are suicidal. Take a look at your tread and stick a penny in it...if you can't cover the top part of Lincoln's head in the tread groove...you need new tires!

The softer the tires are, the more grip they get in the dry. The softer the tires are, the faster they wear out.

As long as you are not tracking the car or performing drifts on sharp corners, and have good tread depth on all fours...you will be fine for commute purposes.

Tires are rated on wear by the manufacturers. The higher the number, the longer they will last. OEM S02's happen to be pretty low at 140 UTG. 220 UTG is a decent place to be for semi-aggressive drivers who use the car for some commute. Drivers who want really long lasting tires should stay in the 280 UTG and above range. Keep in mind...the higher the UTG number usually means that the dry weather performance is more compromised.

A good 280 UTG tire that is excellent in the rain is the Toyo T1-S. Use 205/55/16 and 245/45/16 for the stock wheels. You can buy them here for $139 each : http://www.treadepot.com/.

You can see that the water grooves are huge compared to the OEM S02. OEM 225/50/16 S02 is on the left 255/35/18 (for 18x8.5 wheel) is on the right.

 

The car comes with 205/55/16 and 225/50/16 S02's. They are specific S02's for the S2000.

S03's have a 220 UTG, which will last longer than the S02's and they also have wider water channels. Although this tire is commonly the option for taking a step down in performance and a setup up in tread longevity, the tire did very poorly during a wet conditions test against 8 other tires including the AVS Sport, T1-S, SP Sport 9000, P7000, and the Goodyear F1 GS-D3. I beleive the S03's came in dead last during wet weather conditions overall scoring. The Goodyear F1 GS-D3 came in first and the Toyo T1-S came in 2nd for wet weather condition overall testing.

 

I spoke with a tire dealer earlier and he said to stick with the Bridgestone S02 tires until I was ready to change out all the tires otherwise it would cause some problems in the overall performance. Now I am really confused about what to do. I do know that I have to get tires this weekend. Whether they will handle as well as the S02's did when new remains to be seen but all of the information I have received from others here on this site certainly gives me something to work with and I thank you all for taking the time to reply.

 

Peyton,

Make sure you get the correct Bridgestone S02's for the car there is more than one 225/50/16.

Get the 225/50WR16 92W.

Do not get the 225/50ZR16.

You can order from tire rack (http://www.tirerack.com).

 

You can see that the water grooves are huge compared to the OEM S02. OEM 225/50/16 S02 is on the left 255/35/18 (for 18x8.5 wheel) is on the right.

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What I see is one long-ass second toe!!

 

Phantom, that test was done on front wheel cars so totally different handling. I have personnaly driven all but the Toyo tire in wet and dry in tire test and have not seen a better wet traction tire. The advantage of the S03 is you don't loose wet grip as the tire wears because the stickier rubber compound is exposed.

Jim