I've got S02's all the way around, and the rears need replacing. Sounds like if I get another pair of S02's for the rear, then they'll go bald around the same time the fronts will.

But I'm wondering what I should do if I want to increase my wet road traction? Bridgestone RE750's seem to be a much better wet tire than the S02s, but am I going to have issues with mismatched tires if I just buy the RE750s for the rears?

 

In a word, YES! Get S02 rears this time and switch to a different tire for all fours next time. For your next set: RE750s would be a good choice as well as Fuzion ZRis, Toyo T1Rs, Hankook RS2s. Flip your Front S02s on the same rim to increase their tread life when you get your new rear S02s.

There are many threads on this so search is your friend.

 

Thanks. I did search, and found threads claiming mixed results with mismatched tires... some people claim it makes them lose control, others say it's not a problem if you get rears with similar traction.

It gets quite wet here in Chicago in the summers, so the S02's are pretty scary. I'd either get RE750's all around and just throw away the front S02s, or get RE750's for the rear only.

 

my question is: where can you get some S02 rears? I have been looking everywhere!

 

uh, TireRack.com. Use the vehicle selection and then go to the OEM link. SO2s pop up there.

 

Link doesn't work, but if you go to tire rack and select the S2000 and View OEM tires, it'll show the S0-2's... Honda dealership can also order them for you.

Expensive though, $177 for a single rear at tire rack. My local honda dealership was charging $197, though that might have included mounting, in which case, it's about the same.

So, just to be certain, I shouldn't go with a pair of different brand rears? If so, I think I may just get new tires all around and try to sell the front S02's or something.

 

ok, sorry for being retarded. I was always browsing by brand and never saw the S02 listed. Thanks.

hondabert - I've had the s02's up here in Seattle year round and I think the wet traction is actually pretty decent for the kind of dry performance that you get. I think we should talk to Jim@tirerack and get a discount/gb on s02's!

 

TireRack's prices are already discounted and won't be discounted further, unless there's a closeout or something. Trust me this has been asked a million times.

 

I would replace the rear S02's with something like 245 sized Hankook RS2 or Toyo T1R (both at edgeracing.com) if you will ever be driving the car in rain with less than half tread. The improved rain/hydroplane performance makes up for the small loss in dry grip, IMO. They should wear out at about the same time your fronts need replacing.

 

If you oversize the width of the rears with the stock SO2's, then I doubt you will enjoy your ride. The rears will cause significant understear noticable at all speeds. If you have the money, just change all four. If you don't then you should sell the car, IMO.

Cheers