skenderbej

I just replaced the OEM tires on my 2005 S2000. They were the original tires and had 28,869 miles on them, but still had enough tread to go another year for me. I've been itching to replace them and did it when Costco put the rebate on the Potenza RE-11A tires. I don't drive my car when rain's in the forecast, but since I'll drive it to Seattle a couple of times a year, rain is hard to avoid and I wanted a tire with better rain performance than the ZII's and RS3's. Two months ago I got caught in a storm over there and knew it was time. Plus, I could get the rear end to step out any time, even when hot or dry. The rubber had become noticeably harder over the last two summers.

I've been really happy how much the ride quality has improved. The new tires make the old ones seem like hockey pucks. I went with the 225/255 front/rear sizes on AP2 V1 wheels.

[attachment=64606:225 vs 215.JPG]

AZS2KDancer

My question is similar, but my tires are older. I purchased the 17" OEM AP2 V1 wheels with OEM Bridgestone Potenza RE050, with a manufacture date of 1204. That tells me the tires are 10 years old. Tread depth is 6mm on one tire and 5mm on the other 3. There are no visible cracks or disfigurements. Current sizes are 215/45 R17 (front) and 245/40 R17 (rear).

I'm planning a longer trip in about two months and will be driving some mountain roads at less than "spirited" speeds, to keep the motion-sickness enabled gf from ruining the interior.

I have a set of four unused Hankook Ventus V12 tires in all the same size, 245/40 ZR17.

What's your recommendation?

Are 10-year old tires still OK?

Should I change the tires out to the four Ventus V12 for a square set up? Will the V12s fit my wheels?

Or should I put the 245/40 on the rear and buy slimmer tires for the front?

Jim@tirerack

The tire industry says 10 years from the date of mfg of 6 years once they are put on the car. I would not run 10 year old tires in fact we would not even mount them here at Tire Rack. I would look for a couple front V12's in either 215/45R17 or 225/45R17 to match up with the 245/40R17.
If I can help let me know.

CenturionS2K

Thanks for the advice. I am sure there are many threads about this here, but I see you recommended staying with 245 (not 255) in the rear and 225 in the front as an option. What are the cons of the doing that? Will it change the balance of the car, VSA engagement, create move oversteer, etc? How about rubbing? I know the CR comes with 255 in the rear. I want there to be absoutely not rubbing. Thanks.

CenturionS2K

Want to thank everyone for the timely and helpuful replies! What a great community we have here.

Themikewoo

Let us know what you decide to do.

Memo6453

not sure if OP purchased already, but Costco will have Michelin tires $70 off of 4 Sept. 1 and the bridgestone $70 off is still good till Aug. 31st. If you not a member, using tirerack is a no brainer. Good luck. Also, if you looking to do long road trips and not a casual spirited driver, id look into A/S tires rather than extreme performance tires due to tread life. just a thought.

Jim@tirerack

You can go with the 225/45R17 and 255/40R17 on the AP2 no problem. They are just a little wider than stock. It will handle a little better without any rubbing issues. There will not be any issues with anti loch or traction control. If I can help let me know.