Newbie summer tire question

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May 27, 2009 | 11:25 AM

Joe Remi

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Newbie summer tire question

Sorry for the basic question, but the more I read, the more confused I get. I'm in the market for my first Corvette this summer, a C5 A4. Most come with summer tires. I live in a rural part of California. We see sun and rain, of course, plus 2 or 3 days of light snow a year. We usually get several weeks of below-freezing temperatures. We don't have a real winter lasting long enough to require winter tires. Will summer tires get through all the above conditions, or do I need all-season rubber?

Thanks,
Joe

May 27, 2009 | 11:31 AM

capevettes

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Yes. I can't see sacrificing performance for the small amount of snow you may see. Just drive slow. In my neck of the woods summer tires don't work so well if you drive in the winter.

May 27, 2009 | 01:24 PM

Joe Remi

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 8VETTE7

I think I would avoid the ultra high performance tires as most of them have very poor traction in temps below 40 degrees. But you don't need a winter type tire. Are you planning on staying with runflats or going to a non-runflat tire?

Non-runflat. Most used C5s have already ditched the runflats.

May 27, 2009 | 04:13 PM

The Boy Racer

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 8VETTE7

Something you can do is look at results of testing of tires. If you go to Tire Rack's www site, enter your tire sizes and click go. A list of every manufacturer that produces the specified size comes up. As you scroll through the list you will notice that many brands have been tested as indicated by the heading " Test Results" for the given tire. Click the test results and there is verbage about the testing and a choice of "Test Result Charts". You will see some interesting info about the tires tested. Remember that there are tradeoffs when selecting tires. A tire that delivers high mileage may not produce the best traction, or a tire that is great for winter driving may not be particularly quiet, etc. Decide on what is important to you in a tires qualities and then use the information in the charts to narrow down your choices.

Also, a lesson I learned with my 3000GT VR4; Dont cheap out.

May 27, 2009 | 05:30 PM

Joe Remi

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Quote:

Originally Posted by The Boy Racer

Also, a lesson I learned with my 3000GT VR4; Dont cheap out.

That I won't do. My wife will be driving it pretty often and I don't want her flinging the car off the road.

May 28, 2009 | 02:50 AM

a_k_00

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From: Round Rock Texas

I just put on Nitto 555R's and can't tell you how happy I am with them. My climate seems similar to yours and I felt no need for an all-season tire. Ditching the run-flats however was most likely one of the best things I could've done. Better Ride, handling, quieter drive and 1/3 the cost! The Nitto's also have a great look, very smooth sidewall that is friendly with tire shine. That crap always stayed in the ridges on the Goodyears and got flung all over the pretty clean car.

May 28, 2009 | 10:40 AM

ggeldy

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I got rid of my runflats and bought some Michelin PS2's all season tires(non runflats) .I've been very happy with them and they didn't break the bank . $1100 out the door.(stock sizes)

May 28, 2009 | 02:28 PM

Vetteman Jack

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Summer tires will get you through the type of weather you have - just adjust your driving accordingly. I ran summer tires on mine all year around here and we get snow every year - I just took it easy on those rare occasions I was out in the car when the white stuff started falling.