When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hey guys, I'm about to go on a 600mi road trip in my 02 Vert and am considering getting new tires before hand. So, I have a few questions. First off, my current tires are stock size (non-Z06), they are Michelins, and appear to me to be suffering from cupping. I've included the only pic I have on my phone, someone let me know of the severity of the cupping. Don't know much about cupping as this is the first vehicle I've had that has suffered from it. Is this still safe to drive on?
So the options I'm considering are 1) keeping the stock wheels and getting one size larger tires on front/back; 255/45/17 and 285/40/18.
Option 2 is getting a set of OEM Z06 wheels and running their OEM sizes; 265/40/17 and 295/35/18. I usually prefer to keep the wheels the car came with, but could make an exception to accommodate wider tires.
Question is, will either option give me problems with the traction control system without flashing or reprogramming anything? I'm assuming that'll be required if I go the Z06 wheel route. I also haven't decided on brand yet, but I'm considering Continental ExtremeContact Sport and GY Eagle F1. Since this is my "weekend" car, I'm only looking at max performance summer tires.
Can't make out a discernable wear pattern on the tire in the pic. But assuming you have a poor wear pattern, its an alignment issue so if you get new tires, make sure to get a good 4 wheel alignment at the same time. Option 2 is not an option because there aren't any 265/40/R17 tires out there anymore. The continental tire is a good option. The Goodyear, probably a giant meh at best.
It's not so much a wear pattern, the tires have these small, almost gouges all over them. Tried to zoom in a bit on this pic. Like I said, I don't really know what tire cupping is. Did a Google search and found 50 images that all look different. A description I found online said cupping is "noticeable “cups” that look like dips or craters in the rubber". That kinda looks like mine only mine are tiny compared to what I guess actual cupping is. It almost looks like the rubber is flaking off.
Also, thanks for the info on the Z06 front tires. I'm also having trouble finding one place that sells both 255/45/17 and 285/40/18 size tires.
How old is that tire? It looks old and dried out and chunking a bit.
I'm not really sure. They were on the car when I got it in April of this year. Prior owner said they weren't that old, but that's not worth much. Very possible they are old.
there's an obvious 4 digit code on the sidewall inside an oval shape usually. Find that code and report back. Its numbers only no letters the one with letters is related to where the tire was made, not when.
Indeed. I recognized the tread pattern as an OLD Michelin all season runflat. I bought a set of them, around 2009. Replace them, and get your alignment checked.
Tires vs. Electronics (with some cupping added)
