Tire Question
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
OP: I would also pick up a set of the Rain-X Latitude Windshield Wipers. http://www.rainx.com/
Drifting
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,728
Likes: 36
From: TX / CO
Thanks for the responses, I am leaning toward replacing the tires, now the fun is deciding on a tire. I am considering the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S plus ZP, living in New England (CT) where the roads really are in bad shape plus the fact that I love to drive in the fall which means wet leaves and the need for All Season Tires. Anyone have these on their car that would care to share there experience or offer other options. Thanks again - Jeff
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,015
Likes: 2,709
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
When I purchased my 2005 vette the previous owner put the slightly worn original tires back on the car when he traded it in. I plan to go on a several thousand mile trip in the fall with the vette and am concerned a bit with the tires. While not even worn halfway yet the rubber to me seems a bit hard/shiny and although not cracking or having evidence of dry rot I'm thinking I should replace them for safety reasons. I have talked with some friends and surprisingly have had a mixed response.
Maybe I should have a bit of fun and wear the tires down then replace them
, what do you folks think, am I pushing it a bit using these tires?
Maybe I should have a bit of fun and wear the tires down then replace them
, what do you folks think, am I pushing it a bit using these tires?I'd spend a few bucks for a tread depth gauge and check how much is really left in in every groove, it's rather difficult to judge how much is above the wear bars. You should get at least 1,000 miles per 1/32" of tread on those base tires, probably closer to 2,000. Of course, you don't want to wear down to 0, 2/32" is the legal minumum and anything less than 4/32" can get exciting in rain.
If you take long trips, runflats are probably the best choice. You may still end up in Nowhereville for a day or two until a new tire arrives if yours gets ruined by a big cut, but at least you can drive to civilization on a flat.
We had the Firestone runflats on our C5 and liked them, especially for the price. Downsides were poor grip in cold weather, no grip in snow; and they are marked "Do not repair tire" on the sidewall. Firestone told me that is an absolute, I think it's lawyer-talk. In the real world, it seems like about 50% of the tire shops will repair a Firestone C6 runflat if it's otherwise acceptable.
We have two sets of wheels/sensors/tires for our 2009 Coupe. Switch ot every Spring/Fall.
Our Michelin PS2 ZP runflats are an outstanding summer performance tire; great grip wet or dry, ride somewhat softer than the Goodyears. Tread life is good but not great. Pricey. If you love to attack every corner, or do autocross/HPDE, this is an excellent tire.
Our Michelin A/S+ ZP runflats are better in cold weather and can handle a couple of inches of snow. Not as grippy as the PS2, but better than you'd expect from an A/S. Longer tread life and lower cost will cut the price per mile to almost half of the PS2. An excellent touring tire.
All tires lose grip in cold temps, the A/S just loose it at a slower rate per degree.
Nothing will help you much on wet leaves, your tire can grip the leaves but the leaves slide on the wet pavemtn and you're screwed.
Get the right tool for your job, and enjoy your car!
Last edited by Gearhead Jim; Jun 24, 2012 at 02:45 PM.
