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I’ve just purchased a 2012 Grand Sport with 3000 miles. The car still has the original tires and naturally I want to replace them. I’ve read many tire related posts here but I didn’t find exactly the answers I need to make the right tire choice. Also, some of the tires mentioned in previous posts are no longer available and new ones are coming out.
I plan on using my car conservatively for cruising but I’m in PA where the temperatures get pretty low in the Winter so I’m considering All-Season tires.
A new tire that I’m interested in is the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4ZP. These are currently available in the rear tire size but the fronts will not be available for a while. It looks like these replace the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus which are now discontinued. It also seems that Michelins are the only current choice for an All-Season, run flat tire.
Have the more recent versions of run flat tires been a lot better than the OEM tires with respect to noise and ride quality? I’d kind of like to use run flats just for peace of mind.
Would Summer tires be OK to use for occasional Winter use in nice weather or should I really be considering All-Season tires? Do you have problems with Summer tires developing flat spots when sitting unused for extended periods during the Winter?
One last thing, would the original tires, which appear perfect, be of any use to someone concerned with originality for judging? If so, I would save the old tires and make them available for free to anyone who could use them.
I think that you should stay with the original tires. You will read lots about replacing older tires but none of it is empirical. We unfortunately live in a time when government nanny's are fearful, care nothing about cost, and rely on people who sell tires to tell them that we need to buy new tires. What is the risk in recommending new tires? None if you aren't paying. Same with baby beds that can't have a front that lowers or car seats that can't be sold used. Ridiculous.
Your car has not been in the sun, I wouldn't worry. I bought a similar car and replaced the tires because I planned to use them for track days and daily driving. Older tires would not pass inspection. Again, without empirical evidence. Complete waste of money and resources.
GS Tire Questions
