Daily Slideshow: How to Choose the Right Tires for Your Vette
Buying tires can be a pain in the tail pipe. This is a column for those who aren’t necessarily racers or track day guys, but still love driving their daily fast and enjoy the great handling a Corvette offers.
Understand UTQG and Treadwear
UTQG is essentially a rule set that determines a tire’s treadwear. This term is a comparison of tires, but one that is often compared incorrectly. When it comes to treadwear tire manufacturers are not equal. One manufacturer 200TW tire will not last the exact same amount as another manufacturer. True wear characteristics in any type of spirited or high-performance driving will change from one tire brand to the next even if they are in the same treadwear category.
>>Join the conversation about the importance of a great set of tires on your Corvette right here.
Pay Attention and Save
Even if you aren’t into motorsport, but you want to buy a better tire or find something cheaper that gives equal grip you should pay attention to racing. Think local club forums as opposed to Le Mans broadcasts. Racing forums are awash with guys who have tried this tire or that tire and evaluated all the stuff you don’t have time to. See what the SCCA guys are running to get an idea of whats good AND relatively inexpensive. Watch what the amateur endurance guys are doing to see which tires last the longest.
>>Join the conversation about the importance of a great set of tires on your Corvette right here.
Small Shops
Some of the best deals I’ve had on tires came from using the same shop over and over until you become a repeat customer. Being nice goes a long way in the auto industry and it’s not uncommon (YMMV) to have mounting and balancing fees slashed or in some cases waved if people like seeing you…and your checks clear. If you happen to do some track days see if you can work out a deal. Small amounts add up!
>>Join the conversation about the importance of a great set of tires on your Corvette right here.
Understanding Evolution
It goes without saying that the guys at GM and Michelin are on the ball when it comes to creating top of the line OEM equipment for machines like the ZR1 and Z06. That said, the aftermarket has evolved tremendously and tire producers like Toyo and the like have rubber that rivals race equipment from a decade ago. Don’t feel a need to spend big bucks on the latest tire at the dealership when something aftermarket will suffice!
>>Join the conversation about the importance of a great set of tires on your Corvette right here.
Assess your Needs
Be honest about what you need. If you don’t go to the track you don’t need R-compounds. Don’t be “that guy” in “the canyons.” 90% of consumer needs can be met in the 200 treadwear category these days. If you think you need more it’s time to go to the race track. In the next segment, we’ll look at different types of racing tires and how to choose the right tire for all-out competition. Until next time…
>>Join the conversation about the importance of a great set of tires on your Corvette right here.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.
