uberhahn
09-08-2005, 06:32 AM
For the last 12 months I've been driving my car on questionable tires. The Michellin's in front were probably original tires. Although the tread was still sufficient, I think they had gone through so many heat cycles that the rubber really hardened. The rear tires were a set of Pirelli Vizzo's. Though these are probably ok for a dry environment, Michigan is no place for them.
Driving last winter was an adventure. Although I never had problems moving or stopping, this is partially due to ASC, and partially due to several years of rally driving.
So, I bought a set of 225/60R15 Nokian WR's just yesterday. I wanted to stay with the original wheel size, as Michigan roads would demolish any + conversions.
My one-way commute is roughly 43.75 miles. The tires are quiet on the inside. However, when driving with the window open, I could definitely tell that they were grabbing every expansion joint. Cornering was somewhat soft initially. However, this is primarily due to the fact that the tires haven't gone through their initial heat cycle yet. This will come in the next few days.
In the heavy rain this morning, in situations where I would normally slow to 50 mph with the older tires, I decided to drive through at "normal" speed. I felt no hydroplaning, and stability and tracking were excellent.
These tires have a 96Q wear rating, so 50,000 mi should be no problem. I will let you know how they are in the snow.
uberhahn
Driving last winter was an adventure. Although I never had problems moving or stopping, this is partially due to ASC, and partially due to several years of rally driving.
So, I bought a set of 225/60R15 Nokian WR's just yesterday. I wanted to stay with the original wheel size, as Michigan roads would demolish any + conversions.
My one-way commute is roughly 43.75 miles. The tires are quiet on the inside. However, when driving with the window open, I could definitely tell that they were grabbing every expansion joint. Cornering was somewhat soft initially. However, this is primarily due to the fact that the tires haven't gone through their initial heat cycle yet. This will come in the next few days.
In the heavy rain this morning, in situations where I would normally slow to 50 mph with the older tires, I decided to drive through at "normal" speed. I felt no hydroplaning, and stability and tracking were excellent.
These tires have a 96Q wear rating, so 50,000 mi should be no problem. I will let you know how they are in the snow.
uberhahn