986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners - View Single Post - Help - Need New Tire Advice

mikefocke · 02-25-2010, 06:07 AM

are an endlessly debated topic.

Go feel those rear Yokos. Bet they are cupped (irregular wear on the tread edges). Also they are known to be noisy when worn. Had a set, hated them, couldn't wait to get rid of them. Measured the decrease in noise by how many notches I was able to turn the radio down...4.

I wouldn't change tire size, just change to new tires and get a professional alignment done by someone who really knows how to set up a Boxster to favor even tire wear but still within Porsche specs. The idiot will set up to meet the spec but won't know what end of the spec to favor to get results. The really good alignment person probably sets cars up for racing and so understands the influence of the various measurements. Can double your rear tire mileage.

Three brands/models are constantly mentioned. Michelin PS2, Sumitomo HTR Z III and Kumho Ecsta SPT. They all make high performance summer radials to fit a Boxster with 17" wheels. The Michelin's are the benchmark against what tire testers test other tires but are expensive. If you buy them, make sure of the model number if you want the Porsche approved/tested version of the tire, it is slightly different from 3 other model numbers advertised under the same marketing name. The other 2 brands (Sumi/Kumho) are significantly cheaper.

Every tire has its proponents.

02-25-2010, 06:07 AM	#7
mikefocke Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sanford NC Posts: 2,537	Tires are an endlessly debated topic. Go feel those rear Yokos. Bet they are cupped (irregular wear on the tread edges). Also they are known to be noisy when worn. Had a set, hated them, couldn't wait to get rid of them. Measured the decrease in noise by how many notches I was able to turn the radio down...4. I wouldn't change tire size, just change to new tires and get a professional alignment done by someone who really knows how to set up a Boxster to favor even tire wear but still within Porsche specs. The idiot will set up to meet the spec but won't know what end of the spec to favor to get results. The really good alignment person probably sets cars up for racing and so understands the influence of the various measurements. Can double your rear tire mileage. Three brands/models are constantly mentioned. Michelin PS2, Sumitomo HTR Z III and Kumho Ecsta SPT. They all make high performance summer radials to fit a Boxster with 17" wheels. The Michelin's are the benchmark against what tire testers test other tires but are expensive. If you buy them, make sure of the model number if you want the Porsche approved/tested version of the tire, it is slightly different from 3 other model numbers advertised under the same marketing name. The other 2 brands (Sumi/Kumho) are significantly cheaper. Every tire has its proponents.