Boxster approved tires - Page 2 - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

socratic · 07-14-2005, 09:35 PM

By the way, what do others think of my almost tongue-in-cheek strategy of using inexpensive Kumhos and throwing them out after 50% wear?

Current cost at Tirerack.com for:

Michelin Pilot Sport Rib (255/40ZR17): $206
Kumho Ecsta Supra 712 (255/40WR17): $99

That's more than double...

Sure, the Michelins will provide better grip when new, but what about 2 years later, when the Michelins are 80% or 90% worn? Which will be safer AND provide (significantly) greater traction, especially in the wet(!): the 80% worn Michelins or the 30% worn 2nd set of Kumhos?

By the way, I'm not defending any allegiance to Kumhos. They just came with the car I bought; furthermore, I have Michelins all-seasons on my other car and I'm happy with those.

socratic · 07-14-2005, 09:41 PM

One other thought: would it be useful to make a tire thread sticky at the top? Some place where us Boxster owners could post results and observations of how their tires perform, especially as the tires age and how gracefully they age.

Someone here had commented that Tirerack.com reviews are from all kinds cars, all kinds of styles of driving and all kinds of preferences in what the driver perceives to be the ideal tire. And this means that the results of their reviews and surveys must be taken with a grain of salt. The fact that our forum limits the cars to Boxsters is a big help I think.

limoncello · 07-15-2005, 04:05 AM

I'm sure others will differ, but I tend to agree with the cheap tire/change often theory with the Sumitomos (or Kuhmos if you like them) for my STREET driving. I tend to drive less aggressively on the street - mostly cruising with the occassional punch out or hard corner.
But I'm starting to watch ebay for a second set of rims for track tires. The more I read and talk to others, this may be the best route for me. A set of street tires, given my use patterns, could go a long way and be very economical. Leaving more money on the table to put towards the track.

Those who drive more aggressively on the street will choose other options I'm sure, and rightfully so.

deliriousga · 07-15-2005, 04:47 AM

Has anyone tried the Fuzion tires? They are rated better than the Sumitomos and Kumhos so I'm thinking of trying them on the rear of the 928 when I replace them soon.

Thanks!

BuffaloBoxster · 07-15-2005, 05:00 AM

Just to recount my experience, I had a set of Kumho 712s on my Acura RSX. One of the tires had to be replaced because it was shaped funny, and we were never able to get one of the others balanced properly. It's not that I'm against inexpensive tires, but I think in the quality control department you get what you pay for. Prior to that I'd used Dunlop D60A2 and Firestone Firehawks on my Integra GS-R and both were competent tires.

I have found over the years that the "name brand" tires are superior IMH and non expert opinion, at least in terms of QC. Plus they're generally well-backed by the dealers, and also readily available if you should happen to develop a puncture while road-tripping.

limoncello · 07-15-2005, 10:59 AM

Quote "I have found over the years that the "name brand" tires are superior IMH and non expert opinion, at least in terms of QC."

Had one of my OEM Goodyears replaced a month ago on my 2005 daily car. Couldn't be balanced - local Goodyear dealer said it was "out of round" and replaced it free under warranty (side note: it was a familiar shop where I've done business for years). Happens even to good brands sometimes.

socratic · 07-15-2005, 04:42 PM

Actually one of my Kumhos IS ever so slightly out of round, as determined by a Hunter 9700 wheel balancer.

I just haven't had the time to ask Kumho about this.

Buffalo: other than the out of round experience, how were the Kumhos? Did they wear well and did traction go down and noise go up significantly later in life?

Pilot2519j · 07-15-2005, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by socratic

Actually one of my Kumhos IS ever so slightly out of round, as determined by a Hunter 9700 wheel balancer.

I just haven't had the time to ask Kumho about this.

Buffalo: other than the out of round experience, how were the Kumhos? Did they wear well and did traction go down and noise go up significantly later in life?

That is the problem I had the wheels were out of round and they were giving me a hop driving. STS blame the rim so I told them take the tire off the rim and spin the rim. Did that and no imperfection so the tires were the problem. My experience was very bad altogether. The tires were not cheap either. I think over 700 dollars for all 4
I know I got screwed by the STS guy. As the Romans would say Caveat Emptor. I learned my lesson for me is the Porsche dealer and whatever it is it is.

socratic · 07-17-2005, 12:02 AM

What is "STS"?

The only consequence of one of my front tires being a tiny bit out of round is a barely perceptible vibration when the tires are cold and I'm at 60+ mph. At lower speeds or when the tires warm up, it is pretty much non-existent. So I haven't made a big fuss over this.

Also at about 4000 miles, I think it's too late to replace one of the front tiires (is it?). I think the size differential is now too much between a new tire and the other worn by 4000 miles (right?).

xavier405 · 07-18-2005, 10:01 AM

I just picked up the Porsche prefferred tires brochure that was referred to earlier in this thread. I read an interesting note on the back, to the effect that:

Tires will lose their speed rating after they have been plugged or repaired.

Of course, it makes sense, but I hadn't thought about it until then. I have a small hole plugged up in one of my Michelin Pilots. This is a good reminder not to go totally nuts on the speed now. I just thought I would post it here, too, because I know there are several folks who occasionally wander on the high side of the 100mph mark. If I had time on the track, I would certainly see that I had tires in top health. But on the freeway with the occasional zoom rush I know we tend to forget things like this.

r328i · 07-18-2005, 12:01 PM

Interesting thread on tires here. I agree that this subject is very personal. Almost as diverse as cars themselves. EVeryone has an opinion and there are always mixed reviews on the exact same product. As for the tirerack reviews. When I look at them, I filter them to my own preference. Example, someone with say a Ford Taurus telling me that a Particular Michelin tire is the BEST tire out there, and that he/she is a very spirited driver - doesn't hold much water compared to say a Lotus Elise owner saying the same thing. I think you all understand what I mean. It's so relative. When people say it's the 'best'. Well, yes, maybe the best they've ever had. But....

Personally, I've gone through dozens, and dozens of tires. Currently running Michelin Pilot Sports on my 328i. Quite happy with them. Also have a set of Dunlop Sport M3 'winters' - since I do live up in Canada. Happy with that set as well. I do track and autox my car regularly and am currently considering a dedicated set of 'track' wheels.

bottom line - each person has their own choice/reason for what and why they buy a particular model/brand. Problem is....tires aren't cheap!! But so important.

BuffaloBoxster · 07-19-2005, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by socratic

Buffalo: other than the out of round experience, how were the Kumhos? Did they wear well and did traction go down and noise go up significantly later in life?

I didn't have them long enough to be able to tell you, I traded the car on my Boxster about 3 months after I got the tires. All I can tell you is that to have two bad tires out of 5 is definately not a benchmark of quality IMHO

I would say though that they're a nice grippy tire for a guy on a budget. If I were autocrossing regularly I'd probably think about mounting some on another set of rims so's not to burn through my Bridgestones.