Tires again. From newbie - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

ChefCarnivore · 08-10-2009, 04:03 AM

Would winter tires make sense in Raleigh,NC? My boxster will need tire replacement before the year is out. So I was wondering if it makes any sense to replace with winter tires rather than summer.

We normally do not get much snow here if at all. But it does get cold enough to freez water on the roads. I do not have to use the boxster right now and it is garaged. Thing would change if I get a job that required the car.

Brucelee · 08-10-2009, 05:44 AM

Assume you are talking about so-called ALL SEASON tires. In my mind, they could be a useful move. Also, they will last longer and run quieter. These are also called Touring tires.

I doubt you would need real SNOW tires. They are a whole different deal.

mptoledo · 08-10-2009, 06:23 AM

Is the BOX your daily driver? In my opinion if you are going to keep regular tires for the other 3 seasons then it can't hurt, except your wallet. You said you get no snow but ice, well ice is ice. No tire, unless its one of those studded ice racing tires will help you. I was told "AS" Tires are not great in any category and louder than a regular tire. They do wear less but really excell in no area. Living in ohio I was tempted to get the GY AS tire. But I got Sumitomo hzr III instead.

My advice is to read the reviews on tire rack about all season tires. Start with the bad revies then read the good.

ekam · 08-10-2009, 06:43 AM

Studless ice & snow tire.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=X-Ice+Xi2

ChefCarnivore · 08-10-2009, 07:22 AM

Actually I am considering the Sumitomo tire. How noisy are they?

mptoledo · 08-10-2009, 08:21 AM

Ekam, I would consider studless snow tires if I lived in Buffalo, but not NC. Unless money wasn't an object!!

[QUOTE=ChefCarnivore]Actually I am considering the Sumitomo tire. How noisy are they?[/QUOTE]

I started a thread and it has some good feedback. I just updated it with my thoughts on the Sumitomo after 300 miles(yeah i know 300miles).
http://www.987forum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=187562#post187562

I need a good road trip for some serious mileage!! Anybody up for a roadtrip from Central OH to like KY, TN, INDY or even Pittsburgh? It could be a blast!!

eightsandaces · 08-10-2009, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChefCarnivore

Actually I am considering the Sumitomo tire. How noisy are they?

Mine flat spotted like wagon wheels, you get what you pay for, tires are no different.

mptoledo · 08-10-2009, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eightsandaces

Mine flat spotted like wagon wheels, you get what you pay for, tires are no different.

what tires do you have?

70Sixter · 08-10-2009, 11:10 AM

For the few days of cold weather here in Coastal NC, I do not believe A/S tire are needed. It is usually a bit less cold here in winter than in the Piedmont, and ice is almost never present.

We once got trapped in Raleigh in wife's 4WD Grand Cherokee on my way back to the coast because of a ice and snow storm. One night at the ol' Hampton Inn and the next day was fine. We could have made it, but the traffic jam was too terrible.

If I felt the need for winter or A/S tires I'd put them on some cheap wheels and change to a summer tire in the spring.

ChefCarnivore · 08-10-2009, 11:38 AM

Money is always an object. Especially where my wife is concerned. My only leverage is to get my tires at the same time as the tires on her Escape Hybrid. I bought the 08 hybrid for her because I bought the boxster while she was on a cruise with her mom.
It was like, "win-win" I hope.

eightsandaces · 08-10-2009, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mptoledo

what tires do you have?

Michelin Pilot Sport, very happy, been outstanding tires.