Cut on a tire - replace or wait

[FTD]

I think N rating means 'Porsche approved'.
I had a friend that bought Tide laundry detergent because he said he was supposed to use it on his X brand shirts. That is bunk. So I figure the N thing is bunk too.

[eslai]

That's the problem--if it really does just mean that the tire passed some sort of certification with Porsche, then why do non-N-rated PS2s exist?

If there is no difference between the non-N and the N version of the tire, then Porsche is really bull****************ting us. Since they won't tell us what the actual difference is, it's impossible to tell and thus it is just frustrating "magic".

Originally Posted by eslai

That's the problem--if it really does just mean that the tire passed some sort of certification with Porsche, then why do non-N-rated PS2s exist?

Eslai, Michellin does in fact have non "N" rate PS2's. For example:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/CompareTires.jsp?sortValue=1&filterType=all&resultsNumberSelected=Y&displayResults=10&compare=true&compareList=3%2C5&RunFlat=All&goWhere=%252Ftires%252FCompare1.jsp&sortCode=&width=265%2F&ratio=35&diameter=19&startIndex=0

The N rated tire is also $20 cheaper! Expalin that one.

[eslai]

I think you misunderstood what I wrote, because you basically just said exactly the same thing that I did.

[n4ally2]

I called up my local porsche parts dept yesterday and they explained to me that N rated tires are tested and approved by porsche. When they first tested and approved the tire, the tire manufacturer will put N0 on the tire. When the manufacturer makes any changes to the N0 tires, they will then call it N1 tires. So it is basically different versions of the tire. So to answer eslai, I best guess is the non N rated PS2 are prior to the prosche approval.

Now, get this: Porsche does not know the difference between N0 or N1. So I really questions how much does it really matter to have N rated tires or not. Maybe it is just a market scheme.

[Lil bastard]

I think simply the vast number of people out there running non-N rated tires proves there's little point to them (N-rated), especially if you pay a premium to get them.

If people were going through wheel bearings, or having excessive accidents or deaths on non-N tires, some credence might be given to the N ratings, but they're not.

Porsche may very well test the tires, whether or not the tire design is improved based on this testing remains a mystery.

Some Mfrs. have worked with Tire Cos. to produce a specific tire and then engineer the car's suspension and handling around that tire such as Ferrari and Mercedes to name a couple. In these cases, sticking with the spec'd tire probably results in the best overall ride and handling. But, since there are several OEM tires available for the porsche, and several more N-rated tires out there, it's not likely this is the case with the 986/996, 987/997.

I bought a pair of Yokohamas in July. I drive fast. They work fine.

Here is thread: http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17662

[eslai]

Originally Posted by Lil bastard

I think simply the vast number of people out there running non-N rated tires proves there's little point to them (N-rated), especially if you pay a premium to get them.

If people were going through wheel bearings, or having excessive accidents or deaths on non-N tires, some credence might be given to the N ratings, but they're not.

I agree partly. If the N-rating means that the tire meets performance criteria that Porsche decreed "good", but the non-N tires don't perform in the same manner, that's not something you're going to be able to tell just by putting on the non-N-rated tires and saying "hey, my car didn't flip, all good!"

[n4ally2]

Hi Everyone,
I ordered my tires today. I settled with the Bridgestone RE050A N0 and replacing both front and back. With all my extensive search for the last week, I purchased them through here They were the cheapest for tires and had road hazard warranty for $16 per tire. No sales tax since they are shipping from New York to CA. When I get them, I will let you know how it turned out.

Thanks for all your help.