I'm getting to the point where I need to replace my tires. I've never bought new tires for a car before (I'm only 24), much less performance tires, and I have a couple questions:

1. Is there any reason that I need to replace all 4 tires at the same time? My rear tire thread is nearly gone, but I expect my front tires will last me another 10k miles or so. I only drive about 1000 miles a month.

2. Any recommendations on brand? I have the stock Potenzas on the 19" rims.

3. Is 26k miles a typical life for the rear tires? Also, they wore significantly more on the outside edge, is this a camber/alignment issue? The thread is nearly bald (~1/16") on the outside edge, but the inside edge still has 1/8" to 1/4" left.

4. Is tirerack the best place to purchase tires? Would they be delivered to my house then and then i'd have to take them to a shop to get rimmed?

Thanks for your help. I feel a little helpless my first time buying tires, and with how expensive they are, I don't want to make a bad purchase.

Kevin

 

I love the BFG KDW2's they are a great all around performance tire. Tirerack should give you the best price around for them.

 

Wheelsdirectonline (one of the banners on here) has the best prices on the BFG's

 

You don't necessarily have to replace all 4 at the same time. 26K miles sounds about right. Depending on how you drive G's eat tires pretty fast....I bought Yokahama All-season tires from Discount Tires for a reasonable price. Shop around, but I do find that Tirerack and Discount Tires usually have the best deals.

 

Thanks for the replies.

I've been considering getting summer tires instead of all-season, since I plan on buying a 2nd vehicle (used truck with 4WD) by next fall, for work (I work in highway construction) and snow. I live in Baltimore, MD btw, we get 3-4 significant snowfalls a year usually. Is this a wise decision?

 

One warning. If you replace just the rears or just the fronts you have to get the same brand/make of tire because the VDC system is so sensitive, the difference in tire diameter with different brands/makes front to rear will engage the system in standard turns/corners (Its a big shock to go into a nice fast sweeper and have your car start applying a single front brake). I ended up having to replace the stock front Pilot Sports way before they were worn because of this.