Do many of you guys in SW Ontario use dedicated summer tires?

If so, about how many weeks/months would you estimate you feel comfortable rolling on them (ie storing your winter wheels)?

How good are summer tires for driving in heavy rain fall situations (driving sensibly on the hwy at speed limit)?

What are your favourite performance summer tire choices?

I have an X. Do you think it makes any sense to run performance summer tires with a stock suspension or am I better off sticking with some A/S tires.

What are your favourite 'performance rated' A/S tires?

BTW - If I do go with summers, I would also replace the stock X 17" wheels with some 18s or 19s.

Thanks

 

I think a lot depends on how -- and how much -- you drive. If you do only occasional 'spirited' driving like me, I think a decent-performing A/S tires with good rain characteristics will keep you happy. If you have very little rain and frequently drive for fun, or track your car, some top-shelf summers may be in order. JMO.

What are your stock tires?

 

I think I may drive like a bit like you Swivel.
It's my DD and I tend to get a little spirited when I think (hope) no one is looking. I definitely do not go to the track.
The stock tires are the Goodyear RSA's. I kind of like them. They sure are quiet compared to my winters.
I can hardly wait to get rid of that humming noise.

 

winter's usually have a deeper tread which is why the sound echos up. If you get some solid all seasons you should be fine.

 

If you've got dedicated winters, it makes sense to do the same for spring/summer. I go from this page to get reviews and have used the Michelin PS since I got my G.
I have 17" for winter and stock 18 for summer. Lots of reviews and suggestions in our threads.
FWIW I got my last set of rims and tires (good thread) from our marketplace from Cali. Shipped and duty paid they were cheaper than buying 4 new PS's here.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e1=yes&place=6

 

Sounds like you would be best suited with a set of High Performance All Season tires.

2 of the best performance AS tires out right now are the Bridgestone RE960A/S pole position's, and the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S plus. While both cost a pretty penny, they are great for wet weather and handle very very well in dry weather.
-GP-

 

how come i hear a louder noise when i am running coupe 19s with summers?

 

Are your windows open? Couldn't resist, sorry.

 

I do not believe that A/S tires are any better than summer tires in rain. Just look for any tires that bears AA traction (usually written on the sidewall). The AA traction rating is for wet, not dry.

Therefore, you'd have summer tires that are good in rain and able to driving spiritedly when dry.

 

My vote is for all seasons unless you're really serious about maximizing performance. A/S will cost less and last longer.

 

...and run quieter.

 

You may find anything is a step up from your RSA's. I've heard good things about the P/S skins, I actually don't mind my current Toyo Proxes TPT's (came on the car, brand new tires) and would also highly recommend Bridgestone G019s; they are great in both wet and dry.

 

I'm running Federal's summer only and found no issues with rainfall. They are useless in cold temperatures unless the roads are bare. I will be purchasing a set of Falken all seasons this year though.