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Looking for a tire that's a bit better in cold/wet than the RE050A's
I'm in the Santa Cruz mountains (California SF Bay Area).
I drove our R3 last "winter" on the stock RE050A's. It was a lot of ginger driving when the temps were in the 40s (and 30s) and everything wet. I didn't take the car out when it was below freezing (the very few days we have below freezing). But we're a 2-car family, so I need to be able to drive year round.
At 22K miles, it's time for new tires, and while I'd be happy to get the RE050A's again, I always like to look around.
Needs:
1) wet performance. It's very, very wet around here in the winter
2) summer dry performance. It's what the car's for, no?
3) near-freezing temps performance
4) treadwear (we put about 10K miles a year on the car, so minimum better than stock)
Previously, I'd run KDW2 on my 350Z (sold for the R3) until I got tired of it shredding the rears and went with with RE960AS (much sadder in the summer, that's for sure). But I've read people calling the KDW2s as greasy, and the RE050A certain were more stable when pushed hard in the heat. But the KDW2s were better in the cold and wet. Softer compound is my guess.
Anyway, lemme know what you think would be a good fit. Thanks.
Tires I've been looking at:
Bridgestone RE-11
Bridgestone RE050A
Michelin Pilot Super Sport
BFG KDW2 (245/35R19)
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And the Pilot Super Sports are pretty much at the top of my list. I just wish I knew how they'd do in the cold and wet. A co-worker runs PS2's on his (highly modified) Audi S4, and loves them (wet or dry), and the PSS's are supposed to do even better in the wet.
I'm looking for some new dd tires, but comfort is the priority without giving up too much wet grip (was looking at Grand Touring all seasons until I saw just how bad the wet grip is in the tire rack tests!)
Pilot Super Sports and the Conti DW are both excellent in the wet. I have driven both on a wet track. The only thing that will grip more is a dedicated wet race tire :-)
Near freezing, you should be fine with both. I've driven the DW in light snow/slush with some ice. It's not an all season, or a winter tire, and won't grip on ice, but I had no issues. Just be careful when the tires are cold. Once you have driven for a bit, they will warm up...
I went with the Michelin Pilot Super Sports. I've been really quite happy with them. Not too hash, very good grip, great cornering feel. And the traction in the cold and wet is quite good.
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