I just got my first RX8 about three months ago. It is getting to a point I need new tires (2004). What is recomended for a good tire, that is also good for northwest weather? Thanks for your help!!

 

I've only run stock tires. I think they do pretty good, but once there is snow on the ground it's time to park it. You have ZERO traction with the Potenza RE040s in ice and snow (the tire manufacterer even warns about it). There are a lot of people running different tires so I'm sure they'll be able to help out and give thier opinions.

 

Honestly, I'd recommend keeping 2 sets, one for summer one for winter. I've talked to people who have still gotten stuck on all seasons in the snow in the winter. I'm planning on running my Star Specs until they're gone or the end of November, whichever comes first, then getting snows.

 

I've driven on the RE040 stock tires and now I'm on the RE050A Pole Positions. I never got a chance to really drive the RE040 in the wet, but I hear they are a little slippery. Rain is no problem at all for the RE050A PP. Below 40°F they are still pretty easy to break loose in the wet with just the throttle.

If you're super worried about rain and possible light snow performance I would recommend the Bridgestone RE960AS PP or Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus. I wouldn't recommend driving an RX-8 in the snow either way, but that really just depends on your experience and what kind of tires you have.

I generally stick to Bridgestones of Michelins. They generally make the best "all-around" tires.

I've heard good things about the tires that Anijo is running, the Dunlop Z1 Star Spec. I've also heard that Yokohama Neovas are the most "predictable," I take that as meaning they break away very progressively and it makes the car easy to catch in case it gets loose.

Your post is rather non-descriptive in terms of what you want out of the tire. Everyone on here is very particular about what they want their tires to do. Although, I don't think anyone here buys anything but good tires.

With that said, the tires can make or break the behavior of the car. I had a set of tires on a Miata that would make it jump across lanes when making a lane change. They were quite scary and they were of well known makes too (Cooper and General tire), don't ask me why they were mixed front to rear... the last owner did it. What do you expect from a $1600 Miata.

 

I am looking for a tire that grips well. Love the corners. Ya it rains a lot, but if it snows I have a jeep comander for that. Besides inch and a half os snow and the car is bottoming out... I hope that helps.
Secondly, where is a good place to get them? Costco? Les Schwab? Online some where?
Thanks!

 

If you've got a Jeep for snow days I'd go for a full on grippy tire like the Dunlop star specs, Kuhmo MX, Bridgestone RE-11 or Advan Neova's. IMO i really don't think we need to worry about rain here in Washington. I mean, yes, it rains a lot but it rarely rains hard enough to make hydroplaning a HUGE deal. I think ^^^ are adequate for the rain we see and for the extra grip i think tires like these are worth it. Tires can make a huge improvement in the handling department.

Also, if you're still on stock wheels go for 245s instead of 225s. I went from 225 OEM tires to 255's (on a wider wheel) and i made a world of difference.

 

+1 if you've got that Jeep.

 

Well then that's cleared up, I agree with the other guys. Any of the tires that Jantzen named are good.

Jantzen you are running a 245/40R18? You have 18x8.5s though yeah? Stock is 18x8?

I like tirerack.com or Costco if the price is good and there's a coupon. If you get tires on tirerack.com just have it installed at one of their recommended installers. I believe there's reviews of the installers too on their site. You can choose to have the tires shipped straight to the isntaller as well.

 

yeah def check online at tirerack and discounttire. let us know what you're shopping and we can try to help.

 

Toyo T1R are supposed to be good in the rain and have really good dry grip. And they are quiet.
The BF Goodrich KDW2 are awesome in the rain, provide really good dry grip. But they are loud and the sidewalls are a bit soft.

 

anyone here used the toyo 888 yet?

 

255/40/18... i'm on an 18x9.5


ME WANTS!

 

I just moved to the Dunlops from the KDW's. The KDW's are a great street tire and excellent in the rain. But they are loud. The Dunlops are quieter and seem to be more comfortable so far on the street. I have yet to try them on the track/autox but it's one of the top ST tires being used right now.

The Advan's are supposed to be better in the rain but they are much more expensive. My advice would be to get the Dunlops because they cheaper and just as good as the Bridgestones and Advans.