Performance Tires That Matter
by: William Ford
Posted on: Wednesday, June 4th, 2008 at 8:42 pm by: William Ford
Comments (2)
A slight drizzle coats the pavement as steam slowly drifts upward with the rapid temperature change on the ground. The speedometer is just cresting over eighty as the sun slips from behind a cloud, spilling amber light onto the wet road. For an instant all is illuminated, and you are momentarily caught up in the drama of the moment, only to be snapped back to your senses, as a ninety degree s-turn materializes out of the haze. The only thing one can think at this second is (and with quite a bit of trepidation), will my tires hold?
Before you find yourself in this position, take a quick look over our review of the tires that will keep you firmly planted on the road, and out of the hedges.
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2: For right around $200 a pop you can pick up Michelin’s max-performance summer tires. These are the gem of Michelin’s performance line and will handle any condition a summer day could possible throw at you. The Pilot Sport PS2 is pricey and only recommended for places where summer never ends (Don’t take them in the snow! You won’t make it back). The PS2’s are best fitted to high end sport and luxury cars that can achieve speeds towards the far end of the speed spectrum, as they are rated up to 186 mph. Again, not cheap, but the sexiest (not to mention stickiest) shoes this side of a catwalk that money can buy.
Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus: For all-season max performance, you can’t get much better than Michelins Energy MXV4 plus tires. Around 165$ a piece these grand touring tires are an all around excellent choice for those who value athletic handling, but live in a region with spotty weather conditions. The Energy MXV4’s can handle any road surface, and perform admirably in deep snow, and slick ice. And for those driving enthusiasts with a particularly green conscience the MXV4’s make a truly excellent choice; the low rolling resistance vastly improves tread life, and provides a significant improvement on gas mileage.
Yokohama Avid V4s: If you’re looking to spend less than a Benjamin on each of your tires Yokohama just came out with a deal made for you. These all-seasons aren’t the best in wintery conditions, but handle great on wet and dry roads. The Avid V4s make use of innovative Nano-technology which provides ultra-grip, and consistently catapults them above the competition.
Hankook Mileage Plus II H725: Coming in at only $70 per tire, the Hankook’s performance is nearly equal to the more expensive all-seasons. Obviously we’re not saying that they’re amazing on ice or can live up to the higher priced tires in slick and dry conditions, but for the price they really aren’t a bad deal. They also have a low rolling resistance increasing their gas mileage and have a tread wear warranty of 80,000-miles.
2 Comments
June 5th, 2008
by elsie
Liked your concept car articles but never thought tires could sound so interesting if not sexy…wow. great writing job. what would you recommend for very rainy climes where hydroplaning is a given on long interstate rides?
August 20th, 2008
by auSTIn
I just outfitted my STI will BFG G-Force ultra perfomance all seasons, and for under $130 bucks (or even over) I doubt you could do much better. Sure I pine for my near slick Potenzas, especially when I am sideways in a turn the old rubber would have giggled at, but with the weather we have been having, I couldnt ask for a better, more secure ride. It is amazing the difference tire choices will make, my car is a differnt, and unfortunately, more tame animal. Perhaps something more hardcore, like the PS2’s are in order for the summer, and a full on winter tire is a better choice for those living in cold climates. As for the MXV4, I dont see how a tire that will handle ice and snow will also handle aggressive summer driving. You cant have it all…
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June 5th, 2008 by elsie
Liked your concept car articles but never thought tires could sound so interesting if not sexy…wow. great writing job. what would you recommend for very rainy climes where hydroplaning is a given on long interstate rides?
August 20th, 2008 by auSTIn
I just outfitted my STI will BFG G-Force ultra perfomance all seasons, and for under $130 bucks (or even over) I doubt you could do much better. Sure I pine for my near slick Potenzas, especially when I am sideways in a turn the old rubber would have giggled at, but with the weather we have been having, I couldnt ask for a better, more secure ride. It is amazing the difference tire choices will make, my car is a differnt, and unfortunately, more tame animal. Perhaps something more hardcore, like the PS2’s are in order for the summer, and a full on winter tire is a better choice for those living in cold climates. As for the MXV4, I dont see how a tire that will handle ice and snow will also handle aggressive summer driving. You cant have it all…
