tires

[jsmith996tt]

I own a 2001 996 TT, and am looking to buy new tires. The stock tires are only available in high performance summer tires. I am more likely to drive in the rain and snow than go 150 mph. I was looking at going 225/40-18 in the front and 265/35-18 in the back. I think I will have to buy new wheels because a 265 will not fit on an 11" wheel. Has anyone tried this combination or have any input. I would like to find a solution to buying new rear tires every 8,000 miles.

thanks,

Joel

[nmlss2006]

I own a 2001 996 TT, and am looking to buy new tires. The stock tires are only available in high performance summer tires. I am more likely to drive in the rain and snow than go 150 mph. I was looking at going 225/40-18 in the front and 265/35-18 in the back. I think I will have to buy new wheels because a 265 will not fit on an 11" wheel. Has anyone tried this combination or have any input. I would like to find a solution to buying new rear tires every 8,000 miles.

thanks,

Joel

Well, AFAIK the Turbo comes with 295/30-18 in the rear - thus 11" wheels work well. As to tyres, I'd recommend the Yoko Advan Sport if you need a tyre that will not mind rain and cold while still performing very well - and very predictably - in the dry. As to the solution to buying new rear tyres every 8000 miles, check rear toe-in and drive more conservatively. Unfortunately there is no real silver bullet, but I was able to make the Yokos last ~25k kms, 15kmi or so, on European roads.

[Chuck Jones]

nmiss is right....there's no real remedy for getting much more mileage out of your rear tires. As long as you have them properly aligned and balanced....they usually wear out at a two to one ratio....two sets of rears to one set of fronts....that is if you're primarily a street driver with some spirited driving in the mountains or twisties. I run 315 Michelins in the back and drive conservatively...still only get about 8-9000 miles out of a set of tires.....and the Michelin's run about $450 each!! The fronts look almost new. I stayed in the 18 inch wheel since I prefer a bit more tire on there to absorb the roadway....

This is a price you pay for driving a Porsche...and it's worse if you drive on 19's since they have less rubber...and are more prone to denting a wheel in a pothole.