Summer tires 2008

Biggins · 02-04-2008, 11:32 AM

Does anyone have any suggestions for a nice, cheap summer tire?

I've run the Hankook RS-2 as my summer tires for the past 3 summers, and I like them. I want a tire that is no more than ~100 per tire and will do well in the rain. It'd be nice to have one that isn't too loud on the interstates also... I don't plan to autocross/track these tires, but it'd be nice if they could do double duty if necessary.

Any other options aside from these?
Hankook RS-2 again
Toyo T1R
Kumho SPT
Dunlop Direzza Z1

My size is 225/50/16 or 225/45/17 for reference. Thanks!

rautox · 02-04-2008, 11:47 AM

I think you're on the right tire at that price with those priorities.

*Plaz* · 02-04-2008, 12:03 PM

I've been reading pretty good things about the General Exclaim UHP.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e1=yes&place=3

bren · 02-04-2008, 12:05 PM

The sidewall is a little soft, but otherwise I'm perfectly happy with the SPT and will most likely buy them again.

edit: I just saw a thread on SCCA forums re: the Z1. Sounds like they are worth a try (if you're not worried about longevity as I'd bet they'll wear fast.)
http://sccaforums.com/forums/1/283414/ShowThread.aspx

equ · 02-04-2008, 01:14 PM

I liked the kumho summers on a wrx I test drove. V-rated BFG T/A's are pretty good too (very high mileage) but won't be as good to auto-x.

John V · 02-04-2008, 01:47 PM

Do NOT get the T1Rs. Holy hell those tires are terrible.

Oh, and I like my SPTs. The grip level is good, they're great in the rain (in my limited experience so far) and they have, thus far, worn like iron.

operknockity · 02-04-2008, 04:50 PM

So far the SPT's have been handling themselves pretty nicely in the SoCal rains.

Biggins · 02-05-2008, 07:24 AM

Thanks guys, I've been leaning toward the SPTs, but I still like the Kooks. Do any of the big tire chains (NTB, Merchant's, etc.) sell Hankooks or Kumhos?

I know Sears can get the Kumhos.

John V · 02-05-2008, 07:28 AM

Radial can get you any of 'em, I believe.

*clyde* · 02-05-2008, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John V

Radial can get you any of 'em, I believe.

When I last bought a set of RS-2s, Radial was not a Hankook dealer (like one of three brands they don't carry). Paul told me I'd save a good bit if I bought them elsewhere and brought them in for mounting. That was almost three years ago, though, and things may have changed.

02-04-2008, 11:32 AM	#1
Biggins Crotchety Join Date: Aug 2007 Carmudgeonly Ride: 22 Tiguan, 11 328i Posts: 912	Summer tires 2008 Does anyone have any suggestions for a nice, cheap summer tire? I've run the Hankook RS-2 as my summer tires for the past 3 summers, and I like them. I want a tire that is no more than ~100 per tire and will do well in the rain. It'd be nice to have one that isn't too loud on the interstates also... I don't plan to autocross/track these tires, but it'd be nice if they could do double duty if necessary. Any other options aside from these? Hankook RS-2 again Toyo T1R Kumho SPT Dunlop Direzza Z1 My size is 225/50/16 or 225/45/17 for reference. Thanks!

02-04-2008, 12:03 PM	#3
Plaz ••••••• Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: '11 1M Location: Churzee Posts: 17,741	I've been reading pretty good things about the General Exclaim UHP. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e1=yes&place=3 __________________ 2011 1M

02-04-2008, 12:05 PM	#4
bren lawn boy Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: e46m3, f25x3,C5 Z06, C4 Vette, 06 CTD Ram, and a trailer Location: Maryland Posts: 14,029	The sidewall is a little soft, but otherwise I'm perfectly happy with the SPT and will most likely buy them again. edit: I just saw a thread on SCCA forums re: the Z1. Sounds like they are worth a try (if you're not worried about longevity as I'd bet they'll wear fast.) http://sccaforums.com/forums/1/283414/ShowThread.aspx Last edited by bren; 02-04-2008 at 12:15 PM.

02-04-2008, 11:47 AM	#2
rautox Crotchety Join Date: Mar 2006 Carmudgeonly Ride: Phone book... or two Posts: 792	I think you're on the right tire at that price with those priorities.

02-04-2008, 01:14 PM	#5
equ Alphanumeric Join Date: Aug 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: 981S, 340i Posts: 9,584	I liked the kumho summers on a wrx I test drove. V-rated BFG T/A's are pretty good too (very high mileage) but won't be as good to auto-x.

02-04-2008, 01:47 PM	#6
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	Do NOT get the T1Rs. Holy hell those tires are terrible. Oh, and I like my SPTs. The grip level is good, they're great in the rain (in my limited experience so far) and they have, thus far, worn like iron.

02-04-2008, 04:50 PM	#7
operknockity Finn is in puppy heaven Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: '02 325i Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,405	So far the SPT's have been handling themselves pretty nicely in the SoCal rains.

02-05-2008, 07:24 AM	#8
Biggins Crotchety Join Date: Aug 2007 Carmudgeonly Ride: 22 Tiguan, 11 328i Posts: 912	Thanks guys, I've been leaning toward the SPTs, but I still like the Kooks. Do any of the big tire chains (NTB, Merchant's, etc.) sell Hankooks or Kumhos? I know Sears can get the Kumhos.

02-05-2008, 07:28 AM	#9
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	Radial can get you any of 'em, I believe.