the stock tires in the front are reaching the end of its life, but the ones in the rear are still 50%. I am planning to get S03 for just the front and leave the rear with the old stock tires. Is that bad?

Which size should I use for S03? 195/50/15? 205/50/15? or 205/55/15? How big is the difference anyway (with these three different size)?

Thanks

 

It is not a good idea to run different tires at each end of the car. They have different characteristics which could cause poor or abnormal handling. And if your fronts are almost gone with the rears at 50% you need to rotate your tres more often so they wear more uniform!!!!

Best choice for tire size would be 205/50/15. the 195/50 have a shorter sidewall while the 205/55 will be fairly tall (much bigger circumference).

 

I guess I should just change all four tires then

 

IMO there is absolutely nothing wrong with different tires. I run mine like this for a while. Just remember to keep the sticker tire in the front. Helps the car to rotate easier. Reduce understeer. I think there are many benefits to it.

Definitely get 205/50-15.

CB

 

I saw this in S03's size: "205/50WR15"
I know the "W" is the speed rating. How about the "R"?

 

I believe it means "radial"... old tires were bias-ply

with the crappy weather up there in seattle you might ask around (or even better do a search) and see what other people are using for high performance all season tires. I was going to suggest that you get some Falken Azenis until I saw where you live...


[Modified by Xian, 4:17 PM 1/25/2002]


[Modified by Xian, 4:18 PM 1/25/2002]

 

rotation is good for the track and bad for the street, imo. I guess it all depends on how "twitchy" you like your car to be personally, I think that anyone who is asking questions about whether or not it is good to run different tires/compounds front to rear probably isn't ready for a loose car on crowded streets. Autox and the track are a different scenario though...

 

At street paces different front/rear really doesn't matter, especially since it's a fwd car anyways. The rears are pretty much there to hold up the gas tank.

However, I will say that you should be getting even wear front and back through rotation. If you do not rotate your tires, the fronts are always going to get chewed up quickly.

Warren