pws wrote:
> Sin City Boy wrote:
>> I'm a new Miata owner and would like to put new tires on my 1994.
>> Does anyone have any recomendations for a good set of reliable
>> tires? (brand name, etc.)
>> Thanks;
>>
>> KJ
>
> Since no one tire is ideal for all conditions, it would help to know
> how and under what conditions you will be normally using them.
> A tire is an endless series of compromises, you just have to decide
> what is most important to you.
>
> Higher grip generally equals less tire life. I can get about 3 times
> as many miles from a set of all-seasons as I do from my average
> high-performance tires, but the grip difference is huge.
>
> Designing more dry traction equals less wet traction, and vice-versa,
> regardless of any manufacturer's, (or tire owner's), claims.
> No matter what rubber compound is used, more of that rubber compound
> contact means more dry grip.
> A slick would be best, but tread is required to make the tire
> displace more water to be safer in the rain, which means less rubber
> contact, hence less dry grip.
>
> Tread patterns have improved but no tire manufacturer has ever gotten
> around these simple physics. More tread always equals less dry
> contact, and less tread always equals more dry contact.
>
> Stiffer sidewalls will make the car have a faster steering response
> and will generally have a harsher ride than tires with more flexible
> sidewalls.
> Where you drive is a big factor, especially if you live where there is
> snow and ice and if you only have one set of wheels/tires. You don't
> want to be caught in the snow with performance summer tires.
> On the other hand, driving around Texas with Blizzacks would be pretty
> silly as well.
>
> As far as manufacturers, there are more brands that I would trust
> than I can keep track of. Goodyear, Toyo, Yokohama, Pirelli,
> Bridgestone, Falken, Hankook, Dunlop, & Kumho all come to mind.
> Most of these companies make a tire that will suit your normal driving
> conditions.
>
> Once we know what features are most important to you, there are a lot
> of people who can make particular recommendations based on road noise
> levels, recommend against a particular bad tire or suggest one that
> sounds like what you are looking for.
> Probably other things as well.
>
> Finally, what size are you looking for?
> Tire choices, especially new models, are becoming more limited with
> 14's, even with 15's, but there are still some very good choices out
> there.

That's beautiful, Pat. This should be required reading for every person that
posts about new tires for their Miata.

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