Tires? 195/55/15, Summer Performance Thresholds? Options

[FlacaProductions]

Let’s talk about summer performance tires. And more likely - alternatives...

I'm in the market as my tires have aged out. (Sailun Atrezzo's - never seen 'em before - came with the car from the PO.)

The low temperature thresholds of summer tires seemingly rule out summer performance models for me since my 914 does not USUALLY see the street during cold weather but it's not unheard of to go for a mid-winter ride in below-freezing temps if the sun is out and the roads are clean and dry.

It does get stored in a garage that may go down to the mid-to-upper 30s.

So what are some higher-performance suggestions for tires that can run year-round in 195/55/15s? It's what I currently have, the look that I like and what my speedo is calibrated to.

Thanks!
Brian

[Cairo94507]

Hi Brian - I check for tires by going to Tire Rack's web site. I run 195x65x15 on my car. Cheers, Michael (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchRe...performance=ALL

[chmillman]

Running 195/65 15’s also on my 7x15 Fuchs. Michelin Primacy 4’s. Come out close to or at the top in many reviews of dry or wet adherence. IMO decent compromise performance/price/economy. YMMV - literally.

[Jamie]

Let’s talk about summer performance tires. And more likely - alternatives...

I'm in the market as my tires have aged out. (Sailun Atrezzo's - never seen 'em before - came with the car from the PO.)

The low temperature thresholds of summer tires seemingly rule out summer performance models for me since my 914 does not USUALLY see the street during cold weather but it's not unheard of to go for a mid-winter ride in below-freezing temps if the sun is out and the roads are clean and dry.

It does get stored in a garage that may go down to the mid-to-upper 30s.

So what are some higher-performance suggestions for tires that can run year-round in 195/55/15s? It's what I currently have, the look that I like and what my speedo is calibrated to.

Thanks!
Brian

I have been running 205x65x15" on original steel 5.5"x15" rims, on my 3rd set during ownership of 24 yrs. Currently using Vredenstein HiTrac A/S from Tire Rack which replaced Michelin Pilot A/S which are apparently NLA. Do have a 12mm spacer in front, none needed in rear.

[Ninja]

In that size Tire Rack has three I'd consider

The Hankook V2
The Falken
The Toyo

I'd lean towards the Toyo first, Hankook second, Falken third.

All closely priced.

[infraredcalvin]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

But would put the hankook first, Toyo’ 2nd (my personal preference)

[Geezer914]

If you run summer tires the temp should not go below 50°>. I had a set of Goodrich summer tires had sidewall cracks after one season. I live in NJ and the winter temps ruined the tires just sitting in the garage! If you get summer tires, remove them if temps are going below 50° and store them in a warm place over the winter.