[V8] re: winter "performance" tires

[DasWolfen at aol.com]

In a message dated 2/11/04 7:54:56 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
rmwoodbury at downeast.net writes:

> 
> I am always interested in learning how much money people seem to put into
> their tires, because it can get pretty expensive considering tires, wheels,
> mounting, dismounting, balancing and occasionally, alligning the wheels.
> Especially in a Quattro, which requires all four tires be balanced and
> alligned, and usually whenever the tires are changed.

Can you please explain to the rest of the US what about Eastern Maine 
requires a car be aligned when changing tires? Just curious.

> 
> What I have come to believe, is that up here in the rural, icy/snowy area of
> Maine, a good "all season" tire is more than adequate for all driviing.
> There is no real need to a "high performance" tire for a couple of reasons.
> First of all, they are mostly 20-30% more expensive than "h" tires, and seem
> to last about 75% as long.  Secondly, the added "performance" of those tires
> is not usable, unless one wants to drive around with drivers license
> extended out the window at arms length.  EVERy cruiser, including some game
> wardens in Maine, operate radar, and most have two way radar.  If you drive
> consistently above the posted limit here, despite this being a big, open
> state, with big open, unpopulated areas, sooner or later you will get
> stopped and HURT by a speeding citation and fine. 
> 
> >From my experience, the real world difference between an "H" rated and a
> higher performance rated tire, is simply not noticeable, nor usable.

 The biggest difference between high perf tires and normal tires isnt the 
ability to handle speed, its the ability to provide traction and control under 
increased damand...ie: Curves. Specifically the tight twistys that are a blast 
to run through even at the speed limit. (speed limit doesn't mean the speed 
posted on the yellow sign, thats not a limit, thats a recommended speed, usually 
determined back when there were too many Eldorado's. Fleetwoods, and Towncars 
on the road) Many all season rated performance tires also have a much better 
ability to handle wet roads at normal speeds. Given the many statements you've 
made about Eastern Maine, wildlife, darker than normal air at night, etc etc, 
I would think you would see the advantage of increased control provided by a 
good high performance tire in an emergency avoidance situation.


> I had Pirelli 6000SP's (I think that's right), that were nearly new on my 
> V8
> when I bought it.  OK tire.  Gone with 20,000 miles, of course, but OK, and
> if the price was right, I suppose I might consider them again...but the
> price would have to be VERY right.

 P6000's are good for two things, lightening a wallet and providing fill 
material for highway sound barriers....jmnsho.

> Michelin are simply out of sight, and unrealistically expensive...I don't
> care how "good" they are, simply too much money.

 In this we agree, although, Michelin's performance subsiderary, BF Goodrich 
makes fantastic tires for a very reasonable price. Very rugged, most are also 
very long wearing, very good ride qualities, and traction is always great. I 
used to run 245/50 T/A Radials on the rear of a 350hp Mustang year round in 
central Ohio...rain, snow, sleet, ice...and even an occasional pass down a drag 
strip.