I have a 2007 Mini Cooper and I have to start looking for Summer tires. In your opinion, What are the best tires for summer driving? My husband is looking at comfort. I like the Go-Cart feel of run flats. I have driven Continental run flats for Summer and Bridgestone Blizzaks in the Winter. So I have a good idea of how both handle. Just thought I'd check here before shopping. Thanks

 

michelin pilot super sports!

scott

 

Michelin Pilot Super Sports. Excellent performance with 30k miles rating. End of thread.

 

i should have added the 30,000 mile treadwear warranty as you state

the michelins are the only summer performance tire i have found in sizes for my cms all4 that have a treadwear warranty

so that really seals the deal ... the pilot super sports are the #1 rated tire by tirerack AND the only tire with a treadwear warranty

scott

 

I replaced my Michelin Pilot PE2 Exaltos (summers) with Michelin Pilot AS+ (ultra high performance all seasons; really 3 seasons here in the Chicago area with some snow traction). I run winter tires as well. I used to really worry at change of season times about the summers being on if it snowed which can be hard (really impossible) to call especially given Lake Michigan. I love the AS's, think they perform very well, and they should give me much longer wear. That said, I do not track my 07 MCS.

 

The thread has ended by dropping the PSS bomb.

 

the pilots are a great tire, can't go wrong with them. i've run them, and i do like them. some other good tires that i've run for the summer though are nitto 555's and goodyear eagle f1's but i have no idea if they are available in the size needed for your application.

i'm sure from reading this thread it will ruffle some feathers, but i preferred the eagles to the pilot's. this might have been due to the car however since it was very demanding of its rubber, but i found the pilots just didn't hold the car as well for both straight traction and in cornering imo/ime.

 

feathers ruffled. PSS beats everything.

http://www.motortrend.com/features/p...t/viewall.html

 

i'm happy for motortrend. that article also doesn't really prove anything other than three different cars with three different tires performed differently. big shocker there. the article also doesn't mention which conti's, goodyear's or bridgestone's the competing cars were using. who's to say they weren't using their cheap all seasons?

i drove on both tires, on the same car, and preferred the eagles. tires aren't just about what the experts say, it's about personal driving style and the needs of the driver. for me, the pilots just didn't hold the car. but on lower hp applications i'm sure they would be just fine.

 

Here's a different test for you. It's ceteris paribus:

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test

I understand each driver will have preference and that's all fine and dandy but these tests do hold merit(especially those run with specific controls like the one I linked). You might want to call Ferrari and tell them the 458 Italia is a lower hp application though.

 

Stay away from the BFG G-Force Sports. They are awesome at first, then they get super LOUD. More road noise than huge my A/T tires on my Dodge truck. Not even joking...wish I was. Can't wait to get some other tires on my car....the noise is annoying.

 

This thread may be "dead" for a different reason. Pilot Super Sports are apparently unavailable in less than 17" diameter.

 

...I have 17" diameter tires. I'm in the process of finding a dealer that carries them. Thanks for all the feedback. It really helps a lot. :D

 

Sorry, I apologize, Hubby made a mistake.. insert curse word [here]! I apparently have 16" tires. It will be a surprise to see what he comes home with today. :/

 

16" = no PSS (not made in that size)

For more comfort, great wet performance, and surprisingly good dry performance,
the Continental ExtremeContact DW in 205/50/16 is a great choice. I have them on now.
They're pretty light for that size, too.
I run them at about 36 psi to counter their slightly less than stellar turn-in response.

Also consider Dunlop Direzza Zii if you want more dry performance and more go-kart feel.

If you're willing to go to 205/55/16 (a little taller and hence less stiff sidewall then can
also consider the Bridgestone S-04 (more comfort) or RE-11A (more performance).
Both of these are on the heavy side.

 

Just installed new Bridgestone RE-11A's in 215/45-17 at $145 each.

Only 50 miles on them so far and very pleased with initial turn in response. Theses now have a 200 tread wear rating vs 180 on the older version.

 

Just got back, installed Yokohama Avid ENVigor tires...Now to invest in a new windshield..another rock chip means a new windshield. See you in that thread lol.

 

in my opinion the best tire for the money is the Continental Extreme Contact DW

and if you want an all season get the Conti Extreme Contact DWS.

I have had them on and they are amazing! the DWS for snow is better than other snows i had, and the DWS competes with many other tires that are $50 more per tire!

Experience: I own a tire shop

 

Also... Continentals have Roadside from the manufacturer!

 

I wanted Continentals but my Mini is now sporting Yokohama's. They are a smooth ride so far....time will tell.

 

Which ones (W, V or ZPS) and which size did you get?

 

If you rack up the miles on a commute then: ContiExtreme Contact DWS non runflat all seasons with a 500+ wear rating. I have a set of 215/40's on 18" JCW wheels and they ran about $140 each with shipping. Excellent handling, precision lane changes with very little side wall flexing.

For about $100.00 each with shipping, I also have a set of Nitto Neogen on a set of 17" JCW wheels. I use these for Rally weekends like we did this past weekend in the Hamptons.

Its an awesome very sticky performance non runflat tire listed as an all season with a 280 wear rating but would not use them for winter.....( I have 16" Blizzaks for that...) And the Nitto's seem to work best dry traction wise when temps are above 50 degrees....

As with any new set of tires, always get an alignment afterwards. Makes a huge difference on how well they will perform for you....

 

Cristo I have V and the size is 16.