Replacing OEM tires.

[FRiSson]

I am replacing my OEM Michelins this Spring. Not because they are worn, but because of excessive noise and an annoying "thrumming" noise they make now (not due to misalignment or misbalance). Any suggestions on replacements in the stock size? I hear good things about Potenza S-04.

[rainmonkey]

What are you hoping to get out of the new tires? good wear, performance, etc...?

[FRiSson]

Quiet, performance, wear, ride. good in the wet, mpg.

[adamg]

[N234]

Originally Posted by FRiSson

Quiet, performance, wear, ride. good in the wet, mpg.

Michelin Ultrasupremacy's with a high unobtainium content in the rubber compound.

Edit:
Realistically, you'll have to select maybe two of those priorities. No tire does it all.
Mine are wet performance and slow wear, but because I'm tracking this summer, I'm sticking with the Primacy because they are forgiving and communicative.

[rainmonkey]

dunno about noise level or comfort, but Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 is pretty good all around. even copes with freezing temps alright.
Just a bit pricey.

[adamg]

he probably wants the best performing, 100000mpg, perfect in summer, rain, winter, and mudding, and are effortlessly quite as a prius, and dirt cheap

[meeskee2]

I went with Dunlop Direzza dz102. I feel like they are a bit loud but the performance is awesome especially for the tread rating. I drive a lot.

[FRiSson]

Looks like Michelin Pilot Super Sport are most highly regarded, followed by Bridgestone Pole Position S-O4. Anyone have these?

[Turbowned]

Originally Posted by FRiSson

Looks like Michelin Pilot Super Sport are most highly regarded, followed by Bridgestone Pole Position S-O4. Anyone have these?

PSS and S04's are both good; my friends run them on aftermarket wheels in their BRZ/FR-S's. Fun for autocross, decent wear, excellent grip.

[Fastbrew]

I am currently running Bridgestone S04 Potenza Pole Positions. (255/40/17 x9) - I would consider putting them on again. But, you know - I am pretty sure we are all hunting for the perfect tire and probably switch up.

Here is what I can tell you about these - they are quiet when spinning. Meaning - the compound doesn't squeal loudly when burning out.

They are decent in the rain. They will plane if it gets too deep but I have driven between PDX and Seattle in some torrents and it has been OK. I give it the PDX seal of approval for a wet weather, fun, DD street tire.

They have decent wear but not as good as the OEM - of course.

They are stickier than stock but they still are not as sticky as an RS3.

Their gas mileage is alright but lags behind the Michelin in test results. This is not something I really care about myself.

They are very quiet.

To sum it up - they don't completely suck at anything and they don't really excel at anything either. That's pretty much what I was looking for. You have to compromise somewhere with an "all-around" tire and this is a great choice.

I am going to run a set of Hankook RS3s this summer and try out the Michelins in the Fall. I get the feeling I will prefer the Michelins over the Bridgestones but that will be seen later.

Have fun!

[FRiSson]

Bought Michelin Super Sports.

[n8dog11914]

Continental DWs are another great summer tire that shine in the wet and comfort for a summer tire. Also priced very competitively. If you're looking for top summer tire dry performance the Michelin pilot supersport of course is there but more expensive.

[Xlr8]

I may not be much help on WHAT to replace OEM tires with but I can tell you WHAT NOT to REPLACE them with.
I had a flat on the left rear and stopped in at Discount tire to get it fixed. Well because of where the nail was the tire was unfixable. The tire was replaced with the road hazard warranty. The salesman put on what they had in stock in my size. That was a Continental ControlContact Sport AS. That tire was horrible in all conditions. Wet,Dry, spirited driving, cornering, etc. The tire sidewall was too soft and would flex in corners. In high speed sweepers it would give way a good 10-15 MPH earlier than the stock tires.
I took those back and ordered some Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sports. I've had them about a week and they are not as good as the stock tires either. They have good grip wet & dry traction. And good stick in the corners except high speed sweepers. I never had problems with the stock OEM tires holding in the high speed (+70MPH) sweepers but these tires start letting go and the traction control light starts flashing at me. So I believe I will be taking these tires back as well. May just get them to put another set of OEM Michelin's on unless I can find some good reviews for something else. I was not unhappy with the performance of the Michelin's.