All,
Looking for advice from people who have experience with summer only tires. This is the first I have ever lived in a climate conducive to summer tires. In the past we have put winter tires on for the snowy months and All Season’s the rest of the time. We currently have Bridgestone Potenza RE960 on the car. My wife drives the G coupe most of the time and probably her biggest complaint is wet weather traction. I’m considering replacement them with summer only tires, with wet weather traction being the top priority (followed by road noise) ….. she doesn’t drive the car hard.

So my question is, even though I live in Florida now, we do occasionally see temps drop into the 40’s but for the most the coldest daily temps are probably in the low to mid 50’s at the coldest during the daytime winters months.

Is this too cold for summer tires to maintain traction?
Also, what kind of longevity can I expect with summer tires vs. all season (the G is mostly used for “around town” driving)?
Lastly, any recommendations based on my needs (wet traction highest priority)?


Thanks!

 

Just my opinion...but It all comes back to the best in ride quality and performance and no matter what cars I own Corvette, BMW M3 etc. everyone agrees on those forums Michelin Pilot Super Sports for the win! I just bought this car and the ride quality was crap with what he had ...much smoother with the Super sports I just put on!

 

You'll be fine running summers year 'round in that climate. Look at Bridgestone SO-4 Pole Positions, get great wet/dry reviews and are quite a bit less than the Pilot Supers. The Pilots should last a bit longer though and both should meet your performance expectations, both are Max Performance Summers.

 

Having just moved from SW Florida after living there for 15 years, you'll definitely want an exceptional wet weather tire. And don't be fooled, it'll get down near freezing a handful of times. I've never lived in a place, outside SE Asia, where so much water falls in so little time. The stock REO50's are actually quite good in the wet but I'd take a hard look at the Michelin PSS's too.

 

Very happy with the BFG Sport Comp 2. While their not as grippy as the Super Sports, they should get twice the milage, around 30-35k miles, easier on the wallet, and handle extremely well in the rain....

 

Thanks all .... based on your comments and reviews on Tire Rack I'll probably go with the Michelin Pilot Super Sports when the time comes.

 

Cant go wrong with that tire at all. Exceptionally great option.

 

Super Sports- best grip, wear quickest
Conti DW- last longest
S-04 Poles- little cheaper, grip least
All a matter of trade-offs

 

I run summer tires year round in Charlotte. You'll be fine.