gathermewool
Site Donor 2023
Based on responses to my other thread and after some thought, I'm going to replace all four tires. I've also rethought my priorities and listed them below. I'd appreciate any and all recommendations.
Vehicle: 15 Subaru Legacy 2.5i
Currently installed:
Wheels: 18X8.5 Enkeis (off of an STI)
Current Tires: 245-45R18 Continental DWS
Stock (not installed currently):
Stock Wheel Size: 18X7.5
Stock Tire Size: 225-50R18
Driving style:
99% easy driving. My commute is only 11 miles, so mileage/tread wear isn't much of a concern.
1% aggressive driving. Hard cornering through on/off ramps is pretty much the only aggressive driving I do
Priorities:
1. Dry/wet traction (safety)
2. Ride comfort
NOT Priorities:
1. Treadwear rating
2. Noise (to a certain extent)
3. Winter traction. I have dedicated snow wheels/tires.
4. MPG
5. Cost (to a certain extent)
Questions:
1. Is wider better?
-----More contact patch = better grip
-----Lower tread wear rate due to wider distribution of weight...maybe?
-----More aggressive look
-----Lower MPG
2. Will 225mm width tires fit/look OK on 18X8.5 (1" wider than stock) wheels?
-----The 245's look great on the Enkeis
3. When do rebates usually happen during the year?
Finally, after just a small amount of research I'm leaning toward Yokohama Avid Ascend GT, which I have installed on the Forester and can't complain about, and the WAY more expensive and higher performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, which have many positive reviews.
Vehicle: 15 Subaru Legacy 2.5i
Currently installed:
Wheels: 18X8.5 Enkeis (off of an STI)
Current Tires: 245-45R18 Continental DWS
Stock (not installed currently):
Stock Wheel Size: 18X7.5
Stock Tire Size: 225-50R18
Driving style:
99% easy driving. My commute is only 11 miles, so mileage/tread wear isn't much of a concern.
1% aggressive driving. Hard cornering through on/off ramps is pretty much the only aggressive driving I do
Priorities:
1. Dry/wet traction (safety)
2. Ride comfort
NOT Priorities:
1. Treadwear rating
2. Noise (to a certain extent)
3. Winter traction. I have dedicated snow wheels/tires.
4. MPG
5. Cost (to a certain extent)
Questions:
1. Is wider better?
-----More contact patch = better grip
-----Lower tread wear rate due to wider distribution of weight...maybe?
-----More aggressive look
-----Lower MPG
2. Will 225mm width tires fit/look OK on 18X8.5 (1" wider than stock) wheels?
-----The 245's look great on the Enkeis
3. When do rebates usually happen during the year?
Finally, after just a small amount of research I'm leaning toward Yokohama Avid Ascend GT, which I have installed on the Forester and can't complain about, and the WAY more expensive and higher performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, which have many positive reviews.
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