replacement tires for wrx?

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peter - 27 Jun 2007 16:02 GMT

2002 impreza wrx comes with bridgestone potenza RE92 205/55R16 tires.
Now it's time to replace them. Are there better tires than these?
Do AWD cars use different tires than FWD/RWD?
What tires do current wrx come with?

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Carl 1 Lucky Texan - 27 Jun 2007 16:58 GMT

> 2002 impreza wrx comes with bridgestone potenza RE92 205/55R16 tires.
> Now it's time to replace them. Are there better tires than these?
> Do AWD cars use different tires than FWD/RWD?
> What tires do current wrx come with?

I think you can get better tires than the OEM but recommendations from
this or another group will depend a lot on where you live, type of road
conditions you encounter, etc.

www.tirerack.com is a good online tire shopping source. Also, local tire
chain stores (Discount Tire) often match or approach tire rack in price.

Carl

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Dano58 - 27 Jun 2007 21:53 GMT

> > 2002 impreza wrx comes with bridgestone potenza RE92 205/55R16 tires.
> > Now it's time to replace them. Are there better tires than these?
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> www.tirerack.comis a good online tire shopping source. Also, local tire
> chain stores (Discount Tire) often match or approach tire rack in price.

Ditto Carl's recommendation of Tire Rack. I have purchased several
sets there over the years. Their site has a lot of consumer reviews
and ratings. No difference in tires for AWD versus FWD/RWD. I just
replaced the Michelin Pilots on my Audi quattro with Sumitomo HTR's
from the Tire Rack - $85 each versus over $200 for the Michelins.

Tire Rack can also ship your tires directly to an approved local
installer, if you like.

NFI, just a very satisfied customer.

Dan D
'99 Impreza RS2.5 (son's)
Central NJ USA

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peter - 28 Jun 2007 06:53 GMT

>> I think you can get better tires than the OEM but recommendations from
>> this or another group will depend a lot on where you live, type of road
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> replaced the Michelin Pilots on my Audi quattro with Sumitomo HTR's
> from the Tire Rack - $85 each versus over $200 for the Michelins.

Thank you both. Using tirerack, discounttires, and consumer reports I
decided on the goodyear assurance triple tred.
tirerack $102 each, + $45 shipping
discount tire $122 each; out the door about $600 including installation

The OEM tire cost almost double, which makes me wonder why it was selected
as the OEM tire.

If I mail order the tires, is it a good idea to bring just the wheels and
the new tires to have them mounted and balanced by a shop?

I am reluctant to let mechanics screw with my wheels because they always
overtighten the lug nuts. Something might get warped.
When I tighten the nuts I always use a torque wrench set to the recommended
torque.

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Dano58 - 28 Jun 2007 17:04 GMT

> If I mail order the tires, is it a good idea to bring just the wheels and
> the new tires to have them mounted and balanced by a shop?
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> When I tighten the nuts I always use a torque wrench set to the recommended
> torque.

Can't help you here, I have a decent shop that doesn't go nuts (no pun
intended!) tightening the lug nuts....

Dan D
'99 Impreza RS (son's)
Central NJ USA

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Carl 1 Lucky Texan - 28 Jun 2007 17:16 GMT

>>>I think you can get better tires than the OEM but recommendations from
>>>this or another group will depend a lot on where you live, type of road
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
> When I tighten the nuts I always use a torque wrench set to the recommended
> torque.

Dig around or email tirerack . They have a list of recommended shops for
different areas of the country and can even drop ship the tires to the
shop. I ordered new alloys and tires so I put the wheels on myself in my
garage. But the shop they listed for my area is only a coupla miles away
and I feel it would've worked out well.
Be sure to mention to DT your on-line pricing from TR. They may surprise
you by lowering the price some to get your business. Nothing against TR
- I had a good experience with them - but DT has helped me, my wife and
daughters out MANY times with free flat repairs and even 'used' tires in
'urgent' situations. Nothing wrong with giving a local business a shot.

(lots of folks like those tripletreads.)

Carl

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-rick- - 29 Jun 2007 05:42 GMT

I have a year and a half on a set of Pirelli Pzero Nero's
M+S on a '02 wrx wagon. Much better wet and dry traction
than the RE92's.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Pirelli&tireModel=PZero+Nero+M%26S

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