Ever change tires just because?

Has anyone ever bought new tires, even though the treads on your current tires were fine, because you just wanted a new look or to upgrade?

I bought my 2008 GT convertible around 4 years ago. It has Continental Conti Pro Contacts on front (235/50 R18) and Delinte DH2 on the rear (235/50 ZR18). These are the tires that came on it.

It's not a daily driver, I only drive it on nice days with the top down. Tires are fine, just not very sexy. Wisest thing is probably just stick with what I have and save money.

Just venting, curious what other's opinions are.

Nope get some federals with aggressive tread and send it[emoji106]


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If the "came on the car" was in 2008, the tires are ready for retirement. You'll get a lot of suggestions as to brand and size. I'd recommend looking at the TireRack specifications for the largest-section tire that will fit your current rims in the appropriate diameter tire. I see praise for some Firestone models, as good performers and less expensive.

coogrrr94 said:

Has anyone ever bought new tires, even though the treads on your current tires were fine, because you just wanted a new look or to upgrade?

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Several times, all but once with wider wheels as well as wider tires. Only once per car, though.

I bought my 2008 GT convertible around 4 years ago. It has Continental Conti Pro Contacts on front (235/50 R18) and Delinte DH2 on the rear (235/50 ZR18). These are the tires that came on it.

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At least neither of those tires was an OE fitment in 2008, and not just for the matter of aging. In 2008, for the 18" wheel and tire options you got BFG's KDWS, which might as well have stood for Kant Do Wetroads for S***.

It's not a daily driver, I only drive it on nice days with the top down. Tires are fine, just not very sexy. Wisest thing is probably just stick with what I have and save money.

Just venting, curious what other's opinions are.

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Use the time to learn a little more about tires (and potentially wheels) and how you're really going to drive this car. Let the look follow whatever tire choice you make rather than make that choice for you.


Norm

Federals. I can vouch from experience. Affordable , sticky and good tread wear. Pick your size and go

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frank s said:

If the "came on the car" was in 2008, the tires are ready for retirement. You'll get a lot of suggestions as to brand and size. I'd recommend looking at the TireRack specifications for the largest-section tire that will fit your current rims in the appropriate diameter tire. I see praise for some Firestone models, as good performers and less expensive.

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I meant that they were the tires that came with the car when I bought it used a few years ago.

http://imgur.com/gallery/YyjEw6K



I like the stock wheels I think they go great with the color of the car.

Couldn't find 275/35-19 from the tire manufacturer I usually use, so I switched brands. Huge mistake. Rode terrible and they were narrower than the 255s they were replacing. Just went with 285 (square setup) after about 200 miles and couldn't be happier.

I would stay away from Chinese and Taiwan tires .
There have been reports of treads coming off..
If you want a quality long lasting tire buy Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone or Continental.

Just an FYI: Firestone's parent company is Bridgestone. Also, I've read nothing but positive reviews about the quality and performance of the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires. Needless to say, they'll be my next set of tires come replacement time.

The Dunlop SP Sport tires on the front of my car are five years old and are still in very good condition. They still have a deep tread and no cracks but then again they've only done about 20k miles.

Previous owner of my car cheaped out and put 245/45s on the stock 19’s. As a TRACKPACK car, it’s supposed to have 255/40s. Even though they had more than 50% tread, I swapped them out for the right size. Falken prosport G5’s which handle pretty good for an a/s tire.

Gjt58,

What web site are you using to look up the tires?

coogrrr94 said:

Has anyone ever bought new tires, even though the treads on your current tires were fine, because you just wanted a new look or to upgrade?

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More than once in the last 50 years since I started driving on the roads. Most recently was when I removed the 16x7 Lacy Spokes with 225/60-16 Good Year RSAs to put on 17x7 Sport alloys with new 235/55-17 Good Year RSAs on our Mercury G-M. 16s are in the shed, thinking they'll look good on a Ranger ... or old Mustang even.

Here is a quick way to know specific age of tire by production. Every tire has a DOT number on it.



The manufacturers for a long time now have suggested at the 5 year period whether the trad is good or not to replace. They break down from the inside out. Many customers of mine are shocked when they hear about this because they are not educated to it.

86GT351 said:

Here is a quick way to know specific age of tire by production. Every tire has a DOT number on it.

The manufacturers for a long time now have suggested at the 5 year period whether the trad is good or not to replace. They break down from the inside out. Many customers of mine are shocked when they hear about this because they are not educated to it.

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It seems you can say the same with Calipers. For sure Brakes and Tires are a high wear items and some only last 10 laps at the track. California Specials are 245 45 19 and Track Pack is 255 40 19 with base at 235 50 18. Then I have seen Brembo brakes on 6cyl. It's a real mix and match. I did not go for 275 35 19s as the tires are 41 lbs. These are 25 lbs.

LarryJM said:

It seems you can say the same with Calipers. For sure Brakes and Tires are a high wear items and some only last 10 laps at the track. California Specials are 245 45 19 and Track Pack is 255 40 19 with base at 235 50 18. Then I have seen Brembo brakes on 6cyl. It's a real mix and match. I did not go for 275 35 19s as the tires are 41 lbs. These are 25 lbs.

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dude, the OP has an 08 with 18 x 8.5" rims, nothing in your post is relevant

stkjock said:

dude, the OP has an 08 with 18 x 8.5" rims, nothing in your post is relevant

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I did say 235 50 18 in the post. That seems to match the base tires that will fit on an 18 inch Mustang wheel. Hey, it's change the tires when you want to. Not when you need to.

Yeah, I'm one of those who have multiple tire/wheel sets. An original (near perfect) 17 inch (255/60/17) 10-spoke aluminum with near new Pirelli P-Zero's (8/9 32nds tread). Next set is a 2013 19 in (245/45/19) 10-spoke in grey/liquid metal color again w/P-Zero's that are currently on the car. Then a brand new staggered set of Alcoa knockoffs (in black) 19 in at 8 1/2 front and 9 1/2 rear. Actually trying to buy another set of them so I can go to a square 9 1/2 setup all around. Also had another set that I got rid of not too long ago (beware of cheap ebay rims is a lesson learned). Just trying to find that perfect look. Difficult to decide between the 2013's and the Alcoa's. Once I get tires and mount them I'll make a decision.





In the meantime if anyone wants an excellent set of OEM 17's with great tires let me know. I picked them up a few years ago from a guy who was getting out of his auto dealership and selling off his inventory. Said they were originally take-offs and stored in his shop for the past 20 years. By their condition I couldn't disagree. They were/are near perfect. No scratches, clear coat undamaged, no curb rash. Never even had wheel weights installed.

I have chaned tires because:
Im going to an HPDE event.
I just got back from an HPDE event.
Winter is coming winter tires going on.
Spring has sprung, summer tires are going on.

I will be changing tires soon just because...I hate the ones on there. I don’t know why I went back to the 275/35-18 Nitto NT555 (Gen1), they suck in the rain, they suck in the dry unless they’re hot. Maybe 20,000 miles on them, and I will probably donate them to someone lol
I’ll probably give the Firehawk Indy a shot.


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