Replace front OEM Bridgestone RE-050A tires with something else?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 157
From: New South Wales
Just installed PS4S Michelin 275/35/19 very quiet super grip but super price $500 each. I have the Potenza RE003 on front nice tyre but they worked out $535 each for the rear. The RE003 are the same as your Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 and in USA LAND THEY ARE CHEAP so go them AND YOU WONT LOOK BACK or maybe tosee where Lou is. LOL
Okay, been through this and some of the other tire threads and wanted one last round of feedback. It sounds like with the 2012 stock rims the 255/35/19 Front and 285/30/19 Rear combo works without rubbing. Curious if this includes full lock to lock movement of the front. Very interested in running a slightly larger size than stock but don't want it to rub. I don't track the car and only occasionally have adults in the back. Its my daily and kid shuttle, so limited weight in back. Curios if anyone an report rubbing with the stock setup before I commit.
Sounds like the handling might be a bit different from stock but should not be dramatic with the 1/2" wider wheel that the later models have.
I always thought it odd that the 2012 brochure listed the rear tires as 265 compared to the other years. Wonder if they were considering going to a larger footprint tire at some point or if it was just a typo.
At least if I get the size down I only then have to work on which specific brand to get. Lots of good choices with these sizes.
Thanks for the feedback and any insight fellow F drivers.
Sounds like the handling might be a bit different from stock but should not be dramatic with the 1/2" wider wheel that the later models have.
I always thought it odd that the 2012 brochure listed the rear tires as 265 compared to the other years. Wonder if they were considering going to a larger footprint tire at some point or if it was just a typo.
At least if I get the size down I only then have to work on which specific brand to get. Lots of good choices with these sizes.
Thanks for the feedback and any insight fellow F drivers.
-Mike
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 42
Likes: 7
From: North Carolina
Awesome, thanks guys.
Was wanting to try the Firehawk 500 or a set of PS4S but I think I am seeing all-seasons in my immediate future. Probably picking up some A/S3+. I believe I read something about the Continentals...
Was wanting to try the Firehawk 500 or a set of PS4S but I think I am seeing all-seasons in my immediate future. Probably picking up some A/S3+. I believe I read something about the Continentals...
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 42
Likes: 7
From: North Carolina
Also appreciate the community vibe. Very helpful with great discussion. You guys rock.
Have to ask, four 285's? Are you stocking up? How many miles on yours?
All four will be on the road very soon. I'm running an 18x9.5 square set-up.
The Conti DWS in 285/35/18 is only a smidge wider than the 275/35/18 Bridgestone RE-71 I've been using as my summer/track tires. Plus, they're a little taller (closer to the diameter of the OEM tire sizes), which gives me a bit more sidewall to help cushion the ride during the colder months.
Unfortunately, I can't comment on their longevity yet. My previous set was only used for 3-4 months last winter, then I ended up shredding them at a track day in July because one of my RE-71s got a flat the night before! 
-Mike
The Conti DWS in 285/35/18 is only a smidge wider than the 275/35/18 Bridgestone RE-71 I've been using as my summer/track tires. Plus, they're a little taller (closer to the diameter of the OEM tire sizes), which gives me a bit more sidewall to help cushion the ride during the colder months.
Unfortunately, I can't comment on their longevity yet. My previous set was only used for 3-4 months last winter, then I ended up shredding them at a track day in July because one of my RE-71s got a flat the night before!
-Mike
Last edited by mikersoft; Oct 25, 2018 at 02:50 PM.
Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 137
Likes: 28
From: BC
All four will be on the road very soon. I'm running an 18x9.5 square set-up.
The Conti DWS in 285/35/18 is only a smidge wider than the 275/35/18 Bridgestone RE-71 I've been using as my summer/track tires. Plus, they're a little taller (closer to the diameter of the OEM tire sizes), which gives me a bit more sidewall to help cushion the ride during the colder months.
Unfortunately, I can't comment on their longevity yet. My previous set was only used for 3-4 months last winter, then I ended up shredding them at a track day in July because one of my RE-71s got a flat the night before!
-Mike
The Conti DWS in 285/35/18 is only a smidge wider than the 275/35/18 Bridgestone RE-71 I've been using as my summer/track tires. Plus, they're a little taller (closer to the diameter of the OEM tire sizes), which gives me a bit more sidewall to help cushion the ride during the colder months.
Unfortunately, I can't comment on their longevity yet. My previous set was only used for 3-4 months last winter, then I ended up shredding them at a track day in July because one of my RE-71s got a flat the night before!
-Mike
Do the DWS really wear that quickly on the track? I've used those on my previous car and this car just on the street for commuting and some mountain roads and they've been great to keep on all year round. I'm hoping to get on a track in the near future and was just going to use these but will think twice and save up for a second set of wheels/tires if i'm going to shred most of their life in one trackday
If driven hard enough in warm weather (it was low 80s, IIRC), they won't last very long at the track. Here's what the fronts looked like afterward:
However, there are a few other factors that led to those results. I’ve done 25 track days in the ISF, so I was asking a lot from these tires after being used to the RE-71s. Also, that set of DWS was staggered (255/275), as opposed to the 275 square set-up with the RE-71s. So I was really working the fronts hard in the corners & under heavy braking.
I’m not even all that hard on a proper track rated street tire. I could’ve gotten 6 track days out of that full set of RE-71s without the road hazard damage. In fact, I did use the rears for for 6 total track days (2 with new fronts).
I had an old buddy visiting from NH, and we planned his trip around that track day so he could ride along & enjoy it with me.. We had a blast, despite the lack of grip. So, it was totally worth it!!
-Mike
Driver
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 199
Likes: 16
From: VA
I vote for the Hankook V12 Evo 2. Paid like 155-165 a piece. Ride smooth like my Michelin super sports. Wider than it so better turning/roadholding. Launch better (so far). Not that quiet or better riding tho. Good in rain, haven't tested snow (yes I run summer tires in snow).
Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 137
Likes: 28
From: BC
If driven hard enough in warm weather (it was low 80s, IIRC), they won't last very long at the track. Here's what the fronts looked like afterward:
However, there are a few other factors that led to those results. I’ve done 25 track days in the ISF, so I was asking a lot from these tires after being used to the RE-71s. Also, that set of DWS was staggered (255/275), as opposed to the 275 square set-up with the RE-71s. So I was really working the fronts hard in the corners & under heavy braking.
I’m not even all that hard on a proper track rated street tire. I could’ve gotten 6 track days out of that full set of RE-71s without the road hazard damage. In fact, I did use the rears for for 6 total track days (2 with new fronts).
I had an old buddy visiting from NH, and we planned his trip around that track day so he could ride along & enjoy it with me.. We had a blast, despite the lack of grip. So, it was totally worth it!!
-Mike
However, there are a few other factors that led to those results. I’ve done 25 track days in the ISF, so I was asking a lot from these tires after being used to the RE-71s. Also, that set of DWS was staggered (255/275), as opposed to the 275 square set-up with the RE-71s. So I was really working the fronts hard in the corners & under heavy braking.
I’m not even all that hard on a proper track rated street tire. I could’ve gotten 6 track days out of that full set of RE-71s without the road hazard damage. In fact, I did use the rears for for 6 total track days (2 with new fronts).
I had an old buddy visiting from NH, and we planned his trip around that track day so he could ride along & enjoy it with me.. We had a blast, despite the lack of grip. So, it was totally worth it!!
-Mike
Good to know. I don't anticipate going through tires as quick as you with a first track day but that's enough to convince me to get some dedicated tires rather than eat up my every-day ones.....tires aint cheap. I'll leave them on for some autocross next year though to get me warmed up.
IMHO, this tire is suitable for a Camry, Accord, ES and etc. It's been my experience that 255s in front are ample on an ISF.Lou
It's worth a shot, though.