How to choose tires?

[david_a]

Hello all...

Just bought a Mazda 3 hatchback from 2005 - it will need new tires soon. 205/50R17, stock 5-spoke wheels; I live on the coast, so snow is not a major issue but constant rain certainly is. Of course a recommendation for a particular tire would not be bad, but really what I'd like to hear is the factors you think are important in the choice. I figure tires are expensive and if people here can help me avoid making a stupid mistake that would be great.

What I want:
1. I'm not buying separate tires for winter - definitely not worth the money for this climate. (I don't ski, and I save my fun road trips for the summer.)
2. Whatever I get must be very good in rain and wet conditions.
3. I'm a middle-aged "normal driver"; of course I want tires that corner well and have good handling overall, but nobody calls me Mario Andretti.
4. Paying extra for good tires is worth it to me, if they really are better quality and last longer.
5. Tread life and good driving are quite a bit more important to me than a soft ride.

Thanks for any tips you have.

 

[geebosa]

I can only give insight to two tires I've used on my Mz3 2.5l 2011. While my needs are similar to yours as wet weather handling is why I choose a tire the Yokohamas S34 that came with the car were good in dry 7/10 and poor in wet 3/10, I took them off at 12K and switched to Goodyear Aqua TripleTreds and while they better in wet 6/10 and 6/10 in dry. I'm looking to replace them soon with 11k on them. While many have pointed me in the direction of Continental DWS...I'm leaning towards the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 which people have indicated handles well in the wet weather and light snow. Should have them in Late October this year and will advise you how they are. At 63 I just like to have fun when I drive and no surprises when it rains or snows going into the corners.

 

[david_a]

Thanks!

I decided nobody was going to reply, so I (a) went to a tire shop and asked their recommendation, (b) came home and did a web search for good and bad reviews of what they recommended, and (c) went back for a set of four Nitto Motivo. I hope they turn out well.

 

[geebosa]

David

How are you liking your Nitto Motivo? Are these the tires that you'll want to replace once they have worn down to 2/32?

Just got my Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 and so far I've got great dry traction 8.5 / 10 only run them in light rain however they were great on the cloverleaf of 495 in NoVA. Looking for a strong downpour to test hydroplaning resistance and later this winter snow traction and stopping. I've finally found a tire that I like and would be buying these once they wear down. Thanks Michelin Man