So Im looking for some Summer tires to replace the stock Advans on a Sportback. I purchased wider wheels so I'm needed 245/40/18 tires.
For the colder weather months I have a dedicated set of wheels \and winter tires already.

I originally wanted to get Nitto NT-05's but I hear the wet traction is scary on the freeways. Because this is a DD and usually I have the family in the car I don't want to chance it in the spring and fall seasons when it's wet here.

Reading on other forums/online tire reviews I think I have it down to 2 options in my price range that have decent wet and dry performance.

Sumitomo HTR Z III

Cooper Zeon RS3-S

Is anyone in the NW running these? What's your experiences?

 

Wet traction?? It hasn't rained here in months!

I wouldn't recommend either of those. Might want to spend a little more and get some new Yoks!
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/fin...ohama&sw=false

 

I've been out of the competitive summer tires loop for awhile since my Bridgstone Potenza RE01R's have lasted the last 5 years. But even with these being an "extreme performance summer tire" I've had no problems driving in the rain. Ever.

When my tires finally run out, I'm picking a set of these up:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

 

^I've heard/read those are nice tires. They're $250 each for 245/40/18 tho...

 

Hankook Ventus are pretty good for wet and dry traction.

 

I'll look into those..they look to be all season tires though and not summer tires.

Yeah 250 is way over my budget , I would love to get some legendary Star Specs but i just bought wheels and coilovers. I'm also not planning on tracking the car really..maybe a driving couse but thats it.

the v12's were on my list but everyone says the sidewalls are supersoft. I like the feel of harder sidewalls like on the advans. Both the tires I listed are suppose to have pretty stiff sidewalls.

 

100 bucks a tire from tire rack for the HTR z3 and they kick fricking ***. No hydroplaning, plenty of dry grip, even decent in the gravel. Would highly recommend the htr z3 for anyone on a budget that wants a killer tire that holds its own.

 

The RE01Rs are horrible in rain/standing water. I suppose it depends on where you live though. Since your in Seattle, the quick test for you would be to drive I405 south between exit 13 and I90 completely in the HOV lane. That area usually gets standing water and the Re01s will hydroplane there at at about 70mph where my other tires don't...and I've had them since new.

 

I currently have the HTR Z3 and have zero complaints. They cost me like $500 lol

 

^^ this.

Plus you'll kick yourself for spending more money on a tire you may end up hating. Try the entry level first, and move on after they wear-out. My .02

 

Thanks everyone. I think I'll give the HTR Z III's a try.

 

Post a review after you've had them for a while.

 

I have about 40k on my htr zIII's. Will be replacing them next spring as my evo has a bit of camber wear thanks to the lowering springs. I suppose they would have gone 50-60 if I weren't such an avid drifter. Also used them during one wet session @ The Ridge Raceway. Best tire for the money I've ever bought.

P.s. I have nothing to gain by recommending these tires. Hope they serve you and others as well as they have me.

 

In a recent issue of car and driver they rated the michelin pilot super sports the best overall tire out of 9 different brands.

Out of those brands the super sports had the best rating for wet performance. *shrug* They say they are around $177 a pop.

 

Michelin fan long time tried and true tires. the Pilot Super Sports have really been one of the best tires ive ever driven. The new milestone in tires with high performance and a mileage warrenty unheard of in ultra high performance tires. If you havent tried michelin id deffinatly suggest going that route. If you have any questions please feel free to give me a buzz. I used to work for a tire company and have used quite a few tires in my days.



Im not selling anything or trying to sell anything. Also not promoting the sale from any company. (needed to say this gotten points for, supposedly, advertising the company i used to work for)