Tires For 3 Season Driving

[snowman23]

So when I bought my car it came with Fierce brand tires. They appear to be summer tires. They have always been terrible in the rain. I drive the car basically April - November. It never sees snow, but occasionally does get caught in the rain. I want a good performing tire, but also one that will not have me praying on every turn on wet roads. I have been steered to the Nitto NT555's by a few sources. Anyone who is running these, will they be ok on wet roads. I am also open for other suggestions as well. Please note, I do not drive aggressively when it is wet out and the car never sees the track. Thanks in advance.

 

[IIGood]

Just my .02...take it for what it's worth. I've had the following tires on my 2003 GT so far:

Goodyear Gatorbacks (factory tire)
Dunlops - don't remember the model, pretty sure they were summer performance tires of some type
Goodyear Eagle F1 all-weather (2 sets)
Goodyear Eagle GT all-weather
BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 all-weather

The Gatorbacks were meh. The Dunlops weren't so great if it wasn't dry out. The Goodyear Eagles, both types, handled pretty well in wet weather and even some light snow. You can see I had 2 sets of the F1s...only went with the GTs after that because of budget...the GTs were cheaper AND on sale (those were rough times for me). But the GTs still performed well; the only issue I had with them is that 3 of them seemed to develop some small cracks, almost looked like slices, in the sidewall.

I'm now running the BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2s. They were just put on back in January and I haven't had much opportunity to really test them out. The car was in the body shop for 4 months...and I try not to drive it anymore in conditions that aren't clear and sunny. BUT, everyone I've spoken to about the BFGs have said they are a good tire overall.

 

[squeak93]

Nitto drag radials. Just take it easy in the rain.

But when I did DD my 04 gt (this was in 2005) I ran Summitomo HTRZ 1's and they were a great tire rain/shine. I even got stuck in a snow storm and made it home with no weight in the back with about 2 inches of snow on the ground.

Those tires would also cut 1.95 60 ft times at the track.

 

[snowman23]

Thanks guys for the replies and possibilities. I am doing some online research to compare the tires that my tire guy can get (I get a good deal, so have to stay with what he can get) and going from there. I hope to narrow it down by Monday. Thanks again.

 

[snowman23]

I decided on Nitto 555G2's after reading online, speaking with my tire guy and calling Nitto. I will hopefully have them installed on Wednesday and will update with my initial reaction.

 

[snowman23]

After having the NT 555G2's for a week I can say without a doubt I am thrilled. The car feels so much more planted, corners much more confidently and has GREATLY reduced slippage on wet pavement. (The car will be parked as always for winter so the lack of cold performance will not be an issue. )
I am sure much of it has to do with going from bald all season tires to new UHP summer tires, but nonetheless, I could not be happier with my choice.

 

[Mustang5L5]

I'm now running the BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2s. They were just put on back in January and I haven't had much opportunity to really test them out. The car was in the body shop for 4 months...and I try not to drive it anymore in conditions that aren't clear and sunny. BUT, everyone I've spoken to about the BFGs have said they are a good tire overall.

I have those tires. They are great in warm/hot weather, but when temps drop, so does traction. Up here in the NE, it's starting to get cold in the AM....low 50's or so. Can definitely feel they aren't as grippy as when it was 80-90 degrees this summer.

I usually swap my wheels around Oct and park the car anyway for the season, so was never a big deal to me.

 

[IIGood]

I have those tires. They are great in warm/hot weather, but when temps drop, so does traction. Up here in the NE, it's starting to get cold in the AM....low 50's or so. Can definitely feel they aren't as grippy as when it was 80-90 degrees this summer.

I usually swap my wheels around Oct and park the car anyway for the season, so was never a big deal to me.

Thanks for the heads-up. I've been getting as much road time with them as possible since getting the car out of the shop and I haven't had any bad experiences with them thus far. As previously stated, the car doesn't get driven in the rain unless I get caught in a storm. And I'll still drive the car here in the cold weather, it's just that the roads will have to be clear and salt-free!

 

[snowman23]

Thanks for the heads-up. I've been getting as much road time with them as possible since getting the car out of the shop and I haven't had any bad experiences with them thus far. As previously stated, the car doesn't get driven in the rain unless I get caught in a storm. And I'll still drive the car here in the cold weather, it's just that the roads will have to be clear and salt-free!

The BFGs were my second choice. I am in NE too and have yet to notice any major change in the Nittos with the cooler morning temps I too park the car for the winter, so really once October is done and it is COLD in the mornings, I will be off the road. Between now and then if I notice any major traction changes I will update. Thanks again guys.