NEED NEW TIRES

[jemmah]

I got a 2007 hatch with 80K miles. Rotated the tires every 5K and have reasonable rubber left but it's time for a change. I want to get away from the stock size (185-60-15). I want a slightly lower profile and as much width as I can get away with. Those of you who have up-graded; what did you purchase and how was the handling characteristics. Also would appreciate what NOT to do!!!!

[kngrsll]

i am using the dunlop direzza star spec. it is a 195/55/15 and it has MEGA grip!

[Tamago]

i've heard great things about the starspec as well.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1.jsp?sortValue=0&filterType=all&resultsNumberSelected=Y&displayResults=10&compare=true&compareList=&RunFlat=All&goWhere=%252Ftires%252FCompare1.jsp&sortCode=&width=195%2F&ratio=55&diameter=15&startIndex=0

[scape]

i'm about to go with 195/55/15's as well, i'll let you know soon as I switch it up

[Tamago]

scape, check www.roadwaywholesaletire.com or PM me, i have a source for decently cheap tires

[scape]

so i just got my new tires, general tire exclaim uhp, 195/55/15. these things look pretty cool actually, nice tread pattern and looks much more meaty than the stock tires.

the handling is improved a bit, as has my confidence-- the grip is much more predictable and I have yet to test it's limits-- it's raining all the time down here!
the only downside is the tires feel a bit heavier, and acceleration seems a bit more sluggish (this is marginal though, and I think might change when I break the tires in a bit). I really can't believe the car wasn't shipped with this or similar sized tire, seeing how it's almost half the price of the stock tire!

[scape]

oh yeah, the other downside is the tire installers had no care for my plastic wheel covers! I can't get them on flush now! perhaps it's time to rip them off and run around with the steelies showing haha