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09-19-2006, 04:03 PM
Okay, having spent some time in my career specializing in materials for the tire industry I'll give my limited opinion, scattered with some knowledge (standard disclaimers apply).
Tires are complex systems that we all take for granted. Automakers spend a lot of time working with tire manufacturers designing tires that make their cars look good - this process often starts upto 5 years before the launch of a car. This is the reason that the N-rating exists - basically, Porsche worked with tire manufacturers during the design stage to ensure that their tires look, sound and perform well on a Porsche.
Having said that, it does not mean that a non-N-rated tire is no good. All it means is that Porsche did not work with the tire company to mate the tire design to the car.
Do they need to? no, they do not. Does it give you anything extra - depends on what you value. OEMs spend a lot of money to ensure that that first test drive is perfection - the tire choice is all part of that first test drive sound and feel - it can make or break a sale.
Now, back to the non-n-rated tires. All tires sold in the US have a UTQG rating on them that provides an indicator of temperature, wear and traction (link below). These ratings have been provided by testing the tires under standard conditions. All tires tested under standard conditions can be compared, therefore, all tires with a UTQG rating can be compared and used as a decision guide in tire buying. Factors that are not taking into account in the guide are reliablilty, tire noise, consumer preference for profile and aesthetics.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/t...?techid=48
My advice is to start with the UTQG, then follow the recommendation of people who have had experience with a tire and match that up with the values that you're seeking to qualify - hence the reason that Steve asked what kind of driving you do - this is very important. Bear in mind, that the demands/experiences of someone putting their car on the track will be different from those of someone using their Porsche as a street car, so take advice and make decisions accordingly.
Remember one important thing. The traction and handling of your car rests on the 4 square inches of contact patch that each tire gives you. Take the performance and quality of your tires very seriously, as they can be the different between the road and a ditch, life and death. Never skimp on tire quality.
BTW, Steve's comment about maybe not needing the tires seemed spot on - you might not need them - 10 minutes talking to someone who knows tires might postpone an expensive purchase.
...one last thought, OEM tires are not the same as after-market tires, even if the specs and brand appear to be the same. As I stated above, tires that come on your car at delivery (new) are specially designed to make the perfect test drive. Wear is usually not a factor that has high consideration.
Tires are complex systems that we all take for granted. Automakers spend a lot of time working with tire manufacturers designing tires that make their cars look good - this process often starts upto 5 years before the launch of a car. This is the reason that the N-rating exists - basically, Porsche worked with tire manufacturers during the design stage to ensure that their tires look, sound and perform well on a Porsche.
Having said that, it does not mean that a non-N-rated tire is no good. All it means is that Porsche did not work with the tire company to mate the tire design to the car.
Do they need to? no, they do not. Does it give you anything extra - depends on what you value. OEMs spend a lot of money to ensure that that first test drive is perfection - the tire choice is all part of that first test drive sound and feel - it can make or break a sale.
Now, back to the non-n-rated tires. All tires sold in the US have a UTQG rating on them that provides an indicator of temperature, wear and traction (link below). These ratings have been provided by testing the tires under standard conditions. All tires tested under standard conditions can be compared, therefore, all tires with a UTQG rating can be compared and used as a decision guide in tire buying. Factors that are not taking into account in the guide are reliablilty, tire noise, consumer preference for profile and aesthetics.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/t...?techid=48
My advice is to start with the UTQG, then follow the recommendation of people who have had experience with a tire and match that up with the values that you're seeking to qualify - hence the reason that Steve asked what kind of driving you do - this is very important. Bear in mind, that the demands/experiences of someone putting their car on the track will be different from those of someone using their Porsche as a street car, so take advice and make decisions accordingly.
Remember one important thing. The traction and handling of your car rests on the 4 square inches of contact patch that each tire gives you. Take the performance and quality of your tires very seriously, as they can be the different between the road and a ditch, life and death. Never skimp on tire quality.
BTW, Steve's comment about maybe not needing the tires seemed spot on - you might not need them - 10 minutes talking to someone who knows tires might postpone an expensive purchase.
...one last thought, OEM tires are not the same as after-market tires, even if the specs and brand appear to be the same. As I stated above, tires that come on your car at delivery (new) are specially designed to make the perfect test drive. Wear is usually not a factor that has high consideration.