1. Sorry for another tire thread!
2. Since I had "important" info about tires I thought I would hitchhike on an old tire thread, but I recently was chided me for using an old thread, so here is a fresh, yet another tire post.
3. I used the Michelin Sport A/S tire for my S when I replaced the original tires that came with the car (04) I bought back in April 2010 (only 9k miles on them, and I drove them for awhile).
4. I was thinking they had to be the best, not being a tire man, and not even knowing about Tire Rack at the time.
5. I just always bought tires at Sams Club for the past 30 yrs.: $32 each for the old 13 inch rims for the Corolla.
6. They had the Michelin A/S (they said a lot of Vette owner used this particular tire) for my S, and so did Costco, as did Discount Tire, of course.
7. I had my quotes from Sams and Costco, and when I went to D.Tire, they beat them of course, which was good that I did b/c they switch out my summer and winters no charge, saving the cost of switching tires x2/yr.

8. By the time I needed to replace the Michelins (20k miles later, rears), and knew to get on Tire Rack to get a quote, and discovered the Continental DWS was rated better for my needs, and so switched from the Michelins to Contis.
9. I talked with a guy who had them today at Discount Tire, and b/c of the soft sidewall (I knew nothing about that), he had to replace 3 of the 4 tires on his Cadillac. He said they wore well, and good grip, but also has an issue with keeping them balanced???
10. In talking to the D. Tire manager, he affirmed he gets a lot of the Continental DWS back; they are too soft in the sidewall and creates issues.
11. He showed me the difference just in pushing in on the sides of the Conti and the Michelin, and you could see it was no comparison.
12. He said the Michelin (A/S that I use), were a much better tire for driving a sports car like the S.
13. Based on what I learned today, I will not get the Continental DWS for my Toyota the next round, but stick with the Michelin, or another tire that is recommended. Maybe on the light Corolla though, the Continentals would be fine.
14. Ok, class, what is your feedback?

 

The s demands an Extreme summer compound tire, stiff sidewalls and ultimate dry grip traction. The car is really tuned from the factory around this kind of tire. In fact many not far lesser from this category tire feel down right unsafe, just from the flimsy sidewall construction standpoint. If you want the most out of the car and enjoy spirited driving, the tire is the most crucial aspect of any modification. If the S is a DD for you and you don’t care how well the car performs because you rarely push the car to a manner that warrants a performance tire, then get what ever average rated all season tire is on sale.

 

I ran the DWS when I first bought my S, and they are not conducive to spirited driving or even slightly pushing the car.

 

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 is going to be a MUCH better choice than DWS for a 3-season tire. Street performance reportedly rivals the best Max Perf summer tires.

If you need ice/snow traction, get dedicated winter tires and swap between those and dedicated summer tires.

We had conti tires on my wife's mazda3, and she had regular blowouts due to flimsy sidewalls. Handling sucked as well.

All-season tires are not all equivalent, go to Tire Rack site and check out test results and survey results. Get something that rates highly for cornering stability, steering response, etc.

 

Note there is a DWS and also a DW. Not the same tires at all. The DWS doesn't seem suited to the S. But for a street only S, the DW would be a good choice.

 

The DWS are okay, but not really my cup of tea and not the best option for the S. They let go pretty early if you start pushing them. If for some reason you're set on getting something in that treadwear and price range, the Nitto Motivo are a better option, though those are going to be lacking for pushing the car during a spirited drive as well.

 

I use the DWS on my RSX as a DD in 4 seasons in Canada.

Yes, they have a soft side wall but do well to control noise, good wear and traction in rain, snow and dry.. in fact very well. I don't drive like a jackass and take corners like I would at the track so there's no need for super stiff sidewalls on the street.

The RSX isn't connected as well as the S with the lower center of gravity so the softer sidewall isn't so much as a issue and isn't noticeable unless you're tossing it heavily and quick side to side. The S seems to exemplify this condition when it has a soft side wall and takes away from the sporty feel more than other model cars.

Conclusion, I've put 20K on these tires and i'm impressed for the price. Especially for the snow handling and noise. Would I put them on the S? NO! Great for non-performance cars

 

I am not sure I get this Tire Rack deal. Maybe it works in some parts but when you factor in shipping costs, finding the shop to install, what they charge, it not only is not a great deal, it can be more expensive than just ordering it from America's Tire Store or Costco. Plus you get (at America Tire) free flats and lifetime balancing.

I have even looked at picking up the tires to avoid shipping (Outlet in Reno NV) and its still does not pencil out.

 

1. I have found that when you do factor in the price of shipping so you're comparing apples to apples, plus warranties and etc., that Discount Tire will beat them if you have a quote written from Tire Rack, or anywhere else. I have never bought from Tire Rack.
2. I'd rather deal with a local anyway, plus I need the free x2/yr. switch summer and winter tires on separate rims.
3. I think those that want a special tire gravitate toward Tire Rack.

 

1. I can't believe you use an A/S in Canada instead of dedicated snow tires! You do know how to drive! My hats off to you!
2. I don't know what an RSX is, if it's front wheel drive, I take it all back, , I never used snows on a front wheel drive until the last 2 yrs. on my wife's Corolla, and that's just b/c we had the extra rims, and we're getting old, so for super-safety reasons, I did it.
3. Sounds like I might still use the DWS for my Corolla when the time comes b/c I'm getting tired of switching summer/winter tires on it, I only put 2400 miles on the Corolla's snows, and only 1800 last year.