I did a search and found some helpful tips on snow vs. all-season and other wintery stuff, but nothing specific for summer tires.

 

Last week, I switched from my dedicated snow tires to my current summer tires and I was informed I think about new ones soon since they're getting close to bald. Then, yesterday I ran over a nice chunk of metal that made "soon" turn to "now".

 

'97 Legacy L wagon, 205/50-16 summer rims.

 

Some personal rec's have included Kumho Supra Ecsta 712, and tirerack reviews include Yoko S drive, General Exclaim UHP, Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval. The General has a nice price but unfortunately it's backordered.

 

Anything else I should be looking at?

If you want to be price conscious, look at the Potenza 960AS Pole Positions. They are a all season tire, but here in the PNW, I think its needed.

I just put a set on my 89 RX after a bunch of research and for the money they are hard to beat. And so far I'm really liking them.

 

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Potenza+RE960AS+Pole+Position

I have posted here before about my Kumho experience. I put some on my VW Golf to test them out. I think they were rated at 50k miles - I may get 30k. The car is a diesel and isn't abused. H-rated Kumho's 195 65 15.

 

The reason I tried the cheap Kumho's is so that i'd know if they would be suitable for the GF's 2006 Impreza that goes 40-50k miles per year.

 

My biggest disappointment is that every 5k rotation mine NEEDED rebalanced. I'd say on average 3 out of 4 tires were off 1/4 to 1/2 ounce. I can't balance tires at home so rotating becomes a whole new ballgame. I've never had this issue with tires before on this or any car. My car now has 152k on it.

 

FYI I got about 60k out of the Continentals that came on my car. I realize that you're looking at a different model of Kumho. Currently I'm searching what to put on my car that are affordable and give decent handling and wear. I doubt Kumho's will be on my list.

 

Dave

If you can afford them

 

Goodyear F1 GS-D3

 

Why? Excellent rain traction. Many Summer tires emphasize dry traction over rain traction. Unless you are into auto-crossing, I recommend these, and they are great in the rain. Also, they do have a rebate offer on them right now.

I've got a set of Michelin MXV Plus on my Acura, actually my 2nd set of those on that car. Excellent wear, quiet running, have no idea what they're like in the snow (Acura=summer use, Subaru for winter use), good grip in the rain. Can't say enough good things about these tires, I love 'em.

My 2 bucks