HPT in the rain?
#1
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HPT in the rain?
I just picked up my 2005 Anthracite/6MT/NAV/HPT and it's great! But will the HPT work well in the rain, I didn't realize HPT tires were only summer tires. Living in CA and wondering if I should get some All-Seasons during the fall/winter, but don't necessarily want to go through the pain of switching tires every six months unless I have to.
#2
FWIW, I have the HPTs on my 04, and I'm not impressed with them in the rain. I'm putting dedicated snows on in a few weeks, and I'm planning on a set of the all-season Michelins (Pilot A/S) when the snows come off.
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Shucks, I kept thinking the HPT tires would be better than the normal tires. Guess all the original tires aren't that great. I'd hate to waste them, maybe I can sell them?
#5
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Originally Posted by soljc
IMO, no high performance summer only tire will be very good in the rain, they just don't have the ability to channel water away that fast.
#6
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here are the TireRack ratings for the Potenza RE030's:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes
and for the Turanza EL42's
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes
clearly, the HPTs have a bit more wet traction compared to the EL42s.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes
and for the Turanza EL42's
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes
clearly, the HPTs have a bit more wet traction compared to the EL42s.
#7
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in addition, compare those to the Pirelli P-Zero Nero
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....num=345WR70NMS
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....num=345WR70NMS
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#9
I just got Michelin PS-2's to replace my factory HPT's. They are great in the rain, but not designed for snow. Since I'm not planning to drive my TL during the winter snow, I'm not too concerned about their performance in snow, but I wanted tires that are quiet and perform well during the 9 months I do drive the car. I'd highly recommend the PS-2's to anyone wanting a high quality tire for their TL. They are IMHO the best tire for the TL. The first thing I noticed compared to the RE-030's is the ride quality and "feel" of the tire. They really compliment the TL's overall characteristics and seem to be made just for our car.
#10
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Originally Posted by direk_04TL
here are the TireRack ratings for the Potenza RE030's:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes
and for the Turanza EL42's
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes
clearly, the HPTs have a bit more wet traction compared to the EL42s.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes
and for the Turanza EL42's
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes
clearly, the HPTs have a bit more wet traction compared to the EL42s.
#11
Originally Posted by JetJock
I just got Michelin PS-2's to replace my factory HPT's. They are great in the rain, but not designed for snow. Since I'm not planning to drive my TL during the winter snow, I'm not too concerned about their performance in snow, but I wanted tires that are quiet and perform well during the 9 months I do drive the car. I'd highly recommend the PS-2's to anyone wanting a high quality tire for their TL. They are IMHO the best tire for the TL. The first thing I noticed compared to the RE-030's is the ride quality and "feel" of the tire. They really compliment the TL's overall characteristics and seem to be made just for our car.
Did you consider the all-season Michelins? While I'm sure the PS-2s offer better handling on dry pavement, I was leaning toward the all-seasons as I think they'll provide better wet traction, and decent dry performance as well.
#13
Originally Posted by soljc
JetJock,
Did you consider the all-season Michelins? While I'm sure the PS-2s offer better handling on dry pavement, I was leaning toward the all-seasons as I think they'll provide better wet traction, and decent dry performance as well.
Did you consider the all-season Michelins? While I'm sure the PS-2s offer better handling on dry pavement, I was leaning toward the all-seasons as I think they'll provide better wet traction, and decent dry performance as well.
#14
Originally Posted by abox
Shucks, I kept thinking the HPT tires would be better than the normal tires. Guess all the original tires aren't that great. I'd hate to waste them, maybe I can sell them?
#15
Originally Posted by soljc
FWIW, I have the HPTs on my 04, and I'm not impressed with them in the rain. I'm putting dedicated snows on in a few weeks, and I'm planning on a set of the all-season Michelins (Pilot A/S) when the snows come off.
#16
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I will let you know how the HPTs handle the NE this winter. I have always felt, in a car with a manual transmission, unless the snow is severe, you can drive just fine, no matter what tires you have (unless of course, they are bald.) The ability to start from a stop in 2nd gear is a great advantage for traction, as well as using the engine to brake as well, along with the gentle use of the brakes to avoid skidding in snowy or icy conditions. I could be 100% wrong, however I feel confident in my driving ability and judgement (i.e. adapting to road and weather conditions, also termed...not driving like a moron in inclimate weather), and hence, feel that replacing the HPTs will not be necessary.
#17
Originally Posted by Republican TL
I will let you know how the HPTs handle the NE this winter. I have always felt, in a car with a manual transmission, unless the snow is severe, you can drive just fine, no matter what tires you have (unless of course, they are bald.) The ability to start from a stop in 2nd gear is a great advantage for traction, as well as using the engine to brake as well, along with the gentle use of the brakes to avoid skidding in snowy or icy conditions. I could be 100% wrong, however I feel confident in my driving ability and judgement (i.e. adapting to road and weather conditions, also termed...not driving like a moron in inclimate weather), and hence, feel that replacing the HPTs will not be necessary.
#18
Originally Posted by JetJock
soljc..if you are getting dedicated snow tires, don't get A/S tires for the summer. With snow tires, I think you would like PS-2's better during the summer. They are pretty good in the rain, and much much quieter than the Pilot A/S tire.
#19
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Originally Posted by JetJock
abox...living in California where it never snows, you don't need A/S tires. They are made for people that need to drive occasionally in snow conditions. Unless you drive up into the mountains, your HPT tires should be just fine. I had them on my car and they were OK in the rain...not the best, but certainly accepable until they wear out. don't drive in the snow, and I would have been happy with the HPT (RE-030) until I wore them out. Keep your tires dude!
#20
Originally Posted by abox
Thanks Jetjock! I'm going to cautiously stick with my HPT's and see how it goes this winter. Will force a couple skids to get a feel. I prefer to not go through the hassle of switching to A/S tires during the snow/rain months.
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Originally Posted by caball88
does it snow in san jose? cause if it does then ditch the HPT's in the winter. you will regret it if you don't. there is absolutely no traction when used in snow. my last car i was stupid enough to drive with summer tires in the snow and it was like sledding down a hill but worse. at least with a sled you have some control. don't try to save on the money and just shell out for snow tires.
#22
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Just replaced RE-030s with Falken 512s
My HPT tires had almost 7500 miles. Here in NE Texas we have had temps in the upper 40s a week ago and I was getting flat spots in the morning. Since it snows here at times (and ice storms more often ) I decided to go with the Falken Ziex 512s and I love them. Smoother, quieter, no flat spots.
What convinced me to change also was driving in moderately heavy rain and finding myself hydroplaning
I plan to put the HPTs back on next summer and try to use up the tread, since they do have quite a bit of wear left. I suppose if anyone wanted to buy them I would consider selling. In the meantime I will put each tire in a black plastic bag, suck out the air and try to keep them sealed in my cool garage.
Anyone have any comments about above plan?
What convinced me to change also was driving in moderately heavy rain and finding myself hydroplaning
I plan to put the HPTs back on next summer and try to use up the tread, since they do have quite a bit of wear left. I suppose if anyone wanted to buy them I would consider selling. In the meantime I will put each tire in a black plastic bag, suck out the air and try to keep them sealed in my cool garage.
Anyone have any comments about above plan?
#23
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Wait a second - I thought common understanding (at least mine) was that HPT tires (summer-only tires) are GREAT in the rain because they can channel away water faster than all seasons can (just look at the grooves in the tire) but cannot be used in the snow.
Is this understanding entirely incorrect?
Is this understanding entirely incorrect?
#24
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It was not my experience. I had read the same thing from others posting on this forum, but when I hydroplaned I was surprised.
I knew I would be putting all season tires on during the winter anyway, because we do get ice and snow here at least once or twice every year, but the hydroplaning experience convinced me all the more. When I look at the tread on the Falkens and see the deep channels, they look as if they would be far more effective in channeling water away than on the HPTs.
I knew I would be putting all season tires on during the winter anyway, because we do get ice and snow here at least once or twice every year, but the hydroplaning experience convinced me all the more. When I look at the tread on the Falkens and see the deep channels, they look as if they would be far more effective in channeling water away than on the HPTs.
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