Oh dear!!! - New tyres required!

dawn lang · Jan 22, 2004

Went out this morning and put my foot down going round a familiar roundabout, but today - for the first time since i've owned the car - it didn't turn in but continued on a nice forward trajectory!

Thankfully when I took my foot off the gas it bit in and turned in the right direction but upon looking at the front tyres it would appear that they're the original ones put on the car when it was new 3 years ago!

After speaking to my husband he's said that this happened to him too a few weeks ago (nice of him to tell me!!) and we're assuming that the tyre compound has just 'gone off' (as there is quite a bit of tread still available) but my question is - what tyres are best for the Boxster? It's got 18 inch rims on it at the moments and I've been advised to use P Zero's but if I put P Zero's on the front - do I also have to do the same with the back???

Is there a preferred tyre for a Boxster???

Many thanks

Dawn

Helen Goff · Jan 22, 2004

this information is in you handbook.

yes you are advised to have the same rated tyres all round. it's advised that the tyres for a boxster are N rated.

i've got Continental N2 on mine

I find it hard to beleive that it has had the same set of tyres on it for three years especally if they don't look worn, whats the mileage?

maybe you should get the tracking looked at.. you may find that the inside edge of your tyres is very worn.

dawn lang · Jan 22, 2004

ORIGINAL: Helen Goff

yes you are advised to have the same rated tyres all round. it's advised that the tyres for a boxster are N rated.

I find it hard to beleive that it has had the same set of tyres on it for three years especally if they don't look worn, whats the mileage?

maybe you should get the tracking looked at.. you may find that the inside edge of your tyres is very worn.

Well that's given me some food for thought. The guy who owned the car before me had obviously really REALLY looked after it as it was absolutely pristine and he had OPC receipts for everything and I mean everything which is very reassuring when buying a second hand car.

The only thing he didn't have receipts for was new front tyres although the rears receipt was there. Car's got 33,000 on it at the moment.

It's coming round to Porsche clinic time soon so i'll mention it when it goes in.

Cheers - hope my questions don't sound too basic - hoping to be a Porsche pro by the end of this!!

Dawn

Helen Goff · Jan 22, 2004

never worry about asking questions, it's better to ask than worry.

besides i like questions i can answer[

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BTW to make you feel better i once took my car in cos it had a really strong smell of petrol on tick over, turns out i hadn't done the petrol cap up tight anough[

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] boy did i feel silly

Dapster · Jan 22, 2004

I have a 2001, 37k miles 2.7 with Conti Sport Contact N1's (17") all round - and as I have had the car from new, can confirm that the front's are original. In fact, the OPC service record from the 24k service said that it had 3mm on the front and 5mm on the rear, and the 36k service 10 months later said 4mm on the front and 4mm on the rears!! Regenerative front tyres - fantastic!

I dont generally hang about in the corners and am amazed at the longevity of the rubber (no track days though).

Dawn - I have used a tyre company in New Maldon (near the Sainsbury's roundabout by the Firestation but can't remember the name). Seemed to have Porsche knowledge (ie new instantly that the Boxster needed the N1 rating) and had a 355 Ferrari and a few luxo saloons in the bay when I turned up. You can call them on 01621 840100 and I think I paid about £125 fitted each for my 25540 ZR 17's in late 2002.

lazza · Jan 22, 2004

37k miles on a set of tyres and still going! Even if they are not the driven wheels this is exceptional for a performance motor.

Another brownie point for Porsches!!
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Lazza

Helen Goff · Jan 22, 2004

or should the brownie points go to conties or even the driver?

dawn lang · Jan 22, 2004

ORIGINAL: Dapster
Dawn - I have used a tyre company in New Maldon (near the Sainsbury's roundabout by the Firestation but can't remember the name). Seemed to have Porsche knowledge (ie new instantly that the Boxster needed the N1 rating) and had a 355 Ferrari and a few luxo saloons in the bay when I turned up. You can call them on 01621 840100 and I think I paid about £125 fitted each for my 25540 ZR 17's in late 2002.

Much appreciated. I'll give them a call.

Guest · Jan 22, 2004

I am ready to purchase my first set of new tyres for my Boxster S. Whenever I have had tyres fitted to previous cars with alloy wheels, they managed to mark the wheels, despite being asked to be carefull. Anyone had experience. Can they be changed without damaging the wheels.

Guest · Jan 23, 2004

Have had excellent service from Protyre Exeter as they do all the big dealerships. Porsche, Ferrari Etc. Cars only done 5K but have had to replace 1 front and rear due to nails to close to the wall for repair. No damage to rim...... so far!
Just for the record I use Michelin Pilot Sport N2 and they are fantastic in the dry and not bad in the wet either. It's just the cold that had me going sideways one day. Seems to be a big factor in the tyre and handling department .

thboxster · Jan 23, 2004

The tyres can be changed without damaging the wheels. I think it comes down to the attentivness and perhaps the general standards of the person doing it.

Claire · Jan 23, 2004

Tyres can be changed without damaging alloys.

And if they do damage the alloys ensure you have made them look at your unblemished alloys before they do the work and agree they are undamaged that way if they do any damage you should be able to argue they pay for the repair.

We normally go to Micheldever to get new tyres.
You need to watch some of the fitters to check what they are doing but we have never had alloys damaged there.

n.turner · Jan 23, 2004

I've used Micheldever before and found them to be very competitive and provide a reasonable service depending on who is serving you at the time (some more careful than others!).

I've heard of reports of difficulty in balancing the wheels accurately which translates to a bit of shake through the steering wheel at certain speeds. Does any one know if most tyre fitters use the same equipment for wheel balance or are some better than others?

Nick

Dapster · Jan 23, 2004

Vibrating front wheels are the bane of my life! Check this out here:

Wheel Shake

I have since checked and re-checked the pressures and still can not reduce the vibration. Maybe a trip to a far more specialised tyre fitter is in order, as I have only had it looked at by Kwik Fit so far.....