Porsche approved tyre manufactures

[MarlowCrew]

New to Porsche ownership and new to the forum "" so if this is a dumb question posted in the wrong place I apologise in advance.

I have a 2007 C4 which I'm looking to fit with winter tyres. So my question, can any one help with which are the Porsche approved tyre manufactures that produce winter tyres [with any comments, views and recommendation you think appropriate to add]?

The car doesn't have a Porsche warranty, I'd like to stick with their approved tyres if possible, but my main concern is trying to stay on the road through the winter months.

[The car is my daily ride so to speak so I've made the assumption winter tyres would be a good idea. However, after just shy of 30 years of motoring this will be the first time I've ever swapped wheels for winter.]

 

[tscaptain]

Hi John and welcome to the forum. To my (limited) knowledge the only N rated winter tyre manufacturer is Pirelli with the Sotto zero series 2 tyre available in 235 and 295 (Don't think you will get 305 for your C4). Michelin do a Pilot sport Alpin but not sure about the sizes. TBH I've never bothered changing as I don't need to take mine out in the snow and ice. That said there are those who say you should have winter rubber when the temperature falls below 7C.

If you do decide to go down that route good luck trying to source the tyres. N rated Pirellis and hens teeth seem to be synonymous at the moment.

 

[Lancerlot]

Hi John and welcome.

Whichever manufacturer you choose, the tyres must be 'N' rated and will usually carry markings such as N0, N1, N2 etc. It doesn't really matter which number, but they should have the same markings all round.

The 'N' rating indicates they're tested and approved by Porsche. Non-approved tyres may look the same but may not have the same construction and/or compounds.

Michelin do a good winter tyre.

Regards,

Clive.

 

[betternotbigger]

John

Not true. If you don't have a Porsche warranty you don't NEED to have N rated tyres. You should however check that the sizes and load ratings are adequate for the vehicle. Frankly you'll be a hundred times safer on non-approved winter rubber than on approved summer tyres which are hopeless in the snow. You need to get a move on and order now because winter tyres run out early in Autumn. Look at the sizes and load ratings of your summer tyres and see what you can find online in the same specification. A quick google will get you ten different internet based suppliers.

Are winter tyres worth it? You bet they are. Night and day difference in feel, confidence and safety.

 

[speedy_un]

USA website, but approved tyre list here:

Tire and wheel approvals

I've validated it with my OPC - Nokian and Pirelli approved for 19 inch 997.

mytyres.com have reasonably priced Nokian's, and I've only ever found the Pirellis at Event Tyres - but a lot more expensive!

By the way, if you are looking for a set of wheels to put winter tyres on then I am about to sell a set of mint and unrefurbished Carrera Classics (the five spoke wheel that is super easy to clean!) - they are the C4 offset (I originally bought them for my C4S). PM me if you are interested.

 

[RussellFunnell]

Speak to the Swedes, they know their onions! They drive on the blooming stuff for the winter, they have Porsches too!

 

[MarlowCrew]

Thank you everyone for all the great information and the speed at which it was posted; what a welcome!

I've managed to get one quote so far for the Pirelli tyre mentioned. The guy that runs our local tyre fitters did indicate the unpredictability of the lead time.

On the link to the US site posted by speedy_un I found the information as suggested and a couple of other helpful bits and bobs.

Thats once again.