[kms1990]

what type of tire would one recommend for the 2011 3 hatch gt? when I am asking I am asking for performance category more or less and not really specific tires or brands at this point. would one be better off with Grand touring tires or high or ultra high performance tires and why? I am looking for a good pros and cons of both types I do mostly highway/traffic and more than I would like, I am leaning towards grand touring because of the longer life, but do not want to be slipping around in the rain on dry turns or anything and I still wanna be ale to take that fun turn or 2 every now and again and not worry about the tires breaking free at 30 mph. I have had some of both types but on different cars (only high and ultra high performance on mazdas) would a grand touring be too far out of this cars character? would I notice a detriment to handling, turning, braking overall responsiveness wet grip etc? or would it be roughly on par with a high performance tire for this car? lets say for example Michelin pilot sport a/s 3(ultra high performance) vs Michelin primacy a/s(grand touring) how would the primacy differ from the pilot sport? would it feel less confident in turns, lack overall grip, lose wet grip, get more sidewall flex, ride firmer? anyone with insight into why I should get or should not get a particular performance category of tire for my 2011 mazda 3 hatch GT please share as I want to decide on the type then look at specific tires. I want tires I know will hold if I do/need to do something stupid or crazy, ride decent, grip well, medium-low noise (the firestones on it right now drive me crazy they are so loud!) and hold up for a decent warranty period as I drive a decent amount for work and do not wanna buy tires every year or 2

 

[BIGDOC]

Where are you driving ? do you encounter snow or is it just wet and dry roads ? I had COOPER RS3A's and thought they were great...now I got a '16 three and put a set of BFGoorich Comp T/A a/s. Do your research, read reviews.

 

[kms1990]

Where are you driving ? do you encounter snow or is it just wet and dry roads ? I had COOPER RS3A's and thought they were great...now I got a '16 three and put a set of BFGoorich Comp T/A a/s. Do your research, read reviews.

Texas, so maybe 1 ice storm every now and again and its not drivable usually when this happens so no to very very very little snow and ice, just mainly hot dry and sometimes rain (recently a lot but...) I have been doing research and that has lead me to the question I asked above I cannot decide between performance and touring/grand touring tire types and would like some feed back on why I should or should not choose a particular type

 

[VoodooJef]

I see you`re in Fort Worth. I`m in Arlington. I use the Continental DWS 06 tires, chosen specifically to deal with the weather we get while still giving good performance. Not an economy tire, but not terribly expensive, either. And they`re quiet.

 

[kms1990]

I see you`re in Fort Worth. I`m in Arlington. I use the Continental DWS 06 tires, chosen specifically to deal with the weather we get while still giving good performance. Not an economy tire, but not terribly expensive, either. And they`re quiet.

Ah bet I have seen you driving around I work up in the mid cities area in Bedford but have to drive all over like Grapevine and the like for work. Your now the 2nd person to recommend that exact tire so I may look into them. how many miles do you have on that tire? and how are they wearing?

 

[BIGDOC]

Both the BFG Comp 2 A/S and the Conti DWS 06 are great tires for what you are looking for...both have great reviews and longevity. It's up to you and your wallet now...

 

[VoodooJef]

I`ve only got about 9K miles on them but they`re doing well so far, regarding wear.

 

[mjs1190]

I have Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position tires on mine. They're a ultra-high performance all season. Very happy with them and have had them for a year and a half. Much quieter than stock tires and vastly better grip in the rain.

 

[AD13]

I've been running Continental Extreme Contact DW (Max Performance Summer category) for a few months and they are honestly very good tires. They are great in the rain, but thats expected for almost any tire with 90%+ tread. The last tires I had were Michelin Exalto Sports which were worse in every single way except fuel economy. IMO the performance gain and confidence you get with high performance tires is worth the extra cost and economy. I wouldn't bother with GT tires unless you are driving 50 miles each day.

 

[kms1990]

I've been running Continental Extreme Contact DW (Max Performance Summer category) for a few months and they are honestly very good tires. They are great in the rain, but thats expected for almost any tire with 90%+ tread. The last tires I had were Michelin Exalto Sports which were worse in every single way except fuel economy. IMO the performance gain and confidence you get with high performance tires is worth the extra cost and economy. I wouldn't bother with GT tires unless you are driving 50 miles each day.

well I kind of am, 30 miles one way to work for now, maybe moving within a year or so closer. and then I use my personal vehicle and get reimbursed while at work so right now I have been putting about 1700 miles a month on the car. that's why I was looking at GT tires. but I am with you on the pay off in performance though as I loved my Michelin pilot sport a/s 3s on my older mazdas and they were ultra high performance tires but still had a decent life.