Life Expectancy Of Rear Tires

[Don Hiltz]

Yesterday, while washing my car, I noted that the treads on my rear tires appeared to be about 70% worn down. They are Pilot Sports with 13K miles on them. Doing my math with these estimated figures, I concluded that I can expect to purchase new ones at about 18,5000 miles.

I'm not a hot-doger and 40% of my trips are at highway speeds (75-85 mph). Parenthetically, I always smell burnt rubber after one of these trips which I've been told is quite normal for these tires. Wear pattern is symmetrical on both sides. In all honesty, however, I don't monitor tire pressure regularly.

My question: What is the average life expectancy for Pilot Sports on the rear? Am I in the ballpark?

Thanks....

 

[Y2K5SRT]

I am at the tail end of my tires (both front and rear) and they have almost 21,000 original miles on them. They have numerous "spirited runs" on them, including autocross, 1/4 mile, and road courses. Easily 100+ runs of those combinations. I am VERY pleased with the wear I got out of them and need only figure out a way to replace them on the cheap...

Chris

 

[SteveBCloud9]

I would say 15-18k is the norm. My rental gets about that even with the abuse that it takes day in and day out.

 

[GTS Dean]

50% of the fronts.

 

[Gerald]

Hi Don, if those are the original tires or even a few years old, trust me, they are probably VERY hard. With my experience, even with my 1998 with 4,000 miles when I bought it, the tires were VERY hard and it was so easy to light them up. With my new Sports, the traction is 1000% times better..


Gerald

 

[Steve 00RT/10]

We have 16,500 miles on ours. I have made smoke on numerous occasions. I'm just about to the wear bars. A few donuts this spring on video and I'll be springing for a couple of new ones. I am quite pleased with the way the Pilot Sports have held up. I will be getting another set of the same.

Steve

 

[Jeff Torrey]

I agree with Gerald. The tires do get hard over time. If you notice the tires breaking loose very easily and no grip on take off's. I would recommend new tires for safety reasons. Even if the there is tread left.

I replaced my tires last year FRom MXX3's to Pilot Sports. Parts Rack had the best price (at the time). Around $1400 delivered for 4 tires. Good luck!

 

[Geoff Green]

What ever you do, do not use Pirelli P-Zero's. I have used them twice on my BMW and each time I have only got 8000 miles out of them. I contacted Pirelli and they told me that between 8 and 20,000 is what to expect. My wife definately does not drive the car very hard and we got the low end of the miles. My MXX3's have 9000+ miles and they are only half worn.

 

[Sniper]

Don-

I posted on this awhile back! There wasn't any responses that helped me out with my tires. I can roast my tires in 2nd gear just by punching the gas down!!!! I've got the tires that don't squeal when spinning. What tears me in two is the tires I have now, I love! Only one problem, no traction off the line. When I tear around a corner, she just slides. No skipping and squealing! Just pure fun!!!!!!!! But to post 1/4 mile times would be posting a joke, I can turn my tires in 3rd gear at 80 mph! I don't know if I want to get the sticky tires or keep the fun ones on!

 

[Roland L-Ocala FL]

I have about 15K on our MMX tires on the rear, and will be looking for new ones this spring! I do not hot dog, only have drag raced it 3 times at VOI 6 and made some runs around the Gingerman last two years (about 10 - 12 total), that's it as far as pushing the tires. Been told 15 to 20 K is about right before. I run 35 psi in the tires.