Getting my S-04's installed tomorrow.

[Rez90]

Kind of excited bros

[bhvrdr]

lol, i understand. I really liked those tires when I used them and the S03 before them. Wednesdays I should get my TSW Bathurst in the mail so i'm in anticipation mode too.

Mike

[Rez90]

Anything compared to the stock contis will be a huge upgrade.

Funniest thing.... They are the same size (technically), and they physically measure almost 1.5 inches wider than the stockers.

[mact3333]

mine have been on for 2 weeks now....they seem pretty good so far...no complaints

[SteveYem]

Anything compared to the stock contis will be a huge upgrade.

Funniest thing.... They are the same size (technically), and they physically measure almost 1.5 inches wider than the stockers.

Those are summer tires, no? Won't do you much good in New Jersey this time of year!

[Rez90]

Those are summer tires, no? Won't do you much good in New Jersey this time of year!

I have a set of Nokian R2's ready to go on as soon as i see snow in the forecast.....not looking too promising though...

[yakev724]

How do these compare with PSS? Curious since Michelins were always my go-to summer tires.

[Rez90]

How do these compare with PSS? Curious since Michelins were always my go-to summer tires.

On tirerack they are 2nd max performance summer tires behind the PSS's. The car is my DD so i figured for $60 less per tire it would be worth it to try them out. if you compare the reviews and numbers they're literally a few tenth's off of the PSS's in most categories.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=148

[jran76]

I think for the money, they are a really good tire. My second choice behind the PSS. However, they are quite a bit heavier (4 pounds) if that is something you'd be worried about.

[SteveYem]

I think for the money, they are a really good tire. My second choice behind the PSS. However, they are quite a bit heavier (4 pounds) if that is something you'd be worried about.

When I was shopping for summer tires, I had it down between the PSS and S-02. I was ready to go with the S-02 for the money savings until I read that they were heavier by what I would consider to be a significant amount. And, the additional weight is out at the tire which is the worst place it could be as far as rotational inertia (accelerating and braking) are concerned.

[jran76]

When I was shopping for summer tires, I had it down between the PSS and S-02. I was ready to go with the S-02 for the money savings until I read that they were heavier by what I would consider to be a significant amount. And, the additional weight is out at the tire which is the worst place it could be as far as rotational inertia (accelerating and braking) are concerned.

No doubt. 99% of people probably don't notice or aren't effected by that on a daily basis. If you are the kind of person that is, or you like to race or whatever, it's something to consider. 16 lbs. or rotating mass is quite a bit, but not the end for most people. Obviously, a higher percentage of people on this forum probably do care, but in terms of the general population, most probably don't.

[KRp220]

I think for the money, they are a really good tire. My second choice behind the PSS. However, they are quite a bit heavier (4 pounds) if that is something you'd be worried about.

any insight (on weight and in general) on the hankook evo12 or whatever they are called? i don't drive that aggressively and was considering making the switch from PSS's to save some $, and considering 20's and may need a lower 'volume' tire

[MrFunk]

I have a set of Nokian R2's ready to go on as soon as i see snow in the forecast.....not looking too promising though...

I'd caution running max summers in anything under 45 degrees. One cold night with some frost and presto black ice or similar...

[jran76]

any insight (on weight and in general) on the hankook evo12 or whatever they are called? i don't drive that aggressively and was considering making the switch from PSS's to save some $, and considering 20's and may need a lower 'volume' tire

Per Tire Rack on the 255/35/19 (I don't take these weights as the gospel, but they'll be really close and give you a good idea):
Michelin PSS is 24 lbs.
Conti DW 24 lbs.
Hankook Ventus V12 25 lbs.
Bridgestone S-04 is 29 lbs.
Pirelli P-Zero (Audi) is 24 lbs.
Bridgestone RE-71 is 26 lbs.
Michelin Sport Cup 2 is 23 lbs.

20" weights will be similar differences from tire to tire. 255/30/20:
Hankook Ventus V12 is 24 lbs.
Michelin PSS is 23 lbs.

One thing to consider is you'll get probably 1/3 to 1/2 as many miles out of something like the Hankook as opposed to the PSS. The PSS is the only tire in that class with a tread-life warranty, and it's 30k miles on our cars (if you run the same F/R size). Anything below that that you don't get out of the PSS, they'll credit (pro-rated) towards a new set.... You'll get maybe 15k out of the Hankook's. So, you may save some on the front end with something like the Hankooks, but you'll more than make it up in the long-run on the PSS's. I paid $500 for my second set of PSS's....

[MrFunk]

any insight (on weight and in general) on the hankook evo12 or whatever they are called? i don't drive that aggressively and was considering making the switch from PSS's to save some $, and considering 20's and may need a lower 'volume' tire

I ran Hankook V12's in a 20 for a couple seasons. Not impressed. They were vague and imprecise at 7/10th the limit and more. Fine for farting around town, pretty good in the wet... but with any aggressive driving I was not very thrilled. Their limits were also quite lower than expected and when they broke loose it was sudden...

[jran76]

I ran Hankook V12's in a 20 for a couple seasons. Not impressed. They were vague and imprecise at 7/10th the limit and more. Fine for farting around town, pretty good in the wet... but with any aggressive driving I was not very thrilled. Their limits were also quite lower than expected and when they broke loose it was sudden...

I thought there was some value in them when they were really cheap, but they are not that cheap anymore. Relative to other/better options, they are in-line price wise. They do run narrow and stretch well if you're trying to squeeze an aggressive wheel on the car. That's about all I would recommend them for at this point. Not a horrible tire, but there are definitely better options for the money now.

[KRp220]

thanks for the insight guys. much appreciated

[Jv218]

I'm in the market for a set of summer tires once this winter is over, my main choice would be the S-04 or the PSS just need someone to buy my stock 18 pilot sport 3 at the moment.

[BigBluu]

Anything compared to the stock contis will be a huge upgrade.

Funniest thing.... They are the same size (technically), and they physically measure almost 1.5 inches wider than the stockers.

Can you elaborate on this? Since you don't have them mounted yet, I'm assuming the 1.5" difference is in the tread width? I'm on 9.5" VMR wheels with the stock Conti's and do not like the stretched look. I was planning to go one size up to 265/35/19 on my next set (planning S-04 as well) within the next couple months. I'm only on H&R OE Sport, so hopefully rubbing won't be an issue.

[jran76]

I'm in the market for a set of summer tires once this winter is over, my main choice would be the S-04 or the PSS just need someone to buy my stock 18 pilot sport 3 at the moment.

Hmmm. The stock 18" tires on the 2015 are Pilot Sport 3's? That's pretty nice. My 2012 had the 18" Bridgestone RE050 which I am not a fan of (I like most Bridgestone tires, but not those....).

[Jv218]

Hmmm. The stock 18" tires on the 2015 are Pilot Sport 3's? That's pretty nice. My 2012 had the 18" Bridgestone RE050 which I am not a fan of (I like most Bridgestone tires, but not those....).

Yup, that's what my car came with anyway when I selected the summer tire option. I believe for the 19in they come with the conti 5p or 3p. I think their not bad but I wouldn't buy for my 19 setup


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jran76]

Yup, that's what my car came with anyway when I selected the summer tire option. I believe for the 19in they come with the conti 5p or 3p. I think their not bad but I wouldn't buy for my 19 setup


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah, the Conti 5P is the newer 19" option. I agree, not horrible, but not what I would choose if buying....

[Jv218]

Yeah, the Conti 5P is the newer 19" option. I agree, not horrible, but not what I would choose if buying....

I'm leaning mainly towards the pss but for the price the S-04 isn't bad at all. Tried it before on a 335i full bolt on and it felt really planted


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jran76]

Can you elaborate on this? Since you don't have them mounted yet, I'm assuming the 1.5" difference is in the tread width? I'm on 9.5" VMR wheels with the stock Conti's and do not like the stretched look. I was planning to go one size up to 265/35/19 on my next set (planning S-04 as well) within the next couple months. I'm only on H&R OE Sport, so hopefully rubbing won't be an issue.

A meaty 265/35 on a 19x9.5" ET40 will probably have some minor rubbing, or you at least need to be prepared for it. Even a meaty 255 is cutting it close.

I'm leaning mainly towards the pss but for the price the S-04 isn't bad at all. Tried it before on a 335i full bolt on and it felt really planted


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I do think the S-04 is a good deal if you aren't concerned about the weight. It's a solid tire.

[kap09]

I think for the money, they are a really good tire. My second choice behind the PSS. However, they are quite a bit heavier (4 pounds) if that is something you'd be worried about.

Couldn't agree more. Very satisfied with them when I ran them a while ago, but they definitely lack a little something compared to the PSS. If you're not pushing the car hard, I'd save the cash and go S04 all day.

[boro92]

Good tire choice.
They would be my pick over the PSS. For anyone who tracks, the PSS wears out rapidly, and the shoulders simply cannot take a beating. It doesn't matter if you run 3 degrees of camber, the sidewall is simply too soft...the tire wears out in very weird ways. Not to mention, being such a soft tire, you are trading off feel and steering response. And that there is the key thing to some aspects of tire selection. You aren't only buying grip, but you are buying how the grip is delivered. The S04 is a much more responsive tire than the PSS. I'd pick the S04 over the PSS for occasional track use. Not only is it a more durable tire, but it makes the car handle more sprightly than the PSS can. Yes it's heavier, but you are getting a much firmer sidewall. I will take that trade off in weight any day. See the weight of Z2, Rivals, RE71r et al. Those are all heavy tires. No doubt because of the reinforced tire carcass. For performance driving duty on a 4k lb car, you want a stiff tire. Good pick OP. Sometimes it's not all about the #'s. Driver confidence and feel will affect lap times. And if a tire is delivering grip but doing nothing else but piss you off (because you have to manage sidewall roll over, or shoulder block wear), then it is not worth the hassle.

PSS is over rated (for track use). #flamesuit on :D

[yakev724]

Good tire choice.
They would be my pick over the PSS. For anyone who tracks, the PSS wears out rapidly, and the shoulders simply cannot take a beating. It doesn't matter if you run 3 degrees of camber, the sidewall is simply too soft...the tire wears out in very weird ways. Not to mention, being such a soft tire, you are trading off feel and steering response. And that there is the key thing to some aspects of tire selection. You aren't only buying grip, but you are buying how the grip is delivered. The S04 is a much more responsive tire than the PSS. I'd pick the S04 over the PSS for occasional track use. Not only is it a more durable tire, but it makes the car handle more sprightly than the PSS can. Yes it's heavier, but you are getting a much firmer sidewall. I will take that trade off in weight any day. See the weight of Z2, Rivals, RE71r et al. Those are all heavy tires. No doubt because of the reinforced tire carcass. For performance driving duty on a 4k lb car, you want a stiff tire. Good pick OP. Sometimes it's not all about the #'s. Driver confidence and feel will affect lap times. And if a tire is delivering grip but doing nothing else but piss you off (because you have to manage sidewall roll over, or shoulder block wear), then it is not worth the hassle.

PSS is over rated (for track use). #flamesuit on :D

no, very good points - appreciate the response. not many have had the experience of running both s-02/3/4 and PS2/3/S in demanding conditions.

[BigBluu]

Got the S-04's installed over the weekend. My stock Conti's were down to the wear bars with less than 12k miles on the odo. I could've squeezed another thousand or so miles out of them, but with all the rain we're finally getting here in NorCal I didn't want to risk it. Only had them on for a few days with mainly wet weather, but initial impressions are...I love these tires! Excellent grip when dry, confident handling when wet, and oh so damn smooth and quiet on the highway...virtually silent! And they look great too! I went with the stock size based on Rez90's suggestion and glad I did. Stretch look on my 9.5" wheels are gone. Tires are nice and flush now. Can't believe the stock Conti's robbed us of 1.5" of tread width. Only drawback is that they are rubbing ever so slightly at speed over big bumps. Gotta be even more careful now. I'm only lowered on H&R OE too. If these last me at least 20k miles, I'll be happy.

[adk_audi]

Those are summer tires, no? Won't do you much good in New Jersey this time of year!

Here comes 1-2 feet of snow this weekend!

[vwblackb5]

Here comes 1-2 feet of snow this weekend!

I'm super excited to finally get my WS80's mounted tomorrow ...bring on Winter Storm Jonas Brotherssssss

[jran76]

Got the S-04's installed over the weekend. My stock Conti's were down to the wear bars with less than 12k miles on the odo. I could've squeezed another thousand or so miles out of them, but with all the rain we're finally getting here in NorCal I didn't want to risk it. Only had them on for a few days with mainly wet weather, but initial impressions are...I love these tires! Excellent grip when dry, confident handling when wet, and oh so damn smooth and quiet on the highway...virtually silent! And they look great too! I went with the stock size based on Rez90's suggestion and glad I did. Stretch look on my 9.5" wheels are gone. Tires are nice and flush now. Can't believe the stock Conti's robbed us of 1.5" of tread width. Only drawback is that they are rubbing ever so slightly at speed over big bumps. Gotta be even more careful now. I'm only lowered on H&R OE too. If these last me at least 20k miles, I'll be happy.

Thanks for the post and update. They look good (and meaty). It's definitely a wide tire, so a little rubbing isn't shocking (and good for all the people that say an ET40 absolutely won't rub). A local guy is running the stock Conti's on a 9.5" and they look like 245's. Just goes to show how much tires can vary....

[mpatels4]

Very good points here on both PSS and S-04's.
I just switched from PSS to S-04's recently and so far I am enjoying them but there's definitely a different driving experience with the PSS that is unmatched.
For the price point S-04's are a great option.

[SportVier]

One thing to consider is you'll get probably 1/3 to 1/2 as many miles out of something like the Hankook as opposed to the PSS.

That was not my experience at all. I went through 2 sets of PSS's on my B7 and, even with regular rotation, hit the wear bars well before 20k both times. Switched to the Hankook Evos on my last set as owner and they still had plenty of tread left at 20k. The Hankooks may have other issues, but wear aint one.

[Szemenyei]

I'd caution running max summers in anything under 45 degrees. One cold night with some frost and presto black ice or similar...

I couldn't agree more.. I had PSS on my 335 and once the temperature dropped under 45 degrees the compound hardened up and it was like driving on black ice.. horrible idea for right now especially in jersey.

[Vogz]

I've had S-04s for two seasons now and absolutely love them. I had the Dunlop Sport Maxx GTs from the factory, and they were actually a decent tire. The S-04s are even better. For a daily driven S4 they are perfect IMO. They give up a little ultimate grip and response vs. the PSS, but they are quieter and ride better while still gripping really well when you want to dig into some corners.

[jran76]

That was not my experience at all. I went through 2 sets of PSS's on my B7 and, even with regular rotation, hit the wear bars well before 20k both times. Switched to the Hankook Evos on my last set as owner and they still had plenty of tread left at 20k. The Hankooks may have other issues, but wear aint one.

Milage will vary, but you are right, the Hankook has decent treadlife. The point I was trying to make (and didn't do a great job) is the PSS is the only tire in it's class with a treadwear warranty, and that's a big deal. I only got 14k out of mine (could of gotten a few thousand more), and I got my next set for basically 50% off with the warranty.

Tire rack surveys rate the treadlife of the PSS as 8.3, and the Hankook as 7.4 (I don't put a ton of weight into the surveys, but it's a pretty big delta). The results from people running them on an AWD vehicle like the S4 seem a little better than that in terms of tire life.

[IanCH]

That was not my experience at all. I went through 2 sets of PSS's on my B7 and, even with regular rotation, hit the wear bars well before 20k both times. Switched to the Hankook Evos on my last set as owner and they still had plenty of tread left at 20k. The Hankooks may have other issues, but wear aint one.

Uh treadwear warranty. If you anly got 2/3 of the life then you should have gotten the next set at 30% off.

Once you factor in treadlife, tread warranty and performance, there is no logical choice besides PSS (for a DD) even though the initial cost can be higher, the cost per mile is lower.

[Okan509]

Thanks for the post and update. They look good (and meaty). It's definitely a wide tire, so a little rubbing isn't shocking (and good for all the people that say an ET40 absolutely won't rub). A local guy is running the stock Conti's on a 9.5" and they look like 245's. Just goes to show how much tires can vary....

+1 looks great

[Neosapian]

Thanks for sharing pics! I got ~25k miles out of my first set of S-04's on my A6 2.7T here in rainy northwest Washington. 20k on the higher HP car is more than reasonable with proper inflation & alignment. Watch out for inner camber wear in the front! Wet grip and hydroplane resistance is exceptionally good with these tires, as is road response. 235/35/19's are quite stiff...Beefy sidewalls indeed. Tread noise remained super quiet all the way down to wear bars.

Im looking forward to running a set of S-04's when i get into an S4 - especially seeing as how perfect 255's look on a 9.5 wheel. Dissappointed they dont come in 255/30/20 as I'd love to run them for summers/car show season. PSS will do well for 20" fitment, though their price seems excessive for an AWD casual daily driver. Only other option in that size are V12's which dont interest me much after my excellent experience with these Bridgestones.

[eurotic]

Good tire choice.
They would be my pick over the PSS. For anyone who tracks, the PSS wears out rapidly, and the shoulders simply cannot take a beating. It doesn't matter if you run 3 degrees of camber, the sidewall is simply too soft...the tire wears out in very weird ways. Not to mention, being such a soft tire, you are trading off feel and steering response. And that there is the key thing to some aspects of tire selection. You aren't only buying grip, but you are buying how the grip is delivered. The S04 is a much more responsive tire than the PSS. I'd pick the S04 over the PSS for occasional track use. Not only is it a more durable tire, but it makes the car handle more sprightly than the PSS can. Yes it's heavier, but you are getting a much firmer sidewall. I will take that trade off in weight any day. See the weight of Z2, Rivals, RE71r et al. Those are all heavy tires. No doubt because of the reinforced tire carcass. For performance driving duty on a 4k lb car, you want a stiff tire. Good pick OP. Sometimes it's not all about the #'s. Driver confidence and feel will affect lap times. And if a tire is delivering grip but doing nothing else but piss you off (because you have to manage sidewall roll over, or shoulder block wear), then it is not worth the hassle.

PSS is over rated (for track use). #flamesuit on :D

No doubt. 99% of people probably don't notice or aren't effected by that on a daily basis. If you are the kind of person that is, or you like to race or whatever, it's something to consider. 16 lbs. or rotating mass is quite a bit, but not the end for most people. Obviously, a higher percentage of people on this forum probably do care, but in terms of the general population, most probably don't.

I've never had the opportunity to test tire back to back but I think I wouldn't be able to feel the difference between a heavy tire and lighter tire. Of course, I usually only switch over my tires in the off season so each spring I'm on new summers...I can't remember how the car felt 6 months prior.

Glad to hear from someone like boro that he'd take the heavy tire over the PSS and that there are benefits of the stiff sidewall. Most of the time I only hear people talk about the benefits of the lighter tire. Now we just need a tire manufacturer to give use a stiff sidewalled tire that is light.