[JDodd]

Reading through this forum it looks like 244/285 tires can fit on stock 20" rims without an issue . I have also read that the majority of members prefer the Michelin PS4s. I still have the original Pirellis (235/265) on my Cayman, and it's about time to replace them. As such, I'm strongly considering the 245/285 PS4s. The only issue that I'm running into is that I can't find them "N" (Porsche) rated. The local stores have the PS4s in 235/265 "N" rated, and standard rated 245/285 .Does it really make a difference to go with "N" rated tires, or will the standard Michelins suffice? Thoughts?

 

[HooosierDaddy]

You’ll get differing opinions on this, but IMO the N rated isn’t important if you’re never going to track the car. My understanding is that N rating is simply extra ply’s

 

[CupraLeon]

If you keep in mind they won't perform as Porsche intended and the car is out of warranty I would say go for it. The N rated tires often have bigger water draining channels and extra ply's as Hoosier mentioned.

 

[gatorfast]

I would say its not that important and unless you are a very skilled driver who can pick up on subtle nuances then you probably wont be able to tell any difference. But there are differences between generic size tires and ones that carry a manufacturer spec like Porsche N. For example, the 235/35 and 265/35 N0 tires have a 0.1" increase in tread width over the generic 235/35 and 265/35 mps4s tires. That said, I did just replace my tires with N0 MPS4S mainly because I wanted to stick with OEM size and the N spec tires were not much more $ than the generic.

 

[dkmajm]

This is a great read on just that issue, about ps4s and cup2 tyres and the differing compounds for each manufacturer...

Not all Michelin Cup 2 Tires Are Created The Same - MotoIQ

They may look the same, smell the same, and be the exact same size; but not all Cup 2 tires are created equal, and for good reason. Michelin produces off-the-shelf…

motoiq.com

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[GregW]

I just extended my 718 warranty and one of the requirements was "N" rated tyres. Of course that could be just 'extra money' related but I have the Pirellis on anyway and find them a fine tyre. I'm sure that I'm never close to the limit of them except accidentally, and the difference between the top brands is less than 5% performance anyway.

 

[JDodd]

Thanks for all the great responses. I hadn't considered that the "N" rated tires could affect warranty. I've got a CPO warranty until 2023, so I'll probably just replace with the 235/265 "N" rated PS4s instead of going with the larger sized non-Porsche specific tires. Thanks all.

 

[DriveInHouston]

Thanks for all the great responses. I hadn't considered that the "N" rated tires could affect warranty. I've got a CPO warranty until 2023, so I'll probably just replace with the 235/265 "N" rated PS4s instead of going with the larger sized non-Porsche specific tires. Thanks all.

I can attest that the Porsche dealer sold me a CPO with Goodyears in the front and Michelins in the back. The Michelins were NOT N0s I'd find it rich if they came back and said the warranty was void because the tires in the rear were not N0s...

 

[HooosierDaddy]

I don't believe that a none "N" rated tire will void your warranty. They'd need to prove the tire caused any warranty claims.

 

[gatorfast]

Non-N spec tires should absolutely have nothing to do with warranty. There is no warranty on tires anyway as its a wear and tear item.

 

[sobiloff]

This is a great read on just that issue, about ps4s and cup2 tyres and the differing compounds for each manufacturer...

Not all Michelin Cup 2 Tires Are Created The Same - MotoIQ

They may look the same, smell the same, and be the exact same size; but not all Cup 2 tires are created equal, and for good reason. Michelin produces off-the-shelf…

motoiq.com

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Holy cow, what an in-depth article! Thanks for the pointer to it.

 

[dkmajm]

So on the topic of oem tyres, do Porsche just “randomly” use different brands (albeit N rated tyres from N rated suppliers) on different cars, For eg. if I buy a 718S could I end up with Pirelli or Goodyear or Michelin and there’s no way to specify or to know what will arrive? Pirellis are decent for the first week! but grip goes away quickly after not that many kilometres (my experience) i would never buy or option them over the Michelin’s. If I bought a mustang in Australia I know if I got the ecoboost i was getting Pirelli p-zeros, if I bought the GT I’d get Michelin ps4s, and if I bought the Shelby models I’d get cup2 (Shelbys not offered in oz, but USA get cup2). My 718S has non N rated wider rubber being 245/35 and 275/35 Michelin ps4s. I will probably go back to oem sizes when I replace them (especially after reading my link above!)...


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[sobiloff]

Nope, no guarantee what rubber will come on a 718, and no way to specify, either, that I'm aware of.

 

[gatorfast]

Correct, no way to know or specify. Porsche will choose several tire manufacturers to work with to develop oem spec tires (in this case Michelin, Pirelli, and Goodyear) in order to spread out production and ensure redundancy/backup should one manufacturer experience issues. The same practice is followed among the other major German brands as well.

 

[JDodd]

I have really gone back and forth on this one. Sounds like most agree that non-Porsche spec won't affect warranty at all, but after reading the thorough (very thorough) article above, I'm inclined to stick with Porsche Spec PS4s since they are likely customized for the specific application. If I go for the larger size, this could be a good option. K2 rating is for Ferrari and I would think that it would work well.

 

[gatorfast]

If you are sticking with oem sizes, the only real reasons not to go with the N spec tire would be that one is not available in a pinch (i.e. you got a flat and need a tire that day and cant source an N spec) or you just want to save a few bucks as the generic are a bit cheaper.

Edit: Thats an interesting find on the Ferrari spec tires. Looks like those are the oem sizes on the Portofino which also uses 20x8 and 20x10 wheels. Seems like a very good option for those who want to upsize while also using a tire designed for an 8" front and 10" rear wheel.

 

[Third]

I don't believe that a none "N" rated tire will void your warranty. They'd need to prove the tire caused any warranty claims.

Using other than N-spec tires in the US does NOT void your Porsche's warranty. Here's an excerpt from the Federal Trade Commission website on this topic ...

"Simply using an aftermarket or recycled part does not void your warranty. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for companies to void your warranty or deny coverage under the warranty simply because you used an aftermarket or recycled part. The manufacturer or dealer can, however, require consumers to use select parts if those parts are provided to consumers free of charge under the warranty.

Still, if it turns out that the aftermarket or recycled part was itself defective or wasn't installed correctly, and it causes damage to another part that is covered under the warranty, the manufacturer or dealer has the right to deny coverage for that part and charge you for any repairs. The FTC says the manufacturer or dealer must show that the aftermarket or recycled part caused the need for repairs before denying warranty."

 

[GTS18BGTS]

This article has a list of N rated tires. It also says there's more of them than what they have listed.

 

[dkmajm]

So a N rated tyre can be used with a mid-Engined 718, or a rear engined 911, one with or without all wheel drive, surely they have differing tyre requirements anyways due to weight and driveline etc. so buying a N spec tyre wouldn’t it be more suited to a 911 than any other Porsche as I’m sure that’s where most of the r&d budget gets allocated?


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[jimmuller]

What no one has discussed here is the balance of benefits vs. losses with wider tires. They will marginally heavier. Tire scrubb will be slightly greater. The contact patch will have a different shape. These features will be not what Porsche designed for. Just something to consider.