Miata Mailing List: December 1994, Message #25
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   From: schertz@KMERL.Research.Panasonic.COM (Rick Schertz)
Subject: Re: TIRES
   Date: Thu, 1 Dec 1994 12:48:36 -0500


> Nonetheless, I too am anxious to get the miles on my car
> (to justify new rubber) and find out if hi-performance tires make a big
> difference.

I've been thinking the same thing about my '91A tires.  The catch-22 is
to compare them, you need to compare the new Bridgestones to the new
replacements.  If you wear out the original tires, you'll get accustomed
to the wear over time.  So, the difference will be huge regardless -- 
especially when the replacement will be high performance.

Years back with my other car (before I realized there was a finite lifespan
for tires) after getting a new set of 4 tires, (free) 4 wheel alignment and
balancing, the car drove wonderfully -- just because of the new tires and
the alignment.  Gee, I wonder how much more noticeable high performance
tires would have felt on my '87 Dodge Colt. ;)

Not having looked at the manual, what kind of lifespan is expected from
stock Bridgestones?  My '91A sat around for long periods of unuse with the
previous owner (hence the low mileage).  The previous owner mentioned that
after sitting for a while it might take a couple miles of mild bumpiness
before settling down.  Sounded like flat spots to me.  Had 'em checked out
at Merchant's before buying and they checked out fine.  I sometimes notice
this bumpiness and presume it's the tires -- could it also be simply due
to the fact that the Miata hasn't 'warmed up' after sitting around?  I don't
feel like forking out much dough for a new set just yet.  But, I certainly
expect that a new (higher performance) set will do wonders when the time
comes.