I went to a tire shop today and they tried to sell me some continetals for my cayenne but they werent the no por approved model. They were the merceds approved model is therd a reason to stick with the por aproved? I made them take them back and order me the right ones, but was curious if there the exact same tire why have one approved for porsche and one approved for mercedes? The tire guy really and no idea what the NO or N1 even stood for tell I told him .

 

I like to know this because a just order a set from discount, I hope they are Porsche approved.

 

They probably will fit. I just eanted tires that porche approves sine thats what makes a porsche os its handling. Besides all the other cool things on the porsche

 

Dude... there's spell check on here.

 

There was an interesting article on this very topic in the most recent Car and Driver magazine.

Here's a link to the online article:

http://blog.caranddriver.com/tread-r...acement-tires/

 

Thanks for the article that explains it all. I need to print allot of those out and send them off to all the tire shops.

 

I do use Porsche N-spec tires on my C4S. I think it does make a difference. When I buy new tires, I go into the tire shop and tell them exactly what I want them to order.

 

Manufacturers put a lot effort and R&D behind specific tread patterns and compounds with tire manufactures before making a commitment on an OEM tire. They are tailor-made for that specific vehicle to bring out the best performance.

However, this reference research is a static point in time. Tire technology and available compounds are rapidly evolving. Meaning that while the OEM tire is probably the best tire you can get for your vehicle when it is new, does not mean that you cannot find a better tire compound 2-5 years later that did not exist at that time.

With that in mind, I normally buy whatever strikes my fancy (that meets load requirements) and just get wider tires to compensate for any possible deficiencies ;-)

 

Yeah, we see this evidenced in the Porsche N-spec tires, too. For example, the original Michelin tire for the Cayenne was version "N0". Because of technology and compound improvements, the Cayenne N-spec Michelin tire is now version "N2", meaning it's the third improved generation of the Porsche approved tire.

Pirellis for the Cayenne are evolving similarly as well, with them also being up to their "N2" version.

No one disputes that if a tire is the same size and load rating, it will fit and operate on the vehicle. Using current Porsche-spec versions of manufacturers' tires is really more about optimization of performance than merely just being able to fit and operate on a vehicle, sort of like optimizing an exhaust tip for maximum gains.

My CTTS is my first Porsche, so I don't have a lot of experience in using N-rated tires. My only data point is that when I replaced the Falkens that were on my CTTS when I bought it, with N-spec Bridgestones, the difference in handling, rolling smoothness and traction was immediately noticeable. The experience made me a believer in using current version N-spec tires and when the time comes, the CTTS gets another set of N-spec tires. Of course, YMMV.

 

I too have had a similar experience with N0 tires. My take is that you are almost certain to be satisfied with N-rated tires. It's not that others cannot come close or even surpass, but with n-rated it's nearly guaranteed.

I'm running Bridgestone H/P Sport N0's that I got from Costco, I'm on my second set. Wet, dry, and noise/vibration are all excellent. I will likely go with the same tire next time too.

I have Conti DWS on my other vehicle which is an X5 and though a different tire altogether I know I'd have been disappointed had I used them on the CTT. They're a great tire... But... Grip is decent, but noise level is quite a bit higher. They will however last longer, which is a significant positive of these (540 treadwear rating vs 320 on the Bridgestone's).

 

I think I know now more about tires then the tire shops

 

I'm sure you do. It's a Porsche owner thing!

 

Okay, again, it's "than" the tire shops....

 

Okay denver steve are you only on here for spell check reasons? Im on here for learning from the guys, not needing your spell check. You must be bored.

 

You're right. Enough for this thread. However, if you truly desire to learn from a larger knowledge base herein, a properly written question will result in many more well written answers. You see, if you make the effort to present a well constructed, properly spelled and punctuated question, others will see your efforts and respond accordingly. Many of us, including myself, will "drive" right by a nonsensical, or incomplete, thread title and certainly abandon a thread where the OP obviously has the ability, but made no effort, to present them with a well structured solicitation for help. Take care. But, please don't take it personal. It is an ongoing frustration with many who intentionally disregard how English should be written. This IN NO WAY applies to our wonderful visitors from other countries who do a great job, and try extremely hard, to pose articulate and sometimes difficult questions in English.