Tyres...again

I am having trouble sourcing Michelin Pilot Sport N1s. Will it be ok to put MPS N3s on the back and keep my N1s on the front? The fronts have plenty of life left in them and I would prefer to keep them as the rears are costing enough! Thanks in anticipation.

Rob have you tried North Eastern Tyres in Middlesbrough, they're a distributor and usually have a good stock on N1s

Rob. Try ATS. (I know, there're probably the last people you'd think of going to!). I live is south Wales and they did a national search for me to find some N1's. They found a pair in Portsmouth and said they'd gladly bring them up to Wales, FOC. I ended up getting a pair from my local OPC (yes, my local OPC!) as they agreed to match the price of ATS! They sourced the tyres from their supplier in Cardiff somewhere. I held out for the N1's for the same reason as you; my fronts were like new. I think that you'll find that the N3's not only have a slightly different compound but that they've also got a different tread pattern. If you're not bothered about the cosmetics then I guess the N3's will be ok but I didn't want two different types of tyres - front to back. Adrian.

Hi Rob I think its a no brainer National are offering a lowest price than ANYBODY. I just reshod my supersport with Continental Contacts at the Blackpool branch for £470 thats inc. new valves and balancing. They are very careful with the nuts and rims. If you ask first for two and then take a sharp intake of breath when they tell you the price and say I sent you , mention me by name and car you may get a surprise but then say, well how much for all four. I virtually got my front ones for next to nothing, I had been quoted £ 178 plus vat from a couple of other places for each of the rears. When you call its 01253 622251 ask for Nathon or Terry, they will also tell you if you can mix, its all on computer, they only need your reg no and can tell you what tyres you can use as they are linked with BIG BROTHER. They definitely will haggle. I can ask for you if you like just tell me the size and spec. I am sure you are brave enough though. Mac

The above policy is pretty clear that it should be the same N number all round. It might be worth a call to Michelin to see what they say, their customer support centre is in Stoke 0800 591 859 or 01782 402000

Thanks everyone. Mac, I had actually already spoken with National tyres on Fylde Road in Preston as I have used them in the past and they were very careful and price competitive. As you say, they are willing to "do a deal". They didn't raise any issue with putting N3s on the back but my nagging doubt led to the post on here! I may well see how much extra the fronts would be now. I note that the Porsche tyre policy seems to be that it is recommended to have matching N numbers all round and that failure to do so may result in handling inconsistencies. With my lawyer's hat on, it doesn't seem that matching N numbers are necessary/ mandatory and may not lead to handling inconsistencies [8|]. I think I will ring Michelin, as advised, and see what they have to say. Thanks again.

Interesting. The advice from Michelin is that when replacing the rears, it is absolutely fine to mix N1s and N3s so long as you have matching axle pairs with N3s on the back. They are a slightly different compound but this should not affect performance. However, Porsche "won't like that and prefer to see matching N numbers all round but it is in fact absolutely fine!" according to Michelin's technical expert.

Yes, I had the same issue as you - I also called Michelin (2 months ago) and they confirmed this is OK. Had my N3's rears fitted in August and it handles just the same (and a bit better in wet weather because the new rears have 16,000 miles more tread than the outgoing tyres!).

Thanks Martin, that's good to know. At least I'm not the only one!

Since N1s seem to be directional and N3s not, is there any discernable difference in handling, wear, grip between them for a 99 C4? Also notice Pilot Sports 2s are available in sizes too. Is there any 'best' pilot sport tyre if i am getting all 4 changed? and any best garage in SE England in terms of prices for N rated pilot sports? Thanks, Steve

Elite Tyres in Rainham, Essex - just over the river from you in Greenwich - has got to be the best priced performance tyre specialist nearby. Have used them on many occassions, including the rear boots in August.