Puncture....Tyres....I'm confused!

[nodz17]

I've got a flat rear tyre this morning on my 993 C4 - but luckily both rears were due for replacing anyway.

I phoned Kwik-Fit and gave them the tyre number (Pirelli 255/40, ZR17N3) - and wheel size (17". And they said it wasn't listed, saying they could only find N2s.

Would N2s be ok? And what's the difference in the N numbers anyway? They reckon they can order in for tomorrow.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers.

[anglebox10]

I understand the higher the 'N' number the more recent the tyre spec.
So replacing an N3 with and N2 would be a step backwards, so to speak.
Not an expert on this, but I think that's right.

[paracetamol]

Where are you based? Try Event tyres. They come to you and are considerably cheaper than Kwik fit

[thegoose]

anglebox10 said:

I understand the higher the 'N' number the more recent the tyre spec.
So replacing an N3 with and N2 would be a step backwards, so to speak.
Not an expert on this, but I think that's right.

I don't think that's correct. I just checked a Porsche booklet "Porsche & Michelin - Dynamics, Performance, Safety" (last amended 03/04, no idea how many updates there may have been).

After various blurb, there is a table for various Michelin tyres & N ratings for different Porsches. Ideally I should scan this and post it on here but I always end up with massive file sizes on scanning (mail me and I can fax it though).

For a 993 Carrera & Carrera 4 it shows N2 for 16" & 17" wheels, and N1 for 18" wheels. To be fair the only N numbers in the book are N0, N1 & N2, so I could do with an up to date version, but the Carrera GT for example have N0 specified.

It gives a number for Michelin Technical Service Group for further questions - 0845 366 1535.

I know you're after Pirellis but I hope this info is useful in working out which rating you require.

The other thing to be aware of is that the whole set on the car should be considered. I don't know whether that means they need to be the same all round or not, but ask the question.

[nodz17]

thanks guys. the aa have put the spacesaver on and i've got some pirellis on order for tomorrow. still haven't had a proper answer on the n3 thi8ng though.

[anonymous-user]

nodz17 said:

still haven't had a proper answer on the n3 thi8ng though.

well the previous post lists michelin tech number - call them

[pdV6]

thegoose said:

For a 993 Carrera & Carrera 4 it shows N2 for 16" & 17" wheels, and N1 for 18" wheels. To be fair the only N numbers in the book are N0, N1 & N2, so I could do with an up to date version, but the Carrera GT for example have N0 specified.

AIUI, the N number is specific per tyre design. Therefore, all your book is telling you is that the Carrera GT is still on the 1st iteration of its tyre design (N0) as you'd expect with it being such a new car.

Your book is also telling you that the 993's 16 and 17" tyres are on their 3rd version whereas the (presumably introduced later) 18" ones are only on the 2nd go.

Maybe KwikFit's info is similarly out of date and the new copy lists the 17" N3 version?