advice -- tires for 2000 Intrigue

Need 4 new tires for a 2000 Olds Intrigue.
Live in the southeast US -- a few days of snow each year, a few of slush, a fair bit of heavy or torrential rain, which I worry about much more. (Also, it gets hot here.) More city, some highway driving.

Did the tire chooser at Tire Rack.com. Since I care about handling, less about road noise, and least about tread wear, they recommended all Ultra-High Performance all-seasons.

This doesn’t seem right. I’m a fairly conservative and careful driver. Do I really need performance tires? Or, is there any way these tires are worse than getting more normal tires?

Any advice?

And of the tires that were recommended, I like the Sumitomo HR+ -- for price. Anyone dislike these, and why?

Thanks for any help,

Given the fact that you're a fairly conservative driver, Ultra High Performance tires may be an overkill. Keep in mind that the tires don't always fit exactly into these categories.

The HTR+ is not a bad choice for your priorities, the downside would be tighter ride. Because this is a V-rated tire it will ride a little harder especially on rougher roads.

In addition to the HTR+ I would also look at the Bridgestone Potenza RE950 which has better hydroplaning resistance, better wet grip and better wear than the HTR+ with a smoother ride. See below link:


http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=DY2&url=/tires/tires.jsp&tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Potenza+RE950