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Maximize Your Mustang GT’s Potential with the Best Tires for Speed, Grip, and Durability
After 60 years on the scene and almost 11 million happy owners, the Ford Mustang is one of the biggest automotive icons ever. With a fantastic design, youthful appearance, powerful V8, and legendary soundtrack, this muscle car has transcended the limits of the car industry and become a cultural symbol recognized literarily worldwide. Over the years, Mustangs have changed dramatically in terms of technology and features but have never abandoned the basic formula – two-door body style, long hood and short deck, powerful engine, and lots of fun.
Since Mustangs are performance cars, tires are crucial. Also, since Mustangs are known as tail-happy and rear-wheel-drive-only models, having a good set of tires on your Mustang is immensely important. Unless you want to end up on YouTube, today, we will tell you all you need to know about the best tires for the Mustang GT, the desirable V8-powered performance machine everybody wants.
What Is The OEM Tire For Ford Mustang GT
Since the number of Mustang GT versions is enormous, we will concentrate on the last two generations of Ford’s famous pony car. We will cover the S550 model (2014 to 2023) and the S650 model (2024 and up). Those two generations have been offered globally and are most attractive to buyers. In those model years, the Mustang GT has become a high-speed performance car powered by a Coyote 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivers from 426 to 480 hp. The OEM tire size for those models ranged from 18-inch to 20-inch.
However, always check the exact dimensions of your vehicle because the modern Mustang GTs all have staggered sets (rear tires are more comprehensive than the front).
In terms of brands, Ford is using the Pirelli P Zero Nero all-season tires on most Mustang GTs.
However, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 is the stock choice on the Mustang GT with the optional Performance Pack 2 package. Today, we are covering the best tires for the Mustang GT in stock form. In a different article, we will also cover options for aftermarket wheels, drag tires, and tires for Mach I and Shelby models.
What Makes The Best Tires For Mustang GT?
When buying the best summer tires for a Mustang GT, there are several essential qualities you’ll want to prioritize to ensure optimal performance and driving satisfaction:
Grip:
Summer tires should offer excellent grip on dry and wet roads, allowing the Mustang GT to maximize its power and performance capabilities. Look for tires with advanced rubber compounds and tread designs optimized for high levels of traction.
Handling:
Performance tires should provide precise and responsive handling, allowing the driver to feel connected to the road and confidently navigate corners and curves. Tires with stiff sidewalls and advanced tread patterns can enhance steering response and cornering stability.
Braking Performance:
Effective braking is crucial for high-performance driving, so look for tires that deliver short stopping distances and a consistent brake feel in dry and wet conditions. Tires with optimized tread patterns and compound formulations can enhance braking performance.
Durability:
While summer tires are typically designed for performance rather than longevity, you’ll still want tires that offer reasonable tread life and durability for everyday driving. Consider factors such as treadwear warranties and reviews from other drivers to gauge a tire’s durability.
Comfort:
While performance is important, comfort shouldn’t be overlooked, mainly if you use the Mustang GT for daily driving or long trips. Look for tires that balance performance and ride comfort well, with features such as noise-reducing tread designs and shock-absorbing capabilities.
Wet Weather Performance:
Although summer tires are primarily designed for dry conditions, they should offer adequate grip and handling in wet weather. Look for tires with effective water evacuation channels and siping patterns to minimize the risk of hydroplaning and maintain traction on wet roads.
Value:
Consider the tires’ overall value, performance, durability, and price. While premium tires may offer the highest performance levels, more affordable options that still deliver excellent performance for the Mustang GT are often available.
Best Summer Tires For Ford Mustang GT
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Exceptional Performance:
The Pilot Sport 4S is known for its outstanding performance in dry and wet conditions. Its advanced rubber compound and tread design provide excellent grip, precise handling, and responsive steering, allowing you to enjoy the performance capabilities of your Mustang GT fully.
All-Season Versatility:
While technically a summer tire, the Pilot Sport 4S offers impressive performance even in cooler temperatures, making it suitable for year-round driving in many regions. This versatility adds to its appeal as a high-performance tire for daily use.
Longevity:
Despite its high performance, the Pilot Sport 4S is known for its relatively long tread life compared to other ultra-high-performance tires. Michelin’s advanced tire technology ensures even wear and durability, giving you more miles of driving pleasure.
Comfort:
The Pilot Sport 4S offers a surprisingly comfortable ride despite its sporty nature. Its design helps absorb road imperfections and reduce noise, contributing to a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience, whether cruising on the highway or tackling twisty roads.
Reputation:
Michelin is a well-respected tire manufacturer known for producing high-quality tires with exceptional performance and reliability. The Pilot Sport series has a strong reputation among enthusiasts and professional drivers, making it a trusted choice for high-performance vehicles like the Mustang GT.
Pirelli P Zero
High Performance:
Pirelli P Zero tires are renowned for their high-performance capabilities. They offer excellent grip, precise handling, and responsive steering, essential for maximizing the driving dynamics of a powerful vehicle like the Mustang GT.
Superb Dry and Wet Traction:
The P Zero tires are designed to perform exceptionally well in dry and wet conditions. Their advanced tread compound and pattern are optimized for solid traction and stability, ensuring confidence-inspiring performance regardless of the weather.
Cornering Stability:
P Zero tires offer excellent cornering stability, allowing you to confidently tackle curves and corners at higher speeds. The tire’s construction and tread design work together to maintain consistent grip and control during aggressive maneuvers.
Enhanced Braking Performance:
Effective braking is critical for high-performance driving, and P Zero tires deliver impressive performance. Whether decelerating from high speeds or navigating stop-and-go traffic, these tires provide short stopping distances and a consistent brake feel.
Sporty Aesthetic:
Pirelli P Zero tires are known for their sleek and sporty appearance, enhancing the overall look of your Mustang GT. The distinctive tread pattern and sidewall design add a touch of style to your vehicle, complementing its performance-oriented nature.
Track Capabilities:
While primarily designed for road use, P Zero tires are also suitable for occasional track days or spirited driving sessions. Their durable construction and heat-resistant compounds ensure consistent performance even under demanding conditions.
Brand Reputation:
Pirelli is a respected tire manufacturer with a long history of producing high-quality tires for performance vehicles. The P Zero series is a favorite among enthusiasts, and Ford also uses it as an OEM choice for the Mustang GT but in all-season form.
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
Performance:
The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires are designed to offer high performance in both dry and wet conditions. They provide excellent grip and traction, allowing you to fully exploit your Mustang’s performance capabilities.
Handling:
These tires offer responsive handling characteristics, essential for a sports car like the Mustang. You can expect precise steering response and excellent control when navigating tight corners or cruising on the highway.
Wet Weather Performance:
Despite being high-performance, the Firehawk Indy 500 tires perform well in wet conditions. Their tread pattern and compound are engineered to evacuate water efficiently, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and maintaining traction on wet roads.
Comfort:
While focused on performance, these tires also provide a comfortable ride. They are designed to absorb road imperfections and minimize noise, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, whether on a spirited drive or daily commute.
Value:
The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires offer excellent performance at a relatively affordable price compared to other high-performance tires on the market. This makes them a great value proposition for Mustang owners looking to upgrade their tires without breaking the bank.
Track Capabilities:
While primarily intended for street use, these tires are also suitable for occasional track days or autocross events. They offer good heat dissipation and consistent performance under demanding driving conditions, allowing you to push your Mustang to its limits on the track.
Brand Reputation:
Firestone is a well-established tire brand with a long history of producing quality tires for various applications. The Firehawk Indy 500 tires are a testament to Firestone’s commitment to performance and innovation.
Best All-Season Tires For Mustang GT
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4
Performance in All Conditions:
The Pilot Sport A/S 4 is designed to deliver exceptional performance in dry and wet conditions, making it a versatile option for year-round driving. Its advanced silica compound and asymmetric tread pattern provide excellent traction and handling, allowing you to tackle various road conditions confidently.
Precise Handling:
Michelin’s tire engineering ensures the Pilot Sport A/S 4 offers precise steering response and enhanced cornering grip. You can expect excellent stability and control when navigating tight corners or cruising on the highway.
Comfortable Ride:
The Pilot Sport A/S 4 offers a comfortable ride despite its high-performance capabilities. Michelin has incorporated technologies to reduce road noise and vibration, resulting in a smoother and quieter driving experience.
Long Tread Life:
Michelin is known for producing durable tires, and the Pilot Sport A/S 4 is no exception. Its tread compound and construction are engineered to provide long-lasting performance, ensuring you maximize your investment.
Fuel Efficiency:
The Pilot Sport A/S 4 is designed to optimize fuel efficiency, helping to reduce fuel consumption and lower operating costs over time. Its low rolling resistance design contributes to improved fuel economy without compromising performance.
Brand Reputation:
Michelin is a highly respected tire manufacturer known for producing high-quality tires that prioritize safety, performance, and durability. The Pilot Sport series has a strong reputation among enthusiasts and professional drivers, making it a trusted choice for high-performance vehicles like the Mustang GT.
Continental ExtremeContact DWS06
All-Season Performance:
The ExtremeContact DWS06 is designed to excel in all weather conditions, including dry, wet, and light snow. Its advanced tread compound and asymmetric tread pattern provide excellent traction and handling, ensuring confidence-inspiring performance year-round.
Handling and Stability:
Continental’s SportPlus Technology ensures precise steering response, excellent cornering grip, and enhanced stability, allowing you to push your Mustang GT to its limits confidently. Whether navigating tight corners or cruising the highway, these tires offer exceptional control and confidence.
Wet Weather Performance:
The ExtremeContact DWS06 is engineered to deliver outstanding traction and grip in wet conditions. Its wide circumferential grooves and high-density siping help evacuate water quickly, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and maintaining traction on wet roads.
Snow Traction:
While not a dedicated winter tire, the ExtremeContact DWS06 offers enhanced traction and grip in light snow thanks to its specialized tread compound and biting edges. This makes it a versatile option for Mustang GT owners encountering occasional snowfall or cold weather.
Comfortable Ride:
Despite its high-performance capabilities, the ExtremeContact DWS06 provides a comfortable ride. Continental has incorporated technologies to reduce road noise and vibration, resulting in a smoother and quieter driving experience.
Long Tread Life:
The ExtremeContact DWS06 is engineered for durability, with a tread compound and construction designed to provide long-lasting performance. This ensures that you can enjoy the benefits of these tires for many miles to come, maximizing your investment.
Brand Reputation:
Continental is a trusted tire manufacturer known for producing high-quality tires that prioritize safety, performance, and durability. The ExtremeContact series has a strong reputation among drivers, making it a popular choice for high-performance vehicles like the Mustang GT.
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS
All-Season Performance:
The Potenza RE980AS is designed to perform well in various weather conditions, including dry, wet, and light snow. Its advanced tread compound and pattern provide excellent traction and handling year-round, making it suitable for diverse driving environments.
Handling and Stability:
Bridgestone’s construction and tread design ensure precise steering response, excellent cornering grip, and enhanced stability, allowing you to maneuver your Mustang GT confidently. Whether navigating sharp turns or cruising the highway, these tires offer exceptional control and confidence.
Wet Weather Performance:
The Potenza RE980AS is engineered to deliver intense traction and grip in wet conditions. Its circumferential grooves and siping patterns help evacuate water efficiently, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and maintaining traction on wet roads.
Snow Traction:
While not dedicated to winter tires, the Potenza RE980AS provides better traction and grip in light snow than summer tires. This makes them a versatile option for Mustang GT owners who occasionally encounter snowy or cold conditions.
Comfortable Ride:
Despite their high-performance capabilities, the Potenza RE980AS offers a comfortable ride. Bridgestone has incorporated technologies to reduce road noise and vibration, resulting in a smoother and quieter driving experience.
Long Tread Life:
These tires are engineered for durability, with a tread compound and construction designed to provide long-lasting performance. This ensures you can enjoy the benefits of these tires for many miles, maximizing your investment.
Brand Reputation:
Bridgestone is a well-known tire manufacturer with a reputation for producing high-quality tires that prioritize safety, performance, and durability. The Potenza series is highly regarded among drivers, making it a popular choice for high-performance vehicles like the Mustang GT.
Conclusion
Finding the best tires for the Mustang GT shouldn’t be hard. Follow our guidelines and prioritize the traction, quality, and durability you need in a car like this. Shop with confidence, knowing that each tire was thoroughly tested.
