I think they're Bridgestone Potenzas 215/40/17 RE050As. Is there any real difference between an RE050 and an RE050A?

There's a small tear in the rear passenger-side sidewall, so I'm gonna change both rears to be safe. Plus my dad borrowed the car and switched the rears a few months ago when I was away. His local guy fitted two Turanzas...

 

My Hawkeye WRX came with Bridgestone RE050 GZ . The GZ bit followed the RE050 lettering but its so small. When I phoned my local tyre supplier for replacements it took me ages to see it he said he needed that lettering as there are many variations. I am guessing its differences in the rubber compound but dont quote me

Dan

 

thanks dan, i didn't know the code for the hawkeye version.

i'll have another search around and see if i can work out the exact differences!

 

RE050A's are assymetric (SP?). RE050 are directional.

My 05 wrx had RE050 GZ and now has RE050A's.

The seem great and have the bonus of being able to rotate the wheels between all 4 corners unlike the RE050's

 

aha. thanks mr seeker! may i also complement you on your excellent choice of impreza

ps is dan right about the gzs - are they are a different / newer compound then?

 

AFAIK Bridgestone make various different RE050A sub products depending on whether they are OE or aftermarket. As long as the load & speed ratings are the same as existing I doubt there is too much difference but I am not 1005 sure.

Have a look at the Bridgestone UK website, see what the markings say on your tyres and then speak to a local tyre specialist.

To be fair anything will be a better match than the Turanza's.

and yes black 05 WRX's are the best !!

 

Just had a look at blackcircles.com and they seem to offer RE050s, RE050As, and RE050A (Subaru), so a no brainer there. Thanks again.

£110 per corner and there are plenty of local fitters too. Toyo T1Rs are £91 which is tempting, but as I'm going to fit 18" wheels in the next few months anyway I might as well wait...