Best tires for mountain roads?

I drive an Alto Works up the pass most weekends. The roads are tight, damp half the year, and I am tired of tires that go away after 8,000 miles.

What do you run on small, light cars for fun on twisty roads? Budget is around 500 dollars a set.

Given how little weight we carry, you can afford a stiffer sidewall but you do not need an expensive tire. Look for ones with a high treadwear rating and a 14 inch fitment, there are plenty.

The biggest improvement I made was not the brand but the pressure. Start at 30 psi cold and adjust in 1 psi steps; kei cars are very sensitive to it.

Second the pressure tip. I also stopped rotating front to back on mine because the rears wear far faster on a turbo rear drive car.

If you ever go off tarmac, a light all-terrain on a Jimny changes everything, but for the pass you want something with an actual wet compound.

Thanks everyone. I will try the lower pressure first, then a proper set once the current ones are gone.