Sounds like you'd be better off with a good hi-perf. A/S tire. I run Continental DWS during winter, no issues. Throw some weight in the trunk on bad weather days and you'll be fine.
Nice write up. I really like Bridgestone Potenzas (ran 050s & 070s) and just put on a set of S-04's for the summer. In my experience the stickier summers give away some wet performance which is fine with me because I don't push it on wet roads, too many variables.
PS4's are good, just not...
Huh? They are bare cast iron like every other common rotor made. They will all rust. Combine with a semi-metallic pad and no movement and you have locked brakes.
Op, drive the car after washing to dry the brakes or maybe switch to ceramic pads and see if that prevents lockup. I have no clue...
Why 4th gear on a freeway doing 55? Lots of power available at that RPM, would not be difficult to step out on an A/S tire. I would think 5th at least and i know i would be in 6th in those conditions.
Some people view all debt as bad and want to get rid of it as soon as possible. No problem with that as those people also typically are savers with strong long-term financial strategy. Wish there we more of them. Too many people on the opposite end underwater on a depreciating asset.
Regarding MPSS, seems Michelin may be blending compounds to produce longer treadlife so one benefit is grip at lower temps while sacrificing some at normal temps. In my experience the P-Zero grips better than the MPSS, very close to PS2 performance.
I think for a lot of people on this site...
Ok, so you have the cash on hand to cover the current loan gap as well as the a down payment on the next car to keep you positive on the note.
As long as rest of your finances are in order; i.e. good cash flow, no significant high interest debt like CCs or personal loans, retirement savings...
OP - Bite the bullet and stick with the car. You made one mistake buying a car you could not afford, don't make another one.
Break the negative equity cycle now before you get in too deep. You should never be underwater on asset but especially not a depreciating one.