Ask Connor at The Tire Rack

lobsenza · August 2004

I am replacing my V rated 17" 235/50-17 Bridgestone Turanzsas that came with the car. I was thinking about the Michlein Pilot Sport A/S and I wanted to know if this is the best choice or if you had other recommendations.

I am also thinking about going to a 255/45-17 tire. I know someone who has them and they will fit. What are the pros and cons of going to this size?

I live in Austin TX, so snow is not an issue.

connortirerack · August 2004

If over all handling and ride comfort is you most important quality then i would recommend usingthe 225/60/17 with the Pirelli P6 Four Seasons (110.00 each). the 225/55/17 is shorter and lower in load capacity which means that they could fail under load situations like going around a corner. i would not recommend using a 225/55/17.
In the 16" size my best recommendation would be the Bridgestone Turanza LS-T (87.00 each). this tire has, in my opinion, proven itself time and time again.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

connortirerack · August 2004

The P265/70R17 Michelin Cross Terrain SUV (167.00 each) would actually be my best recommendation for the needs that you stated. as well as offering great ice and snow traction.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

connortirerack · August 2004

the 255/45/17 is larger than the OE ford specifications will approve. This doesn't mean they will not fit but i couldn't say yes or no. the largest i can recommend for your car would be 235/50/17 to ensure the proper fitment. the over all diamet is pretty myuch the same so your speedometer will still be accurate however you are almost 1" wider. you would just need to make sure that you have tire clearance at full suspension compression.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

lobsenza · August 2004

I have verified the clearance. Several friends have put that size on their Lincoln LSes on the OEM rims and there are no clearance problems.

My question is what difference would there be in handling going from the 235 to the 255? Would the 255 last longer because the same vehicle weight is being distributed over a wider surface area?

enforcer · September 2004

I do not drive offroad, and we get no snow in SF though I do drive to ski approx 4x per year. Current tire is Firestone Wilderness (71K miles!) Would like to increase gas mileage and ride comfort.

Trying to decide between Michelin LTX M/S ($99) and Firestone Destination L/E ($67). What do I get for an extra $32?

connortirerack · September 2004

The 255 tire would give better dry handling and traction, however, the wet traction would be worse becuase of the wider contact patch having to clear a wider path through the water. this will make the tire tend to hydro plane at higher speeds. also the snow traction would be a little worse if you live in an winter weather area.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

connortirerack · September 2004

I can tell by your Profile that this is for a "1997" Ford Explorer XLT 4WD. However you didn't tell me whether you have the 235/75/15 or the 255/70/16 tires. i checked both sizes and niether match the prices you listed in your post.

As a general comparison i would say the Firestone Destination LE would be the better of the two tires with a quiter tread design and beter wet, snow, and tice traction.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

lobsenza · September 2004

Conner, I want to tell you that I have purchased several sets of tires from Tire Rack in the past and have been happy with every set. My current need is about 60 days away, but I want to be ready.

Will the 255/45-17 tire fit oon the 7.5" wide rim that comes with the LS Sport?

Are there other tires that I should look at other than the Pilot Sport A/S (either 235/50-17 or 255/45-17)?

connortirerack · September 2004

The information that i have shows you will need at least an 8" whide wheel for the 255/45/17. if you force mount the 255/45/17 on the 7.5" wide wheel you could very easily blow out the bead when you hit a hard bump.
I would say the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S would be the best overall recommendation for an all season performance tire.

lobsenza · September 2004

Thanks Connor.

wain · September 2004

At the next staff meeting you go to please cast my one vote for tire rack to test some "common" tires - like those used for daily drivers Crown Vic, Buick lesabre, taurus, camry, Accord etc.

Many of Tire Racks posted tests are High performance / race/ low profile 50 60 series tires.
I think there is big interest in seeing a comparison of softer riding quieter tires more average .
just a thought.
thanks

highender · September 2004

Hi Connor...:

Some wheels have offsets. they say the its -6 mm or -50 mm ....

what does it mean ? I think its not related to the alignment, but to the wheels. Is it an angle or a position or what ? Can you throw some light on the subject ? Thanks....

high

stickguy · September 2004

offset relates to where the hub of the wheel is in relation to the centerline of the wheel. It can be offset in or out, meaning the hub is toward the inner or outer edge.

Offset is real important if you get replacement wheels, becasue you can screw up the handling characteristics if you change it, not to mention causing problems with clearance.

navyair · September 2004

My wife drives a 2003 Kia Sedona EX. In the limited snow driving we did in Virginia, the Hankook 215/70-15's did great, handling well in deep snow, slush and even ice during drives up the East Coast. However, the few times we were on salted roads, the alloys developed small marks/pits that were very hard to polish out.

Now that we live in snow country (Minnesota) I'd like to get a separate set of steel wheels and snow tires. Have been getting conflicting advice:

One dealer said no steel wheels are made for the Sedona. One said use the alloys and wash frequently. (Hard to do in -20+ weather routine here for long stretches).

I'd rather not have another 500-600$ tied up in rims for snow tires, if I don't have to. Any thoughts on steel wheels/sources for same? Thanks in advance.

highender · September 2004

thanks stickguy....

18fan · September 2004

Hi Connor....

I have a 2004 Camry LE with the 205/65/15 tires. The Continentals that came with the car are not very good, in my opinion. I can see the wear on them after only 7500 miles. I am looking to replace them before winter comes. Also, I will be moving to the Pacific Northwest... so I need a good all season tire with very good wet traction.

I have looked at the BF Goodrich Traction T/A, and also the Goodyear Assurance Triple Tred (although they are quite a bit more expensive). What tires would you recommend for my car? Thank you.

dennis721 · September 2004

Hi Connor,

I wanted a good all season, performance winter tire. A tire that also will perform well on dry roads. I dont want to be changing back and forth between winter and summer tires at all because I have a summer car. I will however use the Porsche occasionally in the summer as second car. I ordered a set of Dunlop Grantrek WT M2 235x60-18" and they have been on back order with you " The TR" since I ordered on 8/4/04. What other tire would you recommend. I know they are due to come in soon, but thats been the case for over a month now and I need them before Oct,1 as the dealer is going to take the OEM of of me when the car is delivered in about 3 weeks. I was wondering about any problems using the Dunlop Grantrek 255x55-18 WT M2. The only difference I see is load rating and since I am a conservative driver and dont have a trailer hitch, I dont see why the slightly reduced load rating would be a problem, otherwise the tire specs match the Porsche spces exactly (255x55-18). The difference is 2039 lbs on the 255x55-18 and 2149 lbs on the 235x60-18?
thanks

CapeCod · September 2004

Connor,
I am replacing worn Continentials.
205/55/16 on Vibe
Considering Tiger Paw Touring H's
Do I really need H's???
I do not drive that hard...
Do H's have a softer compound?
Is that why they wear so much quicker than T's?
your suggestions? Thanks.

131s · September 2004

Greetings Connor,

Sumitomo HTR-200, or Pirelli P400, for a 1986 Alfa Romeo Spider Graduate that is driven "con brio", but never in snow or above 120 kph.

TIA

lobsenza · September 2004

There apparantly is a new version of the Pilot Sport A/S, I believe it is called the Sport A/S 2. What is the difference between the 2 tires?

connortirerack · September 2004

The offset of a wheel is the distance from its hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. The offset can be one of three types.

Zero Offset
The hub mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel.

Positive
The hub mounting surface is toward the front or wheel side of the wheel. Positive offset wheels are generally found on front wheel drive cars and newer rear drive cars.

Negative
The hub mounting surface is toward the back or brake side of the wheels centerline. "Deep dish" wheels are typically a negative offset.

If the offset of the wheel is not correct for the car, the handling can be adversely affected. When the width of the wheel changes, the offset also changes numerically. If the offset were to stay the same while you added width, the additional width would be split evenly between the inside and outside. For most cars, this won't work correctly. We have test fitted thousands of different vehicles for proper fitment. Our extensive database allows our sales staff to offer you the perfect fit for your vehicle.
Additional Wheel Tech Articles Alloy vs. Steel Wheels in Winter Tire & Wheel Packages Bolt Pattern Centerbore Finishes and Care How We Know What Fits Offset Performance Benefits The Plus Concept Proper Lug Nuts or Lug Bolts Road Wheel Weights Can Affect Your Vehicle's Show...and Go Tire & Wheel Owners Manual Tire & Wheel Package Ride Uniformity Confirmation Using Alloy Wheels on the Track What Determines Quality? What Is An Alloy Wheel? Wheel Construction Wheel Cover Installation Instructions Wheel Lug Nut Torquing

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

connortirerack · September 2004

I will have 15X6 Kia steel wheels for your Sedona around October 20th in limited number. they are currently marked at 36.00 each. i would recommend preplacing an order so that you can ensure you will be able to get them. i would recommend the following package for the best ice and snow traction.

215/70R15 Bridgestone BLIZZAK WS-50 -- 83.00
15X6 Kia Steel wheel -- 36.00

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

connortirerack · September 2004

Between the two tires you have listed i would recommend the 205/65R15 BF Goodrich Traction T/A HR (66.00 each) for the best traction and handling. Another tire you might want to consider in this price range would be the Yokohama Avid H4S (62.00 each). This tire will be a little quieter as well as offering better snow traction.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

connortirerack · September 2004

A 255/55/18 would fit and perform without any problems. The only difference is that the 255/55/18 is around .75" wider than the 235/60/18. They are both 29.0" tall and recommended by Porsche. Either will work on your Cayenne.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

connortirerack · September 2004

What year and trim package is the Vibe????

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

CapeCod · September 2004

2003 Vibe
Standard package
My biggest concerns are noise and snow.
Thanks....

lobsenza · September 2004

Connor, there apparantly is a new version of the Pilot Sport A/S, I believe it is called the Sport A/S 2. What is the difference between the 2 tires?

Thanks.

rad225 · September 2004

Hi Connor,
I have a 2002 Trailblazer 4WD with 245/65-17 BFG Rugged Trails. I have 51K miles on them now and will need replacements by the end of the year. I was researching some tires on TireRack and need some guidance. I am looking for a good handling tire that is quiet on concrete highways. I live in Reno where we have hot summers but get (on average) four 8" snowstorms a year. So having a good all-season tire is important. A bigger tire (wider and taller) would look better on the truck. The tires I have looked at include; 1. 255/65-17 Michelin Pilot LTX, 2. 255/60-17 Michelin Cross Terrain, 3. 265/65-17 Cross Terrain (is this too big?), and 4. 265/60-17 Bridgestone Dueler HP. I will not be using snow chains in the winter. Any ideas? Thanks, Rick

connortirerack · September 2004

I really wasn't sure what you were refering to, so i shot an email to our Michelin rep and this is the response i was given:

*************************************************
Conner,

It's not Pilot Sport PS2, but Pilot Sport A/S.

A hard copy of this bulletin was distributed to you earlier this summer. The tires were not re-branded Pilot Sport A/S 2 and for that matter, the only their manufacturing date codes confirm the revised product (all sizes listed below were converted as of "2404").

The Tire Rack exchanged all of the original tires we had in inventory earlier this year and we have only received the revised tires since June.

Please give me a link to the forum in question. I want to look at it before we post this information.

June, 2004

Mercedes-Benz & Michelin Pilot Sport A/S

In North America, roads and highways have a slight slope towards the outside of the road (right hand side) built in to evacuate water. Unchecked, this road slope or ³road crown² would normally cause a vehicle to pull to the right. Vehicle and tire manufacturers design in a slight left hand pull for North American applications to account for road crown. This characteristic in the tire is known as Residual Aligning Torque.

In original equipment programs, tire manufacturers work with OEMs to achieve the perfect Residual Aligning Torque balance between tire and vehicle. The OEM specifies the Residual Aligning Torque or amount of left hand pull -- for the specific original equipment tire. Replacement tires, on the other hand, are designed to match a broad range of vehicles and therefore employ an ³industry average² approach to drift. Depending on the specified drift for the original equipment tire, some vehicles may be very sensitive to alternate, replacement tire fitments.

Michelin recently learned that a very limited number of consumers have experienced vehicle drift after mounting Pilot Sport A/S tires on their luxury performance vehicles. This does not reflect an issue with the tire or its manufacture but rather points to an application issue one of matching tire drift to vehicle drift.

Michelin has made very slight modifications to the geometry of the Pilot Sport A/S, including all original equipment Mercedes-Benz sizes, Mercedes-AMG sizes, and Mercedes ³Plus 1² replacement market sizes, to increase the level of left pull and optimize performance on the affected luxury performance vehicles. This will eliminate the sensation of drift due to the road crown. All Pilot Sport A/S sizes are compatible, pre and post geometric modification, on the same vehicle. The performances levels of the Pilot Sport A/S have not changed (handling, traction (wet / dry / snow) and wear life).

225/60ZR16 98W
205/55ZR16 90Y
215/55ZR16 93W
225/55ZR16 95W
225/50ZR16 92Y

225/45ZR17 90Y
245/45ZR17 95Y
245/40ZR17 91Y
255/45ZR17 98Y

245/45ZR18 96Y
245/40ZR18 93Y
255/40ZR18 95Y
275/35ZR18 95Y
285/35ZR18 97Y

Pilot Sport A/S is an excellent tire that delivers true all season performance in an ultra high performance tire (Z rated). It is widely popular on a variety of vehicles and remains a strong replacement tire choice for ultra high performance applications.
***********************************************

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

stever · September 2004

Wow - great info. Thanks Conner!

Steve, Host

kyfdx · September 2004

Now... If I can just find a place to buy a Residual Aligning Torque Wrench for my new Michelins...

driftracer · September 2004

it's a Craftsman, you know...

nine51 · September 2004

04 Civic EX coupe, 5 speed, living in Madison, WI. Mostly freeway driving with some city (90%/10%. Lots of hills and bad drivers;> I am close to ordering a wheel/snow tire combination and have been considering the new Michelin X-Ice, vs. the Blizzak WS-50. I had Blizzaks on a Sentra a number of years ago and they always felt pretty squirmey on dry pavement. Is there any experience or testing data on the X-Ice yet or is it too new? I am hoping they are a little better on dry roads than the Blizzak since 95% of the time the roads are clear. It's that 5% on snow/slush/ice that will necessitate the snows. The OEM tires are Bridgestone RE-92's and I WON'T go through a winter on those things!

lobsenza · September 2004

Thanks, Conner. That was great information. Sorry that the information I provided was confusing and a little inaccurate.

One concern I have after reading your post was that the 235/50-17 size was not mentioned and that is the size I need. Does the information apply to that size as well?

02frontier · September 2004

Conner:

My wife has a 98 Lexus ES300 with just a shade over 41K on the original tires and they need to be replaced. Currently has 205/65R15 Michelins and they have been OK so far. My wife only drives about 5-6K a year (CPO car that had 11K when we bought it), and 90% of her driving is city. We do occassionaly use her car when we travel -- mostly use my truck because she wants the room if "she finds something she wants". Any recommendation for tires? As I said earlier, the originals ones were OK (think they are MX/V(?).

connortirerack · September 2004

I would not recommend the Uniroyal Tiger Paw for much of anything. If good snow traction and noise levels are the most important factors for an all season tire to you then i would recommend the P205/55R16 Continental Extreme Contact which are currently priced at 78.00 each plus shipping.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

connortirerack · September 2004

I would recommend using the 255/60/17 Michelin Cross Terrain (146.00 each). This will offer the best overall snow and ice traction as well as dry and wet traction. You also have the addded benefit of a great ride quality.
A wider tire is better for dry handling but is not as good for wet, snow, and ice traction. I would recommend the 255/60/17 as the best overall size for the Trailblazer under your conditions.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

connortirerack · September 2004

We have done some preliminary testing, but no long term information as of yet since this is a new tire. In the testing that we have done the Blizzak WS-50 did prove to have better ice and snow traction. I would have to say i am preferential to the WS-50. with all of the winters and all of the snow tires i have gone through, i would have to say the WS-50's have provided the best traction that i have seen. For you Honda i would recommend using the 195/60R15 Bridgestone BLIZZAK WS-50 (79.00 each). I would make the Michelin X-ice my second recommendation. it does offer slightly better dry pavement handling but not as good of ice and snow traction which in my opinoin is why you buy a snow tire.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

connortirerack · September 2004

The OE tires were the Michelin MXV4 Green X tire which was discontinued. i would recommend the useing the P205/65R15 Bridgestone Turanza LS-H (100.00 each) as the best overall tire. This is actually higher rated than the OE tire in both ride and handling characteristics. It is also lower priced. The Michelin you had were 139.00 each.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

imidazol97 · September 2004

What is a good replacement for Michelin X-Ones, preferably from Michelin. These are 215-70-15 tires on a LeSabre.

gedjcba · September 2004

I am planning to buy snow tires for my 03 Acura TL (205/60R16). I am considering the Blizzak WS-50, Michelin X-Ice, and Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2. The two Michelin tires are new this year, although the Pilot Alpin PA2 became available late last year.

I have some experience with the Blizzaks on an Honda Accord, but I am not certain if they are the best snow tire for my Acura, which has H-rated tires. How much am I giving up in snow/ice traction with the X-Ice or Pilot Alpin PA2? Will the X-Ice (Q-rated) provide almost the same dry road performance as the Pilot Alpin PA2 (H-rated)?

BTW, I live in NE, and the snowfall here is moderate (30 inches/year).

Also, someone at Tire Rack mentioned that there would might be a shortage of snow tires this year because of a fire at the Bridgestone plant in Japan. Any truth to that?

131s · September 2004

Re: #337

Did I stump ya? ;-)

volvguy · September 2004

i have a 2004 volvo xc 90 t6 awd in seattle. my oem mich mxm4 pilot 235 60 18 with 15 k miles are wearing thin. for the seattle area rain, rain 5 snow days/yr would you suggest nokian wr 235 60 18 or yokohama 255 55 18 geolander tires.?. would like to get 30-40 k miles on new set. thanks

tidester · September 2004

I didn't see a question in #337 and apparently neither did Connor. If you have one - ask it! :-)

tidester, host

connortirerack · September 2004

You typed:

"Greetings Connor,
Sumitomo HTR-200, or Pirelli P400, for a 1986 Alfa Romeo Spider Graduate that is driven "con brio", but never in snow or above 120 kph.
TIA"

I am not sure what you are asking, nor do i know what "con brio" means? I am pretty good at english but not much good at any other language.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

kyfdx · September 2004

"con brio" = "with gusto"

And I think he wants to know which would be the better choice for him, between those two tires..

regards,
kyfdx
(translator)

(not really)

connortirerack · September 2004

The direct replacement for the Michelin X-one is the Michelin Harmony. The OE size on your Buick should be 205/40/15 and the Michelin Harmony is priced at 92.00 each plus shipping.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

connortirerack · September 2004

I have to say the best overall ice and snow traction will come from the Blizzack WS50. it has proven it's ice and snow capabilities time and time again. The Michelin X-ice will give slightly better dry handling but ice and snow will not be as good. The Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2 is a performance winter tire that does offer almost as good ice and snow traction as the WS50. The dry pavement handling will be better than the WS-50 or the X-Ice. Out of these three tires my best recommendation for your specific circumstances would be the 205/60R16 Michelin PILOT ALPIN PA2 (102.00 each). It sounds like you get very little snow but enough to need snow tires. since you are on dry pavement most of the time the PA2 will give more of a standard ride quality and handling than the other two.

Yes it is true that one of Bridgestone Primary production plant burned almost completely to the ground. The Blizzack line was one of the tires produced in that plant so they will be availble in very limited quantities this year.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

connortirerack · September 2004

Thanks kyfdx for the translation.

As a Comparison between the Sumitomo HTR-200 and the Pirelli P400. Because you drive "con brio" i would recommend using the Sumitomo. The Pirelli is a very basic touring all season tire that offers a decent ride quality but that is about it. The Sumitomo is designed specifically as a performance summer only tire and will handle far better when driving "con brio".

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269

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