Ask Connor at The Tire Rack

topspin628 · May 2004

Thanks. Any issue with the tire pressure monitor when you change to a 16in wheel and tire set up? And which do your suggest for the SC? I have been very happy with the Blizzak LM 22 set up your company suggested for my BMW 330i.

connortirerack · May 2004

I really cannot make any perfomance comments on StopTech rotors because i have never dealt with them directly. the company does have a very good performance name and the two piece design has proven itself with several manufacturers. i have listed a few comparison points for you to reveiw and come to your own conclusion:

comparison between StopTech and Power Slot Slotted Rotors
-both have a slotted face
-both have impeller style internal cooling vanes
-Powerslot utilizes "cryo-tempering" to treat the rotor castings after slotting for better durability
-to my knowledge you cannot turn a two piece rotos whereas you can turn the powerslot rotors for future maintenance

i personally have the Power slot rotors on my 944 with the Hawk HPS brake pads and i am very happy with them.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

connortirerack · May 2004

The Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 is not made in the 235/45/17 size. at least not yet.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

connortirerack · May 2004

you would still need to use the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) sensors in your wheels whether you use 16, 17, or 18". but the size would not affect the TPMS. You can purchase these from us and we can actually preinstall them in the wheel and tire when we mount and balance of them. you would simply need to take them to the dealership and have them program the car to read which tire is in which corner. the sensors are 112.00 each and are OE Lexus sensors.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

dilbert65 · May 2004

I need a new set of tires for my 1995 Ford Crown Vic LX with HPP (handling and performance package). The car has the original tires (Michelin XGT 4) in P225/60R16. I live in central Florida, so snow and ice are not a concern, but I do need good wet traction. I do a lot of highway driving and am a fairly aggessive driver. I recently installed a set of Edelbrock performer IAS shocks. I value performance, but also like a relatively quiet and comfortable ride (my other car is a Lexus LS430). What tires do you recommend for the Crown Vic? Thank you.

docrock143 · May 2004

My vehicle has Firestone Wildernesses (226/60-16)on them, and after about 48,000 they are due for replacement. I am looking for an all-season tire with very good snow performance and long tread life (if those two are compatible!). Any suggestions for a good, solid tire?
Thanks!
Alan

connortirerack · May 2004

If i am understanding your request, you are looking for a high performance tire with good wet and dry traction as well as being quiet. with this information i would recommend the P225/60R16 Yokohama AVS DB S2. this is probably the quietest tire on the market and in this size i would size would offer one of the highest traction and handling ratings. this is a high performance all season tire that normally will normally get around 40-45,000 miles. these are currently priced at 98.00 each.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

connortirerack · May 2004

i would recommend using the 225/60R16 Bridgestone Turanza LS-H which is currently priced 116.00 each. this is a touring all season tire with a 50,000 miles warranty and offers excellent snow traction. Rather than using the same type of truck tire that came on the car originally, i think you will be much happier in a touring style tire. you will get a much quieter and more comfortable ride quality as well as the aspects i spoke about earlier.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

10sfan · May 2004

Any recommendations for replacement tires at 37K.
Regular city and highway driving combined. Live in Southern Wisconsin, near IL state line. A mixed bag of weather conditions. Also own a SUV if necessary for 4FWD.

connortirerack · May 2004

i woudl recommend the P215/60R16 Continental Extreme Contact which are currently 87.00 each. this is a performance all season tire with excellent wet and dry traction as well as good snow and ice traction when needed. you are in a one day shipping area from south bend IN. we could ship these to you fairly quickly if you decided you wanted them.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

10sfan · May 2004

I would assume that the Contintental Extreme Contact would also provide the best overall handling and ride. I would be satisfied if they last 30-35K, under my usual and customary driving.

maxhonda99 · May 2004

Connor,

What is the next best tire that you would recommend for a 2000 LS400, size 225/60-16 after the Bridgestone Turanza LS-H? A H speed rating is fine, would prefer good treadwear, quiet & comfy ride and one that is cheaper than the LS-H.

I was thinking about:
Avid V4S
Dunlop SP SPort 5000 Symetrical
Continental ContiPremierContact
and the new
Bridgestone Potenza G009

And how would these tires compare to the OEM Dunlop SP Sport 4000 tires?

Thanks

jim3 · May 2004

I have a tire the is making a lot of noise. I bought the tires thru the car dealer and they had a 100k mile guarantee I now have 48K on the set. What's the best course to take if the tire turns out to be bad, replace the one tire, or replace the whole set or what? I'm taking the car in next week.

connortirerack · May 2004

you assume correct....

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

kyfdx · May 2004

'02 Honda CRV

Dueler 684HT are shot after 30K miles. I wasn't that thrilled with them, but not terrible.

I'm a moderately aggressive driver, but drive
14K-15K miles per year, so comfort and wear are somewhat important.. Hoping for 40K out of next set.

Looking at Yokohama Avid T4 and Bridgestone Turanza LS-T.

I know the Turanzas are a "touring tire". Will they still handle better than the Duelers? I have the LS-H on a Legend and really like them, but obviously in a much more aggressive size.

Any other recommendations? Are there any H-rated tires worth looking at, or would that be overkill?

regards,
kyfdx

connortirerack · May 2004

Actually i would recommend them in the same order that you have them listed. Keep in mind the the have a rather mixed bag of tires listed varying in speed rating classifications and seasonal ussage. just to clarify for you i have broken down the tires indovidually for you.

Avid V4S
- performance all season
- V rating
- performance all season
- 60,000 mile warranty
- directional tread design - designed for high speed traction and handling in both wet and dry conditions and is also very quiet and comfortable.

Dunlop SP SPort 5000 Symetrical
- performance all season tire
- H and W rated are available in this size
- 6 year prorated warratny against defect
- symetrcal tread design
- designed for high speed traction and handling in both wet and dry conditions and is very quiet to start but gets noisier as they wear and also a little stiffer ride than the Yokohama above.

Continental ContiPremierContact
- touring all season
- H rated
- 80,000 mile warranty
- symetrical tread design
- designed for ride comfort and quality with decent wet and dry traction

Bridgestone Potenza G009
- performance all season
- H rated
- 50,000 mile warranty
- directional tread design
- we just tested these last week and for the first time i was disappionted in a bridgestone tire. the wet and dry traction were poor and they tend to be a little noisey.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

connortirerack · May 2004

I would recommend using the Bridgestone Turanza LS-T. they are quiet and comfortable and offer an excellent ride quality. the Yokohamas tend to have a very soft side wall and will allow more body roll which translate into worse handling.
personally i would not recommend useing an SUV tire on this vehicle. it will be stiff and tend and really take away from the ride quality. an SUV tire will also tend to be noisier and will wear faster.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

kyfdx · May 2004

Thanks.. I've noticed that all the supposed "SUV" tires in that size aren't really SUV tires at all.. Just marketed that way. My former '98 CRV came with BFGoodrich Touring T/A. An unremarkable tire, that still gave me 50K miles.

Do you think the LS-T is the "best" choice, or are there any others?

Thanks a lot!
kyfdx

connortirerack · May 2004

I have never heard of a tire that is warranted for 100,000 miles. but that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. just to clarify are you referring to the vehicle that has a 100,000 mile warranty? if so the tires are not covered by that warranty. In any case noise issue's are normally not covered by any form of manufacturer warranty so i t would be at the dealers discretion as to whether they would cover the tire. i wish i could give you a better answer but warranties vary drastically from manufacturer to manufacturer.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

aanda · May 2004

For a 2000 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner v6 what tire would you recommend between the BF Goodrich All Terrain TA KO and the Bridgestone Dueler AT's. Or please sugguest another tire

Thanks in advance....
AandA

michael_mattox · May 2004

A couple of questions

Is a tire with very low rolling resistance (continental touring is one I think) give a softer or harder ride and is it more noisy or very quiet compared to a tire with poor rolling resistance?

I have an LS 430 (01) Ultra ..so it has a sports mode and 17 inch tires.

My prioities are quiet, smooth easy ride, traction in rain, (I Live in Seattle) and wear.

I don't expect to ever drive (again) over 110 and rarely if ever at 100 ..I do sometimes cruse at 90.

Could you please list the very best tires to suit my needs.

cop414 · May 2004

Conner,
I will be replacing the OEM Michelins on my Mazda6i this summer. It has the sport pkg. and I'll be replacing 215/50-17. I've decided on the Continental extreme contact, but have a few questions and concerns-

1-In the reviews I've read there seem to be quite a few persons who state that they have had a hard time getting these tires to balance properly-any comments or suggestions?
2-Also in many of the reviews people say that they have to adjust pressure (I've read that someone has as much as 45psi) to get the tires to ride properly. While I have no problem experimenting with psi, these figures seem kind of high to me, would this void the warranty?
3-I don't see where The Tire Rack offers a road hazard warranty for these, is this correct?
4-I was going to have my local Midas shop mount and balance them, any comments on this, especially since there seems to be some problems on this. I trust the guys there and they have never let me down.
And finally-any idea how well these will wear. It seems from the reviews fairy well, just wondering if you could give an opinion?

I drive about 20K per year, sometimes in snow, mostly town/highway driving, usually in a semi-aggressive manner.
Thanks

plunder · May 2004

Conner, I am new to this site and I can really appreciate the time you are taking to share your knowledge.I am driving a 98 Chev Surburban 4WD 2500 Series,with 201,000 miles and will need to replace tires soon. It currently has Michelin LTX AT LT245/75R16 Load range E. The vehicle is not used for the heavy loads that it is capable of hauling.These tires give an extremely hard ride and I would like a softer one. Must I stay with the E for safety and warranty? Use is mostly City, limited hwye, and no off-road driving.I feel that the vehicle still has a lot of life in it and want to buy a resonably good set of tires. Can you give me your recommendations with the pro's and con's?

maxhonda99 · May 2004

connor,

I have one more question about the Yoko Avid V4S.

How are they different from the previous generation Avid H4/V4 tires? I have bought 2 sets of the Avid H4 tires and would just like to know the improvements to the new H4S/V4S line.

envoy1 · May 2004

My son was given a 1986 535i. We want to replace tires but can not find them anywhere. Size is 200/60/390
If we have to replace rims to get tires what is your suggestion or do you know who carries the metric tires?

shipo · May 2004

The last I heard, the Michelin TRX tires have long since been out of production (or at least they have not been imported to the U.S. for quite some time), and your best bet is to go with new 16" or even 17" wheels and tires. Maybe Connor has more information.

If you do end up buying a new set, figure on $900 to $1,000 of a decent low end wheel/tire set such as 16x7.5 Borbet Type B wheels and 205/55VR16 Dunlop SP Sport FM901 tires.

I hope this helps.

Best Regards,
Shipo

connortirerack · May 2004

the best recommendation would come down to how aggressive of an A/T tire you are looking for. If you are looking for aggressive off road handling and noise levels are of no concern i would recommend using the BF Goodrich AT TA KO. However if noise level and ride quality are more important than off road capabilities i would suggest the Bridgestone A/T Revo. these will also offer longer tread life than the BF Goodrich.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

connortirerack · May 2004

Because you place "quiet, smooth easy ride" as you first requirements i would suggest using a Touring style all season tire. My #1 recommendation would be the P225/55R17 Bridgestone Turanza LS-V (150.00 each). these are very quiet with excellent rating in ride comfort and noise level. they are rated at 40,000 miles. as a second recommendation i would suggest the 225/55HR17 Michelin Energy MXV4 PLUS (142.00 each). the michelins would tend to be a little noisier and ride a little firmer but in this size these would be my top two choices.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

ny540i6 · May 2004

Adopt me, dammit! But if you can't lay your hands on another 5, I'll take a Mini Cooper, new model or old.

carny · May 2004

Connor, this is a great service your are providing. My problem is I have just purchased a 2005 Ford Escape with the Conti Contitrac tires size 235/70/16. They are sooo noisy that I hate driving the car on the interstate above 50 mph. I love the car other than this problem. I saw on your website that this tires are very noisy. I am looking at the following tire to replace my OE tires.

1. Firehawk Indy 500
2. Yoko Geo H/T-S GO51
3. Firestone Destination LE

A quiet smooth ride is my top concern followed by good tread life. I drive 20,000 miles a year so the tire have to last a couple of year.

Do you have any other suggestions that I might have missed?

Thanks for your help!

michael_mattox · May 2004

Thanks conner...Bridgestone it will be. I don't buy french anything.

capriracer · May 2004

The only place I know of for TRX tires is Coker Tire. Be prepared to pay a lot for them.

Alternatively, you could try some different wheels and go conventional. Takes a bit of doing, but is easiest in the long run.

connortirerack · May 2004

1) We have never experienced a problem with balancing these tire. We use the Hunter GSP9700 Computerized Balancer which at this time is the best machine on the market for dynamic balancing. i would recommend checking the link i have attached below and you will bew able to see who in your area uses this type of equipment.

www.gsp9700.com

2)This i have never heard of. but then again i really don't use the customer reviews. As to why people would increase a tire to 40 psi when their vehicle only calls for 30-32 psi i really can't say. i talk to people every day that think you should inflate a tire to the "Max PSI" marker on the sidewall of the tire.

3)The Tire Rack doesn't offer any road hazard for this tire because it is included from Continental for 12 months.

4)Most Midas shops that i have dealt with use a standard spin balancing machine which is not as accurate as the GSP9700. i would recommend using the link i have listed above and find some in your area that can mount and balance the tires using this method.

5)Normally these wear around 40-45,000 miles on the average. As with any tire, the more aggresively you drive the faster they will wear.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

connortirerack · May 2004

Due to manufacturer requirements and liability issue's you would need to keep an "E" load range tire on this vehicle. I would recommend using the LT245/75R16 Bridgstone A/T REVO which are currently priced at 134.00 plus shipping. these are an "E" load range tire, however they tend to offer a much better ride quality and well as being far quieter. i believe you would be very happy with this tire.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

connortirerack · May 2004

the H4S/V4S have a different tread desgn and a better tread compound for better wet traction and well as a quieter ride and a longer tread life. as a reference i have included the service specifications below for your review.

205/50/16 Yokohama Avid V4
UTQG...................... 360 A A
Service Description....... 91V
Tire Tread Type........... DIR

205/50/16 Yokohama Avid V4S
UTQG...................... 500 AA A
Service Description....... 91V
Tire Tread Type........... DIR

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

connortirerack · May 2004

TRX tires are still available but only in certain sizes. Regrettably this is not one of them. I believe you can get these from Coker tire in Chattanooga Tennessee but they are going to run around 300.00 each. i would recommend using an economically priced tire and wheel package. not only will this cost less now but it will also cost less later when you need to replace the tires again. as an example you could purchase the following wheels and tires for this car 560.00 plus shipping. in the futurte you would simply need to replace the tires as they wear. Keep in mind the prices i quoted are based on the lowest prices to fit this car. so if you choose a different wheel or tire the price could go up.

4 - P205/60HR15 Kumho Ecsta HP4 716 -- 41.00
4 - 15X7 Borbet T-B ------------------ 99.00

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

connortirerack · May 2004

out of the three tires you have listed i would recommend the Yokohama Geolander HT-S as the best recommendation and the Firestone Destination LE would be second. The Yokohama HT-S are excellent SUV tires. We started our SUV tire testing two weeks ago and this was one of the models that was tested. the tires are very quiet and comfortable. the side wall is soft enough to offer a good ride quality however stiff enough to have great handling. we tested these on our new VW Toureg's which is of comparable size to you ford escape.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

carny · May 2004

Thanks Connor. That is what I need to know. It the test your refer to on your web site yet?

Thanks
Chuck

plunder · May 2004

Thanks Conner. How many miles should I expect from this tire and what psi do you recommend?

silvercoupe · May 2004

Conner, I am considering the following tires for my 2000 Accord LX Coupe (195/65x15):

Michelin Hydro Edge
Bridgestone Turanza LS-T

Am looking for a smoother ride than provided with the OE Bridgestone EL41's. Your thoughts?

connortirerack · May 2004

i would recommend running the tire at the same PSi stated on the vehicle placard which is 45 PSI in the front and 80 PSI in the rear. You should normally get around 50-55,000 miles out of these tires with a vehicle of this size.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

connortirerack · May 2004

i would recommend using the Bridgestone Turanza LS-T. they are a great tire and much quieter than the Hydroedge tires. the LS-T also offer a more comfortable ride quality. The 195/65/15 Bridgestone Turanza LS-T are currently 70.00 each.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

zakiman · May 2004

Conner, I am debating between the tires below, and I would like to know which one you recommend. Currently I have Turanzas EL41 on my car (195/65/15). The Turanzas have very good tread life but they are not good in the winter in snow conditions.I am looking for a good rain tire too.

I am considering:
1. Bridgestone Potenza RE950 ( very good reviews in tirerack.com)
2. Bridgestone Turanza LS-T
3. Bridgestone Turanza LS-H
4. BF Goodrich Traction TA/H
also which tire is the most expensive from this list ? Thanks very much for your time.

connortirerack · May 2004

my best recommendation would really depend on you. If you are more of an aggressive driver i would say the Potenza RE950 is the best tire for you. this tire offer great dry and wet traction as well as good ice and snow traction. But, if you are more interested in ride quality and comfort then i would suggest the Turanza LS-H. they will be very quiet as well as very comfortable. ice and snow traction isn't as good as the Potenza RE950 but it is still pretty good. my recommendation would be as followed.

1-2. Bridgestone Potenza RE950 (77.00 each) or Bridgestone Turanza LS-H (91.00 each)
- pending what aspects are more important to you
3. BF Goodrich Traction TA-HR (61.00 each)
4. Bridgestone Turanza LS-T (70.00 each)

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

michael_mattox · May 2004

conner:

would there be a difference in the quiet or ride comfort between a Bridgestone Turanza LS-V and LS-H ?

micweb · May 2004

The Base Model PT Cruiser comes with 15" wheels with 195x65 tires on them - oddly enough, the same size fitted to my old VW Golf.

Optional size is 205x55 on 16 inch wheels; I presume there is some 205 fitment for the 15 inch wheels.

Two questions: is 195 adequate width? Is there any significant gain moving to 205? Is there any wider fitment for the 15 inch wheels? (Ok, that has a lot of subcategories.)

The other question: which tire do you recommend? Two of my favorites are listed in stock 195x65 size - Bridgestone 950; Dunlop Sport A2. But, there seem to be new tires these days - Kumho ASX, Yokohama Avid S, Goodrich Traction T/A. So what's the latest and greatest? None of these are very expensive, so price isn't an issue.

My "tire priorities" are as follows:

1. I like A temperature control, and AA for traction, but A and A would be ok too.

2. Stock tire is, I believe, T rated, but I'd rather stick to H and above.

3. I think great traction (to the extent feasible) on wet roads is more important that great traction on dry roads.

4. Snow traction is of lesser importance to me. I live in California, and if I am on snowy roads, probably need chains anyway. But, I guess I'd rather have "all season" than full on summer tires.

5. Noise level is very important to me, I don't like tire "roar," but "comfort" isn't - I don't mind a hard ride.

I found the Goodyear LS tires I had on my Golf relatively quiet, and the 950's I have on two other cars now (not a PT Cruiser), not as quiet as I'd like but very balanced in performance, a tad superior to most in most categories. The Sport A2's I put on the Golf later, tended to squeal on mountain curves, which was annoying, and didn't seem any grippier than stock Goodyear LS tires. I guess they are most appealing in terms of saving a few bucks.

In short, 950's seem like a safe bet, but how about the ASX, Avid S, and Traction T/A - do they beat the 950's?

Finally, I am presuming almost any of these will markedly improve the Base Model PT Cruiser's grip.

micweb · May 2004

I explored your website. Will 205x60x15 fit on the Base PT Cruiser? If so, these tires look interesting:

Yokohama AVS dbS2, for $69, rated as very quiet. How does it handle compared to Bridgestone 950's?

Kumho Ecstat HP4 716, for only $41(!), almost rated as quiet at the Yokohama. How does it handle compared to the AVS and Bridgestone 950's?

Looks like the Yoko Avid H4S is a new tire that will fit, no information on handling or noise levels - any input from Tire Rack?

Is the Sumitomo HTR 200 worth considering? It is not an all season tire - is it any better because it doesn't try to be all season? How is the quality compared to Kumho?

Oh yeah, the million dollar question - are Kumho's well made (at least the performance ones that Tire Rack sells)?

connortirerack · May 2004

the ride quality and noise level would be the same between the two. the only real differences would be the the LS-V would wear faster and have a little better traction at higher speeds due to a softer tread compound.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

connortirerack · May 2004

The only size i could recommend in 15" would be the stock 195/65/15. the reason a 205 will fit on 16" is because the larger diameter wheel gives more clearance around the strut tower.

I think the Bridgestone Potenza RE950 is an excellent tire for this car. the down side for most PT owners is that they cannot rotate the RE950s due to the directional tread design. if you do want a tire you can rotate then i would recommend using the Dunlop Sport 5000. This has a symetrical tread design and can be rotated in a standard pattern. both tires offer great traction and handling in both dry and wet conditions. the Dunlop tends to be slightly noisier than the Bridgestone and will wear a little faster even with rotation.

connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269

michael_mattox · May 2004

Conner:

You are the man...Thank you very much.

Ask Connor at The Tire Rack

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