Ask Connor at The Tire Rack

lghong67 · January 2005

Hi Connor,

In a forum populated by other Sienna owners who were unsatisfied with the 17" tires available for their minivans, they suggested moving from the stock tires (size: 225/60TR17) to Pirelli Pzero Neros (size: 235/55WR17).

My question: does this make sense as a real alternative? Will the odometer and speedometer readings be off? Are there other consequences that I haven't addressed?

Thanks in advance as always for your valuable insight, LH

rsr742002 · January 2005

Connor, I recently bought Continentals PremierContacts 215/45/17 from Tirerack to replace my original Bridgestones RE92's.

The first impression is these tires are very loud which is strange since they are Grand Touring tires... Is this a temporary thing until they break-in completely (I've only driven 350 miles on them so far)? Otherwise, I might opt for the 30 day replacement gaurantee from Continentals and get ExtremeContacts.

Please help!

connortirerack · January 2005

I would like to address this simply for future reference by other forum members.

Quote:

"please be careful about what you say about an Odyssey Touring with the PAX tires. Honda is very clear that you cannot substitute a non-PAX wheel onto the van. If nothing else, it will foul up the TPMS, and can potentially cause warranty issues.

At minimum, you would need run flat snows if you did swap them out."

*************************************************

This is not correct. The only difference between a PAX equipped vehicle and a standard vehicle is the wheel and tire. The tire is completely different than a standard tire in the fact that the tire opening on one side of the tire is larger than the opening on the other side of the tire. These diameters are matched on the rim. so basically one side of the rim is taller than the other side of the rim. The tires themselves are not run flat tires, the rim is. The PAX rim has a hard plastic ring the goes around the middle of the rim to support the tire if the tire looses air pressure. That way you would not be resting on the taller side of the rim when the tire goes flat. As for the TPMS sensor you would simply need to purchase new sensors from the Honda dealer (as i recall they are between $35 and $45.00) and have them installed in the new tires and wheels. The Honda sensor is the same one that goes in the Acura MDX, The new Honda Ridgeline, and a couple of other vehicles. I have also confirmed this with our Honda rep at Honda's USA office in Torrance California as well as confirming this with our Michelin rep.

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

stickguy · January 2005

The owners manual is very clear about only using Pax wheels on the Touring. I would want to see it in writing from Honda that they authorize switching to standard wheels (that is, no warranty or functional problems). I will have to get the owners manual out when my wife gets home and post the quotes directly.

The reason I said you need run flat snows (and new wheels obviusly) is because Pax equipped Odys don't have a spare. I guess you don't technically need them, but you are taking a chance otherwise.

stever · January 2005

The way I heard it was that the Touring's suspension was tuned for the stiffer PAX tire system. Nothing about not being able to use other wheels.

Again, let's take this to the Run-flat, self-sealing, PAX tires for Minivans discussion - we've been hashing this out over there for weeks now. Thanks,

Steve, Host

stickguy · January 2005

OK, although I'm still afraid to go in there!

wulf007 · January 2005

Help! I recently purchased a 2002 MBZ C320 with AMG package (body aerodynamics and performance upgrades). Unfortunately the previous owner kept his 18 inch wheels and replaced them with stock 205/55/16 inch tires and wheels. I want to upgrade to the MBZ AMG sports package of 225/45/17 (7.5 in wide front) and 245/40/17 (8.5 in wide rear)but that ride seems awfully hard. Would going to 235/45/17 fronts and 245/45/17 rears give a little softer ride or should I try to address the hard ride problem through choice of tire (performance vs. grand touring)? I am a spirited but not overly aggressive driver -mostly high speed highway miles.

Next question is tires. After reading the Tirerack reviews I thought I might try the Bridgestone Turanza LH-V or Z rated tires but the MBZ rep and my independent mechanic both recommend Michelin Pilot Sport A/S. What is your opinion and is there another tire I missed? I would like a good handling tire but not at the total expense of ride comfort and quietness. My C320 is a great car but not in the category of some of the high performance cars that can take advantage of higher performance tires. Guess I am looking for a good compromise. Thanks for your help.

stickguy · January 2005

Just to close the loop, I did look at the Ody owners manual. They clearly state that the PAX system and van aredesigned to work together, and that non-Pax wheels/tires are not recommended and, to quote, "may void the manufacturers warranty".

stever · January 2005

Thanks for the follow/up.

Steve, Host

dahuber · January 2005

Connor,

Recently I purchased a steel wheel and winter tire combo for my 2001 Maxima from Tirerack. The factory summer wheels are aluminum alloy with acorn-type lugnuts.

The question: can the lugnuts that came with the combo package be used interchangeably with the aluminum wheels or are these nuts specifically designed for steel wheels? They look the same to me except for not being the acorn style. Thanks.

Dave

1980c20 · February 2005

I have a 1980 chevy c20 3/4 ton custom deluxe pickup it has 9.5x16.5 tires on it. The 16.5 rims I would like to replace with a 16 inch so I have more tires to choose form. Is this going to cause any problem and is there a good 16 inch rim to use or will any 8 lug 3/4 ton rim work i was looking at 8 lug suburben rims. also what size tires would fit on that truck if i use a 16 rim.

connortirerack · February 2005

Using the qualifications you listed I would recommend the tires you listed in the following order. I am basing the recommendation on the overall level of the tire in comparison to the requirements that you and the car need.

Bridgestone Turanza LS-H -- 114.00 each

Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus -- 116.00 each

Bridgestone Potenza G009 -- 91.00 each

BFGoodrich Traction T/A H-- 90.00 each

Goodyear Eagle RS-A -- 99.00 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

connortirerack · February 2005

I cannot recommend using a 235/55/17 on the newer Toyota Sienna's. According to Toyota specification it is not correct. I am not saying that it will not fit, simply that it is not correct for this vehicle. The only sizes i could recommend for your Sienna would be the stock 225/60/17 as well as 215/60/17 and 225/60/17. A 235/55/17 would be almost the same diameter but they would be wider. Your speedometer and odometer would still be accurate.

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 · February 2005

The Continental Premiere Contact are normally a fairly quiet tire. But no where near the quietest. I also don't think it is a very good match for this car. The IS300 has a performance oriented suspension which does not work well with touring type tires. The Extreme Contact will perform better on the vehicle and i think you will be far happier with it.

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 · February 2005

Going to a wider tire in the front will not help the ride quality at all. I would suggest staying with the 225/45/17 and the 245/40/17 and using a tire more oriented to your needs. I do agree with the people that recommended the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S . If the Bridgestone Turanza LS-V or Z were made in the 245/40/17 size i would recommend them. In this particular case i would say the Michelin will give you the closest level of ride quality vs.. performance that you are looking for.

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 · February 2005

You should be able to use your factory lug nuts on the steel wheel. If the factory lug nuts will not work we would have sent a new set with the steel wheels.

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 · February 2005

What you are asking is very common. But regrettably the Tire rack doesn't carry any alloy wheels for this truck. The only thin i carry for your truck would be plain basic steel wheels in a 16X7.Because we deal almost specifically with performance applications and newer vehicles. I would recommend checking with a company that deals with trucks and older American vehicles. I would suggest checking with a company that sells American Racing, Centerline, or Weld.

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

keikoe55 · February 2005

deciding on either 16 or 17 tires/wheels upgrade

which way will you go? car is stock LS model 4 lugs current on stock 14" set up.

vgrinshpun · February 2005

Hi, Connor

Yokohama just introduced a new tire, Avid TRZ, which is available in 225/60R17 size. I am planning to replace Run Flat Bridgestone B380's on my Toyota Sienna 2004 LE AWD with set of Yokohama Avid TRZs. They are rated by Yokohama 740 A B and carry 80,000 mile warranty. Information on this tire is available at yokohamatire.com (PASSENGER TIRES).

Tirerack does not sell this tire yet, but may be you have some information about Yokohama Avid TRZ and future availability at tire rack.

I dislike Bridgestone B380 because they became very noisy and harsh at approx. 20,000 miles (currently have 42,000 miles), because they seem to be prone for punctures (had 3 so far within 1 year and 9 months), and because they are too expensive, and based on my experience their advertised benefit of "added safety" is just not there

Thanks for advice.

alsy2k5crv · February 2005

Hi Connor, I just purchased a new 2005 Honda Crv,. It has the factory awful Bridgestones Dueler's. I have been waiting for the release by Yokohama of there new AVID TRZ. I spoke to a rep from Yokahama yesterday on it's availability in the 215x65x16 that I need. I was told that they are available now and I told them i always purchase my tires from Tirerack. She told me that though Tirerack my not stock them, that they are a authorized dealer for them and can deff. order them for me as they are in stock in my size and available in Yokohama's Warehouse. But when i called up Tirerack directly they told me they can't, and it would months before they would stock them. I don't understand why if the manufacture says to get them from you guys, why is that not the case. I mean, what good is the release of a new tire if it can't be purchased. Thank for your input>>>> AL

madridjoe · February 2005

I am considering replacing the Goodyear Eagle GA's on my 05 Impala with a set of Goodyear Assurance ComforTreds, I notice some of the reviews on your site refer to a substantial loss of fuel mileage, any thoughts on this?

connortirerack · February 2005

Personally, i prefer the 17" on the Integra's. they handle better and look better than the 16". Again, this simply my opinion. I can't tell you what you will like in the end.

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 · February 2005

Because this tire is so new i have very limited information on it. So far we have only seen it in 1 or two sizes. We will be testing the tire in the spring but as of right now i am limited to what Yokohama tells us. Normally i don't like to use the manufacturer info because it tends to be very skewed. I show that we should be seeing these tires in the 225/60/17 around the end of this month.

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 · February 2005

It isn't as easy as just ordering the tire and have 4 show up on our door step. When we place any order with a manufacturer we have certain quantities we have to order before anything ships out to us. Normally the minimum is a semi trailer of tires. If we do not have an order large enough then the entire order is held until we do. In the same right if we place an order and they do not have enough to fill it then the entire order is held until they have the stock to ship. At this time i show they will be coming into the warehouse around the end of this month.

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 · February 2005

This is a common misconception that occurs when you place new tires on a vehicle. This is due to the fact that a new tire has taller tread blocks which will be soft and more flexible than the worn tread blocks on the tire that is being removed. The increase in flexibility will cause slightly more rolling resistance which in turn will effect the mileage. due to the fact tires wear over time the rolling resistance will change slightly as will the MPG.

This is also the reason we do not use rolling resistance or mileage as a recommendation tool. Both will change as soon as you change the tires out and as the new tires wear.

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

edh · February 2005

probably true for all tires.

what I think the thought was that compared to other NEW tires it had high rolling resistance. I think Consumer's reports measures that.

donaldm1 · February 2005

I need to replace original tires, 245X75X16 Range E, and would like to increase size to 265X75X16. I do not need Range E since I only use the truck to pull a trailer. Do you see any problems and what tire would give the best ride and balance?

mz6greyghost · February 2005

I saw these tires on your website, and noticed that despite the reviews listed for the tire, there are no listings for their survey results, and how they compare with others in their category (Ultra High Performance All-Season). It seems that they would rate well compared to other tires, but why aren't they listed?

connortirerack · February 2005

You can use a 265/75/16 on your truck. However, you would need to increase the rim size to at least a 16X7" rim rather than the stock 16X6.5". I have heard of people squeezing a 265/75/16 on the stock wheels but i do not recommend it for safety reasons. General Motors requires that this vehicle is to have E load range tires on it load capacity issues. Regrettably i cannot recommend or sell a tire that does not meet this requirement. If you do decide to use an all season tire in the 265/75/16 size i would recommend using the Michelin LTX MS with the E load range. They are currently priced at 162.00 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

connortirerack · February 2005

Not all people want to participate with the surveys. If people do not participate by replying to the surveys, then we do not have any survey information to post. This is a fairly new tire and sometimes it take a while to get information to post for consumer reviews.

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

atfryar · February 2005

Hi Connor, I've been doing a lot of research on Tire Rack and am just about ready to buy (from tire rack)... A few questions first. I'm going from the stock 16"s on my 01 Saab 93SE Conv. to OEM 17's (17x7). From everything I'm reading it looks like 215/45-17 is the way to go. I've narrowed it down to the Kumho ECSTA ASX and the Avon M550 A/S. Your thoughts on the two of these? Like you mentioned above, no reviews on the Avon's... One of the biggest thing I'm looking for is wet (rain) performance. The turbo engine in the Saab has a tremendous amount of torque steer and driving in wet weather seems to compound this... Avoiding hydroplaning in general is a MAJOR concern of mine. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks

faai · February 2005

What tires do you recommend for a 2002 toyota prius? Currently have Bridgestone Potenza RE 92 XL P175/65/R14 but very poor treadwear (23,000 miles) and need a replacement.

connortirerack · February 2005

You can actually use a 205/50/17 or a 215/45/17 according to Saab specifications. Personally i would recommend using the 215/45/17 simply because the wider tire will offer better handling. Between the Kumho ASX and the Avon M550 i would lean towards the Avon as the better tire. The Avon will offer a little better dry and wet traction as well as slightly better ice and snow traction. The overall tread life will be about the same. They are both Asymetrical tires and can both be rotated once mounted on the car.

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

16521 · February 2005

Hi Connor,
I'd like your recommendation for tire replacement on a '04 Altima. Its the SE model with 215/55R17 size tires. The car has the original oem tires on, "Bridgestone turanza EL42". This size of tire is difficult to find. I'm told I could put on a size 225/55R17. This would increase my choices in tires.
I'm not an aggressive driver therefore a comfortable quiet ride is my priority. The "Goodyear Comfortread" seems like a good tire but I'm concerned that it may be too soft for this kind of car. Also, what can you tell me about the stock tires that are on my car now? The Turanza EL42. It seems like a really cheap, hard, and noisy tire. Thanks

connortirerack · February 2005

Regrettably due to the low center of gravity and the higher weight class this vehicle will tend go through tires a little faster than normal. I would recommend using the Bridgestone Turanza LS-T. Even thought the vehicle comes with an Xl load rated tire you can use an SL load rated on it. I would however suggest running the tire at 36psi for better handling. The Turanza LS-T are rated at 80,000 miles , but realistically you should get around 65-70,000 out of them.

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 · February 2005

The OE Bridgestone Turanza EL42 are actually very poorly rated in all categories. i would recommend using the 225/50R17 Bridgestone Turanza LS-V (145.00 each). This tire will offer and excellent ride quality as well as great traction and handling in dry, wet, and snow 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

dialm4speed · February 2005

What happened to the BFG "Blue" Scorchers? All you have now is black. Also what is the biggest tire I can put on a 17 x 7 wheel.

mkempke · February 2005

Connor, I need some advice. I have a 2002 GMC Sierra two wheel drive pickup. It came with 255/70R16 tires. I drive this truck on the farm and want to increase my ground clearance. Is there a taller size tire I can use. Maybe a 265/75R16.

connortirerack · February 2005

BF Goodrich has discontinued the colored Scorcher T/A's due to lacking sales. They do still make the all black version in a few different sizes though.

Asking what tire size will fit on a 17" wheel isn't as simple to answer as it sounds. The taller the sidewall, the wider the tire can be. In the same respect the shorter the side wall the narrower the tire has to be. Before i could answer this i would need to know the vehicle they are going on or the outside dimensions of the tire you are looking for.

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 · February 2005

Because the vehicle information is not complete i will assume this is a 1/2 ton chassis. The tallest tire i can recommend for this vehicle would be a 265/75/16. This tire is 31.5" tall and will fit the vehicle without modifications. However it will not fit the stock wheels. You would need at least a 16X7" wheel and this truck comes with a 16X6.5" wheel. The tallest i could recommend on the factory wheel would be a 255/75/16 which is 31" tall.

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

dialm4speed · February 2005

OK it's going on a 86' Merkur XR4Ti. I know you can put a 205/40/17 on a 17x7 wheel but how about 215/40/17 or larger/wider?

gerstch · February 2005

Hi Conner, I have a 2005 C55 AMG with 5,500 miles on it and the car lately slides all over the road on wet pavement. The stock Pirellis are smooth in the back but still fine up front (car is rear wheel drive with 362 HP). I don't drive like a complete maniac, how is this possible? You have a suggestion for tires that will last awhile, have good performance, reasonable ride in that order? Wet traction is not much of a consideration as I live in the desert, but when it does rain now it is downright dangerous. And I should just replace all 4, right? Thanks!

krzyss · February 2005

Could you tell us what kind of Pirelli tires you have on your C55 ?

Krzys

gerstch · February 2005

Sure, on my C55 the fronts are: 225/40 ZR 18 92Y backs are: 245/35 ZR 18 92Y The backs say PZero Rosso MO on them. Is this enough information to answer your question, Krzys? The backs are down to the tread bar already. 5500 miles!!! #$%&!!!! Maybe I need to reevaluate my driving habits....

krzyss · March 2005

I will be stealing show from Connor but you seem to need summer tires as snow is not an issue.
With your car you need high performance tires and they usually do not last long but provide very good grip.
Go to tirerack.com put your Mercedes-Benz C55 sedan and check the available tires. It seems there are 5 choices available (summer tires):

Continental ContiSportContact 2
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2

Conner should know which one has best treadwear.

Krzys

PS If you expect any snow do not drive with this tires on.

gerstch · March 2005

Thanks for the info, Krzys. I plugged that info into Tirerack and got the same search results. So now if Conner can give me his opinions on treadwear and quality that would be great.
So are those stock Pirellis just not long lasting, or is this my driving habits? Are these new ones going to wear better? I gotta say I'm a little annoyed that they only lasted 5500 miles. I have trouble believing that anyone with this type of car gets their tires replaced avery 6K....

turboshadow · March 2005

I'm looking for good semi-performance tires for my 2002 Sentra GXE. I really liked Pirelli P6s when I used them back in the late 80s, however, they seem to be discontinued as a performance tire. What do you recommend as a good replacement. (I can't remember stock rubber size off the top of my head...sorry)

Turboshadow

connortirerack · March 2005

Yes a 215/40/17 will fit a 17X7" wheel. However, i can't recommend using 17" on the Merkur.

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 · March 2005

Gerstch,
Krzyss is on the right track but some of the information is a little off.

First- The original equipment Pirelli tires are summer only tires. Regrettably fast wearing tread is a common characteristic of most performance tires. Pirelli however is one of the worst for fast wearing tread compounds.

Second- Almost all performance oriented vehicle that are rear wheel drive will go through two sets of rears to every one set of fronts. Because the vehicles have staggered fitments you cannot rotate them so they tend to wear faster. also, because of the rear wheel drive torque and the pushing action in the tire cause excessive wear in the rear. The added heat on the rear from living in the dessert will also cause the tires to wear a little faster due to the fact of over heating while driving. Regrettably there really is not a way around the last problem.

Third- Due to the size requirements of the tire you have to use a summer only performance tire. If possible i would recommend using a high performance all season tire which would help a little with tread wear because of the tread compound.

Krzyss was correct about the tires available for you fitment except that he left off the OE Pirelli's. Out of the tires available for you i would recommend using the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 which would be:

225/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2-207.00 ea
245/35R18 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2-265.00 ea

They have an Asymetrical tread design which means they can be rotated from side to side (not front to back on your car) which will help the tires last a little longer.

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 · March 2005

Actually the Pirelli P6 tires have been re released and are available. You model of Nissan Sentra could have one of two different sizes on it. You should have either 185/65/14 or 195/60/15. The Pirelli's are currently priced at,

P185/65R14 Pirelli P6 4 SEASONS - 97.00 ea
P195/60R15 Pirelli P6 4 SEASONS - 65.00 ea

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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