Ask Connor at The Tire Rack

connortirerack

Regrettably I do not have any fitment information on this vehicle at this time. Due to this I can't guarantee what tire sizes or wheels will fit this other than stock sizes.

If I "assume" the 2006 is the same as 2005 due to the 2005 model has the same OE size you listed in your post, then you should be able to use either 235/65/17 or 255/60/17. I would recommend using the 235/65/17 Bridgestone Dueler Alenza (123.00 each). They will offer the best overall all season capability. Because you plan on using these in the snow I would not recommend using the 255/60/17. The added width would diminish the snow traction and not perform as well in the winter months.

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

All three sizes are approved by Honda for your CRV. The difference between the sizes would simply be a matter of width. The higher the first three numbers, the wider the tire is. In My opinion the 235/60/15 is a little to aggressive and will create more weight and drag than positive handling. I think the 215/65/15 offer optimal performance and handling without the degradation of ride quality and traction levels. You also have to look at other factors such as suspension stability, suspension and steering clearance, and the diameter vs. electronic componenets.

As always..... this is just my opinion.

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

The Avon Tech M500 are a decent tire however they do tend to be noisy and wear very quickly. The tire I would recommend for your G35 would be the 215/55/17 Yokohama Avid V4S (98.00 each). they will offer a better ride quality, quieter, better wet traction, and last 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

badgerfan

Connor,

I am going to replace the OEM Continental tires on my 2000 Taurus SES soon, and had decided that BF Goodrich Traction TA, size 215-60R16 in the T rated version would be a good choice for an upgrade from the OEMs that wore OK, now at 50K miles, but have very poor wet traction.

Tire Rack used to list this as available but no longer list it. Did you drop it from your offering or what happened?

dgsxrr

Hello, I just bought 02 Honda accord ex v6. I want to make it look/ride sharp. What do you rec. as far as rims, tires, susp. and breaks. I will use these rims/tires for summer use only so some rain but no snow. I'm interested in the blackened type rims- any diff. in cleaning care between gun metal blue and black? I also want to replace the rear sway bar to reduce the "over-steering"- What size/type is best 23mm - 22mm etc. Any advise on lowering the ride or is it best to leave height as is?
Thanks in adv. for advise.

ehamilto55

I have some 17" White racing rims and I recently cleaned them with a non acidic product and I noticed after my rims dried 1 of them had a yellow tint on it. Is there anything I could use to get the Yellow coloring out. I have heard that Astonish Oven Cleaner works great on White rims but I am sceptical. Can You Please Help?

iowaelantra

Hi,

I'm thinking of buying an 05 or 06 Elantra GT hatch in the near future, whenever the 06s get here and I can check one out. The Elantra comes with a Michelin all season tire p195/60r15. Unfortunately I can't seem to find the name of the tire style. I keep reading in the Hyundai forums that this particular Michelin tire has very soft sidewalls that lend to some handling problems in the Elantra. Some people who are preparing to purchase new Elantras are negotiating with the dealer to have the Michelins removed from the car and the price tag and are supplying the dealer with a different tire to be put on the car. I have two questions about this.

1. Will a car dealer negotiate on removing tires and lowering the price accordingly if a customer supplies him with a replacement tire to be put on the car?

2. If #1 above is indeed a fact, what tire would you recommend as a replacement for the Michelins on the Elantra GT hatchback? I live in Iowa so will be looking for a good mix of handling, smooth ride, and snow traction in an all season tire. I am a driver in my 50s and my winter driving is pretty much confined to city and highway driving after the snow from a storm has been cleared, but sometimes you are away from home or get caught by a surprise snowstorm so decent traction is needed also.

connortirerack

I can't confirm what you typed in your post in regards to down sizing the tires. The information that I have for a 2005 Nissan Frontier Crew cab Nismo states that the smallest size I can recommend would be the OE 265/75/16. I don't show that a 15" (235/75/15) wheel will even fit over the brakes on the truck. The 245/75/16 would be 1.25" shorter, they would have a lower load capacity, the speedometer would be inaccurate, the odometer would show more mileage than you have actually driven, and you will get worse gas mileage due to the engine revving higher to maintain the same speeds. I have listed the three tire sizes below with the over all diameters for your review.

265/75-16 -- 31.7"
235/75-15 -- 28.9"
245/75-16 -- 30.5"

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

The 215/60/16 Michelin Pilot Exalto (107.00 each) is a very good tire and under normal driving conditions the H rated version should last around 40,000 miles. They will offer excellent traction in the dry and wet condition but with the limited sipping snow traction is not very good. Another tire you might want to consider would be the 215/60/16 Bridgestone Potenza G009 (76.00 each). Because Bridgestone use a little better tread compound as well as slightly more tread sipping you will get more mileage out of the tire even in the gravel as well as better snow traction. You will also save quite a bit of money.

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

I do have them in stock but only in very limited quantities. Apparently BFG had some production levels of some kind. Due to this the tires have been temporarily pulled from the website and we are extremely limited on stock. The company is trying to retain the tires as replacements for the customers that have damaged a tire and need a replacement. I can get them for you if you would like them but you will have to call me directly. You cannot order them over the website. Currently the P215/60R16 BF Goodrich Traction T/A are priced at 59.00 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

Due to the amount of information you are looking for I would need you to call me. the amount of information covering tire and wheels options, shocks springs, suspension components, brake pads, rotors, complete brake kits. It is simple to much information to try and convey in an forum post.

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

Regrettably I don't have an answer for this one. Personally, I would not recommend using any cleaners other than basic soap and water. The problem with wheel cleaners is that they all have have some form of either "acidic content" or they contain "petroleum distillates." both can be damaging to a painted finish. Also, they are both extremely sensitive to being used on hot surfaces. I have heard from literally hundreds of people that have tried different types of cleaners on painted wheels and the finishes were ruined. most of the time it is attributed to the fact they tried to clean the wheels as soon as they got home when the wheels were still hot from driving. They only type of wheel that I would use a cleaner on is a triple plated chrome wheels. Even then I would make sure it was from a reputable manufacturer like Zymol, Mothers, or Maguire's.

You best chance to repair the the finish of the wheel would be to find a polishing compound that is clear coat approved and a cotton towel or applicator pad and then work the painted surface of the wheel over.

I know it isn't much, but I hope this helps.

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

I don't have any information on a 2006 Hyundai Elantra at this time. If I base the information on a 2005 model. I also have no way to tell if the fitment information is the same but I will answer the best that I can.

1) You would have to discuss this with your dealer.

2)The OE tire on the 2005 model was the 195/60HR15 Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus which are currently priced at 103.00 each. The tire I would recommend would be the P195/60R15 Bridgestone Turanza LS-H which are currently 96.00 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

bswan

thanks much for your April '05 recommendation of Bridgestone Turanza LS-T for my Toyota Sienna--tires have been great.

For my 2000 Mazda Protege ES tire size 195/55/R15, I'm now considering:
1. Falken Ziex ZE-512
2. Toyo Proxes TPT
3. Kumho Ecsta ASX
4. and maybe, Yokohama AVID T4
Treadwear, all-weather use and price are more important than handling/cornering for this family car. Which of these tires (or others not listed here) would you recommend for Chicago area? thanks again.

connortirerack

Great I am glad to hear the LS-T's are working well for you.

Out of the tires that you mentioned I would say the Yokohama Avid T4 would be the only tire that comes close to meeting the requirement that you said you were looking for. the Kumho would tend to wear very quickly, would new noisy, and would not have very good traction in cold and snow conditions. Due to the fact that I don't carry Faulken or Toyo tires I cannot comment on their levels of performance.

1. Yokohama AVID T4 -- 72.00 ea
2. Kumho Ecsta ASX -- 70.00 ea
3. Toyo Proxes TPT -- N/A
4. Faulken Ziex ZE-512 -- N/A

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

davidd3

Connor,

It may be a bit premature to ask this question in September, but I am already thinking about snow tires for my 2006 330i and I anticipate that it could prove to be a bit of a challenge due to the fact that the car is equipped with run flat tires and no spare tire. Therefore, it would seem that new 3 owners are, as a practical matter, limited to run flat snow tires, which I would suppose could be a real specialty item with not much to choose from.

Anyway, I am wondering what kind of snow tires you would recommend for the new 3. My car is a 330i with 225/45R-17 all-season tires in (i.e., no sports package).

To keep the cost down, my intention is buy a set of winter tires only, not a set of winter tires and wheels.

I’ve never done the snow tire thing before, but I am inclined to start this winter. This is my first BMW. Prior to this I had a RWD Infiniti G35, which was awful in the snow even with “all-season” tires. My BMW is also RWD and equipped with all-season tires. My recent experience with the G35 makes me think that the 330i will also be bad in the snow, unless perhaps I swap out the all-season tires for snow tires. (I didn’t get an X model because I figured that snow tires would be a sensible solution - much lower up front cost and no permanent sacrifice in power and gas mileage.) Please comment. Thanks.

Regards,

David D

tim3

Connor:

Have a 04 Subaru Forester X. Live in the boiling desert southwest and drive a roughly 60/40 mix of city/highway. Plus a fair amount of dirt roads. Despite living in the desert we do a lot of roadtripping, which means we can run into all kinds of weather-related road conditions. I'd like a tire that can handle a mix of weather conditions and stand up to dirt roads. Low noise and sporty handling would be good as well. Am I asking for too much yet? In past posts you've recommended the Turanza LS-T and LS-H for the Forester. Would you still recommend these for my needs or something else?

Thanks in advance for your input.

bfenster

Connor,

What can you tell us about Goodyear's new SilentArmor version of the Fortera? As apposed to its predecessor without SilentArmor. Please compare to the Cross Terrain & Alenza. Size is 235/70/16 for a 2005 Ford Escape. I tried the cross terrain's and believe it or not they were noisier than the OE Continental Contitrac. I think because the Michelin has a more open/aggressive tread design around the edges on the 235/70/16's when compared to other sizes of the Cross Terrain. I'm looking for quite/smooth. Has to be OWL which eliminates the Alenza.

Thanks, Bruce

tim3

Connor:

Forgot to ask your opinion about the Kumho ESCTA HP4 716 for my needs.

Thanks again.

yohan

Connor,

My local tire store wants to sell me a set of Capitol Negotiator tires. The guy claims they are a great tire but I've never heard of the brand. I tried to look up the company on the internet but found nothing. Is Capitol Negotiator (made in Japan?) a subsidiary of a large tire company? Are the tires ok or should I stay with a name brand tire manufacturer? Thanks.

greuper

Connor,
The original equipment tires on our Sonata GLS V6 are the Michelin Energy MXV4 S8 and we only have a couple of thousand miles on them. We've had only one short drive with them in the rain and they weren't bad, but winter's coming and I can't find any one who's had anything but nasty things to say about them in snow. Are they really that bad? And if they are, can you recommend a good all season tire to replace them? We get a fair amount of snow where we live. By the way, Michelin's own rating for them is a 10 for snow. ???
Greuper

bswan

For my 2000 Mazda Protege ES tire size 195/55/R15, I'm now considering:
1. BF Goodrich Traction T/A H&V
2. Yokohama AVID T4 (but are T-rated tires ok for this car?, have had only V-rated previously)
3. Kumho ECSTA HP4, 716
4. Sumitomo HTR+ (but no treadwear warranty is offered)

Would you expect non-directional tires to provide much longer treadwear than directional tires? On current directional tires, the inner treads wore down at 20K miles despite a tread warranty of 30K miles, wheel alignment when new tires installed, and regular front-to-back rotations since. Could be wrong, but I believe that only the Traction T/As are directional tires in my list.

All-weather use, safety, and treadwear are more important than handling/cornering for this family-driven car. Which of these tires (or others not listed here) would you recommend for Chicago area?
thanks again for your comments and advice.

hobie1981

Hi Conner,

Need to replace the snow tires on my brides Accord. Winter wheels have Michelin Arctic-Alpins on them now, 205/65/15. We live in So. NH, she works 2nd shift in Boston, 30 miles away. Almost all highway miles.

Been happy with the Michelins, but am looking for a similar tire that is less costly. Does such a puppy exist???

Thankx..

Jeff

qali

Hello.

I have a 02 TL with Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus tires 205 60 R16 91V. They have done about 67000 KM over 4 years. The thread is down to about 6/32 - 4/32 and I do not want to take any chances in the Canadian snow conditions. I have looked at Tirerack.com and have visited local tire shops. All tell me that Bridgestone Turanza LS-V and LS-H are better tires, but the Michelins have a better ride. In some shops the Turanzas are the same price as well.

Are there any real-life experiences with the Turanzas in snow?.Personally, I very much like the Michelin's ride, but I was disappointed with tread life. My driving is mainly on highways so handling, while important, is not a big issue for me. Traction is.

Thanks

connortirerack

Hi David,
My best recommendation for snow tires would be the 205/50R17 Bridgestone Blizzak LM25 which are currently priced at 135.00 each. they would offer the best overall snow and ice traction as well as decent handling on dry pavement. they are rated at 4 winter seasons which would be the longest wearing snow tire I carry.

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

The 215/60/16 Bridgestone Turanza LS-H (118.00 ea) would be the best tire in my opinion for ride quality and handling. They will work on the dirt roads however the level of performance will be determined by the consistency of the road surface.

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

The Goodyear Fortera SA has had good review so far. They call the tire "silent armor" due to the fact the tire has a single Kevlar belt ply which makes the tire still. This also means the tire will tend to have a harder ride quality. I still prefer the Bridgestone Dueler Alenza over the Goodyear's Fortera Silent Armor. The Alenza will offer a softer ride and will be quieter. They also offer better wet and snow traction. I haven't heard of to many people say the Cross Terrain were noisy. The few I have talked to also admitted to not rotating the tires which will make any tire noisy and wear unevenly. Between the Michelin and the Goodyear I would say the comparison would be close. the Michelin will offer slightly better wet traction and better snow traction, The ride quality would be about the same. The Goodyear's are also a little cheaper in price. I would rate them in the following order.

P235/70R16 Bridgestone Dueler Alenza -- 120.00 ea
P235/70R16 Goodyear Fortera S.A. -- 119.00 ea
P235/70R16 Michelin Cross Terrain -- 133.00 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

connortirerack

I have never heard of this tire so I really can't offer any guidance on them. You would have to asked the company that is selling them who the manufacturer is and then contact that manufacturer. This is of the many problems with buying a private label tires.

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

To be completely honest I am not a fan of the Michelin Energy MXV4. They tend to be poorly rated in most area's. I have no idea how Michelin derives their ratings which is also why we perform our own unbiased testing here at the Tire Rack. I would recommend the 215/60/16 Bridgestone Turanza LS-H. they will be quieter with a better ride quality. They offer excellent dry and wet traction as well as good snow traction. they are also rated at 50,000 miles.

P215/60R16 Michelin Energy MXV4 S8 -- 149.00 ea
P215/60R16 Bridgestone Turanza LS-H -- 118.00 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

connortirerack

Out of the tires you had listed I would recommend the Yokohama Avid T4 as the best tire for your needs. They will offer decent traction in dry and wet weather, fairly quiet, and rated at 80,000 miles. In this size the BF Goodrich Traction T/A on come in a V speed rating which would wear much faster and would not offer very good traction in the snow.The Sumitomo also have a V speed rating and would have the same issues. the Kumho HP4 716 are being discontinued and will not be available much longer. Right now this tire is sold out and not in stock.

195/55R15 Yokohama Avid T4 -- 72.00
195/55R15 BF Goodrich Traction T/A VR -- 75.00
195/55R15 Sumitomo HTR+ -- 59.00
195/55R15 Kumho Ecsta HP4 716 -- 56.00

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

Hi Jeff,
The only tire that would be comparable but less expensive would be the Bridgestone Turanza LS-H. Both are touring all season tires however the Bridgestone will offer better reviews in all categories. They are also 27.00 less per tire.

P205/65R15 Michelin Energy MXV4 PLUS -- 135.00
P205/65R15 Bridgestone Turanza LS-H -- 108.00

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

The tire i would recommend would be the Bridgestone Turanza LS-V. The H speed rating would not meet Acura minimum speed rating requirements. I have had the opportunity todrive both of these tire in a side by side comparison and the LS-V offered a better ride than the MXV4. They will also offer better snow traction and under equal driving condition should have a longer tread life. I would agree with the local shops in your area that the LS-V wouldbe the way to go.

P205/60R16 Bridgestone Turanza LS-V -- 120.00
P205/60R16 Michelin Energy MXV4 PLUS -- 132.00


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

bswan

thanks much for your reply.
As your top pick was the Yokohama Avid T4, please confirm that tires with a speed rating of T can be safely used on the 2000 Mazda Protege ES.
The tire sticker on the side of the car door specifies use of 195/55R15 with a V-rating, and the tire store where I have oil changes said that only V- and possibly H- rated tires should be used. He said that use of T-rated tires would probably compromise steering response too much on such a small tire, even with the kind of non-aggressive driving done with this car.

If in the end I should purchase V-rated tires, am I correct in assuming you prefer the BFG Traction T/A VR over the Sumitomo HTR+? again, thanks.

bfenster

Connor, thanks for your replay. Because of my comment about the noisy Cross Terrains, I thought you might be interested in further data. For starters, the CT's were brand new and I too was supprised that they were noisier than my OE's. What I did notice was that the outer tread design for my particular tire size was different from other CT tire sizes. I can't say which sizes have a particular design other than my P235/70/16's have the design on the right and at least some (I think most) have the design on the left. I spoke to Michelin support and they said the CT's had not been changed since introduction and suggested tire size as a possible explanation for the different tread designs. When I compare the tread designs, it does not seem unreasonable that the more aggressive design on the right would be noisier. Hope you find this of interest. Bruce

<img src="http://members.localnet.com/~bfenster/tires.jpg

thx1138

What would you suggest to somebody who'd want to upgrade a Chevy Aveo?

No too extreme, just a decent upgrade that will transform it from a Clown Car to something not as embarrassing.

hobie1981

Hi Conner:

Thank you for your reply regarding replacement snow tires for my wife's 2000 Accord. As she presently has the Michelin Arctic-Alpins, she was wondering if the Bridgestone Turanza LS-H would be a similar replacement as we noted that they are categorized as an all season tire. She commutes 60 miles into Boston from So. NH, and back, driving on the interstate most of the way. We get up to 90" of snow annually. She returns home after her 2nd shift ends, and often has found that the plowing "ain't so grand". She will encounter anything from a salty brine, slush, to several inches of powder and often lots of black ice. A whole mismash of conditions. The roads in town here are even more of a mess at that time of nite. I guess the road crews are working on a skeleton schedule until the morning commute. I dare say that with the cost of fuel going up, that the plowing will not get any better. We will be using these tires from late November thru late March. Presently have 205/65/15 sized tires on dedicated rims. OEM size is 195/65/15. Looking for a similar replacement for the A-A's, but for less $$, if such a puppy exists.

Thankx Again,

Jeff G.

connortirerack

The information that we were supplied from Mazda stated the minimum speed rating for this vehicle would be a T. All of the tires that were listed are within minimum requirements for your Mazda.

Between the Traction T/A and the Sumitomo HTR+, the Traction T/A would be the better 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

I need more information:

What year - 2004, 2005, 2006?
What model - base, LS, LT, SVM?

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

Hi Jeff,
I have to apologize for the last response that i typed to you. For some reason i thought you were asking for an all season tire.

The best snow in my opinion would be the Bridgestone Blizzak Revo. they are designed to take the place of the Blizzak WS-50. The Blizzak Revo will offer the same excellent ice and snow traction as the WS-50 but will offer far more stability on dry pavement when the roads are clear. We have been testing the snow tires on an ice rink over the past couple of weeks and in my opinion the Michelin X-ice did not perform any where near as well as the Blizzak Revo.

205/65R15 Michelin X-ICE -- 87.00 each
205/65R15 Bridgestone Blizzak REVO -- 85.00 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

usmj1

Connor,

I have about 2 years left on Gislaved 205-55-16 winter tires on rims used on '02 Saab Aero. Can I install them on 06 Passat 2.0 Sedan with 215-55-16 tires.
Thanks for any advice you can give.

subaruluv

I have an old 89 Nissan Sentra that my son bought for me so he could take our wonderful Subaru to college. It's got 131,000 miles on it. I have to replace the tires because they have cracks from dry rot and apparently there is a bubble where air got between the layers.

I hate the way the car drives on the "recommended" tires. There are 155R13s on there now. It drives like a school bus. I always wonder if my car is going to roll when I drive off the highway exits and I'm barely going 25mph. Even my boss noticed how badly the car drives when he test drove it.

I read a note on the internet that someone who had this type of car replaced his 155s with 175/70 13s and had a much nicer drive. I want a much nicer drive...I LOVE the BFGoodrich tires we have on the Subaru. Because the Sentra is so old though, I'd like cheaper tires than the touring tires on the Scooby. The Dunlops at Sam's where I usually get my tires got bad reviews.

So here's my questions: 1) Is there another size that would work besides 175/70? I really want to not feel like the car is going to roll every time I come off the highway. 2) Who makes good tires these days? I've heard bad things about the Dunlops, heard both good and bad things about Michelins (my previous loves). They're either good or they blow when you run over a twig. 3) What tires can I get for a decent price that will handle the frequent flood waters? 4) My tire well has rust in it...what type of covering can I put in it so that when I get a new donut at the junk yard, it won't succumb to the rust like the current one has?

Many thanks to anyone that can help. :confuse:

theman07

Connor:

Many thanks for all the great information you have provided on this forum.

I am looking to replace the garbage OEM tires on a 2001 Rav4. I have seen a good deal on BFG Traction TA's in 215/65/16. The OEM tire is 215/70/16. Do you see a problem with the slightly smaller tire outside of the speedometer being off?

Thanks.

minivanfrank

Hello Connor,
I am looking to replace my Kumho 798's on my 2002 Kia Sedona. The OEM size was P215/70R15 97H. I am looking for an all season radial.

My first question is this: can I go a bit bigger without changing rims and if so what would you recommend as far as size goes?

Second question: I lloked at your site and came up with these choices...what do you think?

1- Firestone Affinity LH 30

2- Bridgestone Turanza LS-T

3- Michelin Harmony

I was leaning towards the Firestones due to the price and ratings...but it seems that alot of people are having trouble keeping them in balance.

Thank you for any help given

tobybleu

I am getting ready to replace the tires on my 2005 Dodge Magnum RT after less than 20,000 miles. Needless to say I do not want replace them with the same tire. My choices are very limited due to the size of the tire (225/60/18). Will another size tire work as well keeping in mind that I intend to use the same wheels?
Any feedback will be appreciated.

minivanfrank

I just wanted to mention that the October 2005 issue of Consumer Reports has a section on tires.

flg35sedan

I purchased a set of Avon Tech m550 tires from the TireRack and loved them for about 800 miles. Now I have a steering wheel shimmy at 65mph-75mph and need some assistance. The TireRack has offered to replace them with another brand of tires, but I really did enjoy these for the first 800 miles or so. I have had them Road Forced balanced, twice, and had a new tire sent because one was out of spec, but no luck yet. I am going to the dealer tomorrow and asking them for their expertise. This is a new 2005 G35 sedan with the 215/55 17 size tires. Since there are hardly any other well rated tires in that size, I would really like to resolve this issue. I have noticed that the car does seem to pull to the right at about the same speeds the vibration starts up, if I release the steering wheel. Maybe alignment related? Any thoughts? Thanks.

connortirerack

I can't recommend using the 205/55/16 on the 2006 VW Passat. the minimum size would be the factory 215/55/16. The 205/55/16 would be shorter and narrower as well as having a lower load capacity.

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

The only size in 13" that Nissan approves for a 1989 Nissan Sentra is the factory 175/70/13. If you have a 155/13 on there currently then someone has purposely changed the tire to a smaller size for whatever reason. If increasing the handling level is the most important aspect to you the tire i would recommend is the P175/70R13 Firestone Firehawk INDY 500 which are currently priced at 45.00 each. Regrettably very few manufacturers are still making tire in 13 and 14" sizes. this means that your choices are very limited.
As far asthe rust in your spare compartment, you would need to find out where the water is coming in at and seal it. There are a couple of different methods you can use either a spray on rust inhibitor or use a spray on undercoating. Just besure to let both seal up completely before placing the tires back in the storage 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

You can use the 215/65/16 without any problems. You would see a difference in the way the vehicle handles due to the tire being slightly shorter but it is completely with in Toyota specification for this vehicle. I carry the 215/65/16 BF Goodrich Traction TA-T and they are currently priced at 50.00 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

The only sizes that Kia approves for you Sedona in 15" would be the stock 215/70/15 and 205/75/15. Kia also requires that this vehicle has a minimum of an H speed rating for load capacity and handling issues. Due to this fact i could not recommend the Bridgestone or the Michelin that you had asked about. You can use the Firestone Affinity LH-30 which is currently priced at 71.00 each. They will offer a good ride quality as well as good 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
.