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If I switch to 215/65-15 (lower profile) you get xlnt choices: Firestone SH30, GY Eagle GT+4, Bridgestone RE930, The Michelin, and a few others.
All will work better than your OEM tire (Firestone Affinity?) but will probably wear out quicker. I'm sure you know better than I the importance of frequent tire rotations on a minivan.
Yes, wide usually means less wet weather performance as you have more rubber on the road to invite hydroplaning.
I was pleasantly surprised at how well the Laredos did. I would prefer a slightly more aggressive tread on replacement tires when the time comes.
I also have a Taurus wagon (1992) and the OEM tires on that one were Michelins, and I have stuck with them and have always been happy with how the car handled. In fact, I thought that Ford had changed the suspension (for the worse) when they updated the car from the earlier generation, but they just went with a crappy OEM tire.
I put on these Pilots and the difference is like night and day. The car tracks straight as an arrow, sticks to the road in all types of weather and all of the engine power is now dedicated to moving the car forward, rather than being wasted as wheelspin. These tires give a tremendous feeling of security. In fact, the ABS was very easy to kick in with the old tires (at the foot of my driveway there is a lot of sand, and when I would slow down to turn into my driveway the ABS would often start to come on. With the Pilots, this no longer occurs. I have tested the stopping power of the car with these tires and it seems to me that the car stops quicker, and the ABS does not kick in as often).
I also think that this is a very cheap way to drastically improve the handling of most mass-market cars. I paid $101 per tire installed, which is double what it would have cost to replace the tires with the OEM ones, but I think that $400 is not a tremendous amount to spend on tires, especially since I typically get close to 50,000 miles on a set of Michelins on my other Taurus. I also went up one size on these tires, from 205/65R15 to 215/65R15. The cost was the same and I thought more rubber on the road would only be better.
When I replace my wagon I will junk the OEM tires on it and get a set of Pilots right away.
The XGTs would have sharper steering response and more lateral grip than the X-ones. But the X-ones are plenty good on a powerful car like the GP and they would last longer the the XGTs. What is your driving style?
If I do a direct size matched replacement, my options are limited. Either the Pirelli P7000, or the Dun lop SP5000. BTW, I'm in Michigan so all season is a must.
Or should I go with something else and try to match a size to my 17" rim?
Any help?
I'd check out Tire Rack's survey results to get owners opinions on which of these work best in all weather conditions.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/index.html
I would recommend these tires to anyone who feels the Michelins are too noisy and squeal too much when making quick turns.
I've already testing them in snow and rain and they work great. (snow being about 6', not much).
I do notice more road feel in the Yokohamas than in the Michelin, but the noise level is much lower.
The Michelins do offer a slighly better ride, but they feel loose in the rain.
My other tire consideration was the Dunlop D60A2 JLB. I had them on my previous Integra and liked it so much, I purchased a second set for it.
Hopefully a real live tire 'expert' will post a response to Tag's now crystal-clear question.
I have a teenager son too who thought he needed more tire (size) on his car (actually my car). I told him he is driving too fast if he thinks he needs more tire. And if he persists in this thinking then he can get his own car. I haven't heard anymore on this topic since then.
I am looking for a good tire that will improve the handling of the vehicle and noise level. Granted you cant' do much to improve the Buick since it has the responsiveness of an ocean liner, but I want to try anyway.
I am seriously considering the Michelin X Radial Plus at Costco, or the Yokohama Avid Touring tire that is much more economical. Does any one have any thoughts or suggestions?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/index.html
The X-Plus have better turn in response and lateral grip than the previously mentioned tires. Which should make the X-plus signficantly better than the Affinity.
Can't tell you anything about the Yokohamas
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The responsiveness improved substantially, however, the ride is not as soft as the ride I get on my Regal with Dunlop D-65's. You can definately feel the road with these tires.
It's still a good trade off. The Affinity's had a "squishy" feel and the car swayed considerably going around corners.
I would like to replace the mx4's I my G/cv with these but they don't make them in 215 65 16
anyone have any suggestions?
Anyone out there ever heard anything good or bad about this tire. Could use information on this matter.
Well, the Yoko Avid H4 has a 45k treadlife warranty and are affordable at about $50/tire. In Bridgestone your only choice would be the Potenza RE910 with a 65k treadlife at about $60/tire. The Firestone Firehawk LH has a 65k and is about $60 as well.
It's hard to find a tire in 195/60-14 that has a long treadlife offer. If you stay with the 185/65-14 then you could go to the Turanza T with an 80k.
Maybe you misposted, but the 195/60-14 are actually shorter by a tenth or so and will make your speedo run about 1% too fast. You should have no probs with rubbing.
Now go out and get you some new tires!!!
I replaced the factory Dunlop SP 4000's on my Avalon with the Michelin Pilot XGT-H4's, and couldn't be happier.
With the Dunlops, I got too much road noise and a wallowing feeling. By going to the Michelins in a 215/60 R15, it changed the car completely. Not exactly a canyon carver, but WAY better than before.
Scott
Probably the only way you'll get specfic answers to your questions about rubbing, etc., will be to talk to people who do this for a living. Tireguy is long gone and may not have had the knowledge to provide. He was an installer at Sam's Club (although probably the best one they ever had).
If it were me, I'd be hanging out at Wheel Warehouse in Anaheim. If they can't tell you or help you, you're outta luck. Don't just call them - go there and talk to them.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/orat.jsp
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
Thanks.
Steve
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Has anyone used "General Tire Touring A/S" before? I found it at "America's Tire Co." (also its web site www.tires.com).
Seem to be reasonable priced. But I could not find any info from General Tire's web site (www.generaltire.com). Is it possible that this model is specially made for America's Tire Co. ? Any suggestions?
Thanks.
the General brand...is not considered to be an outstanding tire in any area IMO and Consumer Reports (see Nov 2K and Mar 98 issues). Also, check out tirerack.com for survey results...you will see they don't rate very high there either. I would only pick this tire if I were putting them on a car I was planning to sell/trade in. There are better tires for not much more $$$.
Vern
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
Firehawk SH-30 received the top rating for user satisfaction in the all-season performance tires category. Better even than Michelin Pilot XGT H4. This is according the tirerack user survey:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/hpas.jsp
I bought the SH-30 for my Malibu last fall, drove them through winter, and like them very much. In my experience the tires are very good for dry weather, and outstanding for rain. Practically no difference.
I live in Connecticut. Hilly winding New England roads. This winter was rather wet, and I had a lot of opportunities to test the tires. The last time was Sunday Feb 25, when I drove 50-60 miles: one way just after freezing rain (it was slippery, hard to walk), and back in heavy rain.
For snowstorms the tires are good, but not outstanding.