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Tires, tires, tires

16061636566149

Comments

  • pluto5pluto5 Member Posts: 618
    I just got my second set of Kumho winter tires from Tirerack, no problems. You can get your carry in tires mounted at Costco or Walmart--their workers don't care if the tires came from Mars. As far as local dealers in my metro area, their prices are higher and their selection is much more limited.
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    I thought there'd be a boat load of replies to my post (#3139). I figured it was something that may have been common to a lot of people, but I guess I was wrong.
  • sequoiasoonsequoiasoon Member Posts: 223
    Just changing speed ratings might not make much difference. Big concern would be load rating and safety aspects. If your not driving 90+ mph all the time S or T should be fine (if it can carry the load) I switched from Dunlop Rover to Michelin LTX on my Explorer (when I had it) same speed rating, HUGE difference (better/smoother) in ride quality with the Michelin's. Type in your tire size at TR and see who rates what for each. CR just recently did another test also rating ride quality with performance. I was so impressed with difference the Michelins made on the Explorer, they will be my choice when the Bridgestones wear out on the Sequoia.
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    What I'm looking for is what it is in a tire I need to be looking for. If it isn't speed rating, what aspect of a tire should I be looking at that will tell me a certain tire will have a smooth, quiet ride?
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    I have Bridgestone Potenzas on my '03 Sentra with this rating. I thnk they are R92's. I know that this is a oem tire, but isn't 160 a pretty low rating? How can a manufacturer put such a low rated tire on their cars?

    The Sandman :-)
  • capriracercapriracer Member Posts: 907
    It depends on what they were trying to do.

    If their intention was to produce a vehicle that required little maintenance than they failed miserably. And if a minimal performer was intended, ditto.

    But if their intention was a grippy car, especially grippy in the wet, then they probably succeeded, as one of the trade offs for wet traction is wear.

    And don't forget, these vehicles are sold all over the world, and the rest of the world doesn't pay as much attention to tread wear as we in the US do.

    Hope this helps.
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    I've noticed Bridgestone produces many variants of that model tire. All sorts of speed rating and treadwear ratings. It seems to me that Bridgestone is using the RE92 to secure OEM supply contracts and will custom-build that tire in any configuration the automaker wants. I'm sure Bridgestone's price point is very very competitive allowing the automakers to install a premium branded tire at a low cost to them.

    Just my observations as a tire nut.
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    I'm just wondering if these tires will be able to go to 20k miles or above before the wear bars appear. I tend to drive pretty conservatively and do check the air pressure at least once a month. Would be great to get at least that much mileage, but usually oem tires seem to quit before even 20k miles, except Michelins.

    The Sandman :-)
  • hpulley4hpulley4 Member Posts: 591
    My 240 rated summer tires have seen just 18K miles or so of service and are almost completely shot. I'm not sure if I'll bother to put them on next spring or if I'll just replace them right away as the fronts were down to just above the wear bars which is kind of scary in rain (don't want to rotate them to the back or I'll spin out). So I would have worn through 160 wear tires already (most likely) but you may get 20K or more if you don't drift though corners or squeal the tires on some take-offs.

    Checking air pressure is important for even wear. So is tire rotation.
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,398
    My 2000 Subaru came with these tires in 205/60 15H. I replaced them at 40,000 miles with RE92 in 205/55 16V. (Take offs from a Subaru WRX including wheels.) I'm at 78k miles and will replace them within 3000 miles. I'm pleasantly surprised at how long both sets lasted.

    Jim
  • ronariesronaries Member Posts: 3
    Ok, I bought the RE950 ... but I'll never let Firestone Service touch my lug nuts again! They hammered my newly turned rotors after PROMISING that they'd use a hand torque wrench. Of course, they also denied the problem ... but offered to install any replacement rotor I bought for no charge!
    I do like the 950 potenza but its still very new ; the old comp t/a tires were so dry they had no grip ... so its nice to feel the road is sticky! My tires don't spin in the rain now ...
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    Specifically, Cooper Zeons?

    Anybody have any thoughts?
  • duffer5duffer5 Member Posts: 10
    I need to replace the OEM Goodyear 245/45/17 on my 2000 mustang GT; I have about 40,000 miles on them. I need a decent all season tire since the GT is horrible in the occasional snows that we get in the winter (even with traction control on) here in MD. Any suggestions or recommendations? Thank you.
  • corsicachevycorsicachevy Member Posts: 316
    Kelly Charger HPTs look like they have the characteristics you are looking for. They may not be a great dry weather performance tire, but they do appear to have a nice, deep tread with access channels to the perimeter and sufficient lugging for rain/snow driving. They may also cost less than other offerings, which may sweeten the deal.
  • pluto5pluto5 Member Posts: 618
    I would not drive a RWDriver w/o winter tires in our area. Why give up performance when you can have both with two sets of tires, one for winter and one for summer?
  • jonbgoodjonbgood Member Posts: 157
    I just got back from the quick lube place where I got in a little bit of an argument with the lube tech who was trying to put 40Psi in my tires. I drive a 1999 Aurora, and the placard inside the door says 30PSI front and rear. I told him I wanted 32 and he said you have a 44 psi tire and need at least 40. I insisted on 32. What is correct? Thanks.
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    The placard inside the door is correct. If you check the owners manual it probably says to use a few psi more for full load or highway driving.

    Typical of those lube place kids. They know everything and nothing.
  • hpulley4hpulley4 Member Posts: 591
    With rotation, there will obviously be times when there is less tread on the rears than on the fronts. As long as the difference is small, say 1-2mm (1/16th of a inch is 1.5mm IIRC) you will be OK and there won't be enough of a difference to cause you to spin out. The trouble is when people wait until their fronts (on a FWD vehicle) are worn down to the wearbars and THEN put them on the rear which means a 6mm or higher difference in tread depth. In this case you should buy two new tires, PUT THEM ON THE REAR, and put the (probably barely used) tires from the rear on to the front axle and from then on, rotate frequently enough that you maintain the 1-2mm difference (oh, and throw out the old fronts or make a swing). Many tire shops offer free lifetime rotation if you buy from them -- take advantage of it!

    The trouble with having best tires on rears for stopping is that the rears don't do much stopping. Check the brake dust on a 4-wheel disc-equipped car and you'll see that they are heavily baised toward to fronts. Rear drums are OK for most people because the rears don't do much. There isn't nearly as much weight over the rears so while having the best tires back there means you won't lock them up first, it doesn't mean you'll have best braking. As has been said above, 4 good tires is the best. If you don't have the money for new tires today, charge it and the interest will be cheaper than your insurance deductable if something happens.

    It does seem counterintuitive to have the worse tires on the drive wheels of a FWD vehicle but it is better to go slowly because you have little traction (and braking and steering) than to have the fronts give you a false sense of security meaning higher speeds into a snow-covered corner where you may spin.

    Most people don't know what to do if they encounter oversteer OR understeer. Most drivers close their eyes and pray in such situations due to the lack of ANY driver training or testing in skid control to get your license. If as much time was spent on parallel parking as on skid control, the roads would be safer.
  • driftracerdriftracer Member Posts: 2,448
    the need for the question "front or rear".

    My years in the tire business and as a consumer dictate to me that the question is not only unnecessary, but cheap and "unsmart" beyond belief.

    Your tires are worn out - unless you have $600 20" tires, our tires are within normal budgets - why cheap out and buy two tires?

    Buy 4, rotate like you should, getting YOUR MONEY'S WORTH, then when those are gone, buy 4 replacements.

    No need for the radical debate about where the tires go, no lawsuits, no wrecks, etc - buy the tires, maintain them properly, and press on SAFELY.

    CHEAP usually translates into safety compromises - it surely does when you're speaking of tires.
  • pluto5pluto5 Member Posts: 618
    Put this discussion to bed for good--try Tirerack for good, inexpensive tires and replace all four IMO.
  • driftracerdriftracer Member Posts: 2,448
  • xfactorxfactor Member Posts: 78
    Follow-up to post #3086 on Hydroedge road noise vs. MXV4+ on 2000 Honda Accord SE. Noise is about even with slight edge to MXV4+. Both tires are quiet.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,496
    my new (to me) car has a brand new set of Kumho Ecstas (the uni-directional model: 712?) on it. Just curious to know if anyone has experience with them, and what they think of them (+/-)? I know they are summer performance tires, which isn't a problem since the Miata they are on won't be out of the garage if it is snowy or particularly cold.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • hest88hest88 Member Posts: 31
    We just got a set on the recommendation of the guys on the B15sentra site. (I have a Nissan Sentra SE-R.) They were recommended as among the best of the inexpensive tires. Our OEM tires were awful and skidded on slick pavement. So far they're great, fairly sticky, and are much safer in the rain. The only quibble--which I was warned about before purchasing the tires--is that the tread makes the tires follow the groove of anything in the road.

    Have you checked out the reviews on tirerack.com? They made us feel a lot better about the Kumhos.
  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    TR reviews on this Kumho tire are kinda mixed - other Kumho tires - more performance tires rate better.
    small number of reviews but people say the 795s do not handle well -anyone using them?
    Camry owner
  • rlafaverrlafaver Member Posts: 70
    I'm working on a set of these from tire-rack, currently 3k miles on them. So far they seem excellent on all surfaces, even in rain storms, and they are surprisingly quiet. They are about $90 each for my truck, (it's not a 4x4). The Kumhos got good reviews, as did the Michelins. The Kumhos are of course much less money. The Duelers have the best review, especially in slick conditions, for what that's worth.
    I have never been a fan of changing two tires. If not for safety, go to 4 tires for a smoother, quieter ride, if you have any room at all on your credit cards. But if you can only afford two, I guess that's better than nothing. I would suggest front mount, because blowouts have a greater effect on the front.
  • ragtopragtop Member Posts: 35
    Winter is here and it time to think snow tires.
    I have two questions. The first is: How long will a set of steel wheels last. I had originally purchased a set of wheels 7 years ago for my 97 Odyssey and now want to use them to mount new snow tires for my new 2004 Accord. They have don't seem to have any rust on them. So can I use then for another 7 years ??
    Second question, My Honda dealer is selling Gislaved snow tires. I have never heard of them. Are they any good ?? They seem to be alot more expensive then Bridgestone Blizzaks.

    Any advice......Thanks
  • bryannbryann Member Posts: 54
    i personally would never buy tires from a dealer. there are too many good aftermarket places that sell tires cheaper. i have heard only good things about blizzaks and if they are that much cheaper than the ones the dealers recommend, i would go with them.
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    The wheels will be fine if they're not bent. The tire place can tell you right away if they are (they wobble when rotated).
  • sequoiasoonsequoiasoon Member Posts: 223
    as long as the rims are the same bolt pattern (and size) no issue using them. The gislaved's are great tires made in Sweden designed for severe foul weather, they were back and fourth with Nokian (finland) as the #1 and #2 picks by all the european rating / testing places (like CR etc. but in Europe)for the past many years. Blizzaks normally posted behind them over there.
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    Gislaved has a rep for making an excellent winter tire, as does Nokian. A fine choice in brands.

    As for the rims, I'm sure they're fine but just to be sure find an installer who uses a Hunter GSP9700 Road Force machine to balance the wheels and tires. The 9700 can detect lateral and radial runout which can tell you if a rim is bent. Check with your dealer to see what kind of tire servicing equipt he has. Many use Hunter products.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,691
    You can check the website for hunter.com.
    They have a click in the upper right side of homepage that lets you find stores who have the Hunter 9700 in your area, by zip code.
    Very convenient.

    Good luck. Be advised, there is a skill learning curve to using
    the 9700 effectively. Experienced techs and managers are a big help at getting good results for a problem tire or wheel.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • capriracercapriracer Member Posts: 907
    One additional thought about those wheels:

    If the center hole in the wheels and the center pilot on the hub aren't matched to each other, the nice benefits you get from the Hunter GSP9700 aren't going to show up. Check to make sure the wheel hubs don't allow for any movement when the wheels are flush against the mounting surface.
  • deepandeepan Member Posts: 342
    this is what is being referred on the above post.
    Hub centric is better than Lug centric.
  • bjseibelbjseibel Member Posts: 1
    I need to replace the OEM BFG tires on my 1999 Tahoe. I have visited tirerack and reviewed various brands, surveys, etc. As always its a price/performance tradeoff. I called tirerack and inquired about the Yoko Geolander G051's. The price is around $85 versus Michelin Cross Terrains at ~$140. I don't know much about Geolander G051's. The tirerack mentioned I might want to check out the Bridgestone A/T Revo but I am concerned about road noise and MPG. I live in Wisconsin so winter driving is a concern and do mostly on the road driving. I would like to know if anyone has knowledge about the Geolander G051, Bridgestone A/T Revo, and Michelin Cross Terrains. If any other tires come to mind, any advice would be welcome. Thanks!
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    You may want to go to Message # 2074. There was another member who had a Tahoe and wanted some input. There are several responses following.
  • rlafaverrlafaver Member Posts: 70
    The REVO's are surprisingly quiet. I have a set on a Tacoma xtracab. They are smooth as well, and the handling is top notch. If you will look at the reviews on Tirerack.com you will see that it easily beats the Michelin in almost every category, and there are many responders on both. My tires were about $90 each but they are smallish, 225-70-15.
  • delphidelphi Member Posts: 2
    Hi, Can anyone help me? I needed some new tires for my 2000 odyssey so I did a little research and decided to try the Michelin hydroedge, so I went to my local sams club and found out that they would not be able to get the Hydroedge(special order Item)until the end of the month.They do offer the MIchelin x-radial, never heard of it so I call michelin and they told me it was similar to the Michelin Harmony which is their second best tire. Question is "Should I go with the X-radial or wait for the Hydroedge?" Any response would be appreciated.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Question is "Should I go with the X-radial or wait for the Hydroedge?"

    Unless the state of your current tires is such that they pose a hazard I don't see why waiting a couple of weeks would matter. Are you planning any major travel between now and then? Just a thought.

    tidester, host
  • abrannabrann Member Posts: 1
    My husband and I went to Sears yesterday to get snow tires. We expected to spend 200-250 for 2 tires. When we got there they told us the car was all wheel drive and we had to put on 4 snows. We did, to the tune of $447.50!!!. My son told me today that he didn't think the car was all wheel. If that's the case, I'd like to call back sears and advise them that they had a spend an extra $200 just 2 weeks before hristmas. My husband is retired and we are on a fixed income. Please help. Thanks.
  • driftracerdriftracer Member Posts: 2,448
    4 snow tires, regardless, but there is absolutely NO such thing as an AWD Chrysler Cirrus.

    Good move on the four tires, but a fraudulent sales pitch, nonetheless.
  • rh1011rh1011 Member Posts: 3
    I plan to replace the OEM Goodyear tires on my '02 2WD Liberty with Michelin Cross Terrains. The tires on it now are 235/70-16. Can anyone help me determine the biggest tires I can get for this size wheel? I'd like to 'fill out the wheel well' as much as possible. Thanks in advance.
  • xfactorxfactor Member Posts: 78
    In a previous post I rated Hydroedge vs. the Michelin MXV4+, Aquatread III, and the joke of the group the Firestone Affinity's.

    Having now driven in packed powder (22" snow overall this weekend) the Hydroedge is vastly superior to the three tires mentioned above.

    I have a circle driveway where one end is very very steep. I had never made it up that end of the driveway (with snow) with the previous firestone Affinity's OEM on my 99 HO Lx or with the Aquatread III's that I replaced them with or in fact with the Michelin MXV4+ that were OEM on my 2000 Accord SE (we get snow storms every year). This past weekend I thought it would be a good test to try out the Hydroedge's that are now on both the Accord and the HO. Both made it up the steep incline relatively easy. There was some wheel spin but the Van and car keep moving. I spent another few hours driving with the Hydroedge on packed snow and it feels far more secure than the other tires mentioned.

    The question I keep asking is Hydroedge that good or were the other tires really bad. I will say stay away from Aquatread III if you are expecting any snow performance out of the tire. Aquatread III was very good dry and wet pavement but snow was a big Zero.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    the Michelin Harmony is a good tire, that's what I use. But it is a normal all weather tire. I have a big heavy Mercedes diesel and it holds the road very well in rain---but I don't push a big car like that in bad weather either.
  • ryokenryoken Member Posts: 291
    A Cirrus is a FWD car, not AWD. Although, if I'm not mistaken, FWD cars require 4 snow tires as well. You need good traction on the rear tires to prevent spinouts, and you need good traction on the drive wheels to move.

    RWD cars can get away with 2, but it wouldn't be recommended. The car can go better, but braking and turning are largely the front tires' responsibility, and you want good traction there, as well.
  • kimo9kimo9 Member Posts: 71
    http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&- vertical=TOOL&pid=00944595000
     

    Is the above sufficient for torquing lug nuts? Or must I get the wrench that is specifically made for this purpose. Sears makes this version also.
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    I have the $99 wrench and its perfect for home use. I looked at the one you posted and it looks fine.

    A Snap-On professional quality wrench would be awesome to own but not $242 awesome, IMO.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Sears for lug nuts, Snap-On for cylinder heads, is my two cents.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    sounds about right to me....
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