Tires, tires, tires

7006 messages, Last post on Oct 29, 2009 at 11:24 AM

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What is this discussion about? Tires, Wheels, Steering

Edmund's Feature Article: Tire Safety: Don't Ignore the Rubber on the Road

For dedicated winter tires, also have a look at the Snow/ice winter tires discussion topic.

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#61 of 7006 ljuii by tireguy Jun 16, 2000 (3:28 am)
The Pilot XGT Z4 is an outstanding all-season tire for any northern performance vehicle. It incorporates just about every goodie out of Michelin's bag-o-tricks. Though awesome in the slush and snow (by comparison to its competition), I'm sorry to say you won't be allowed to sacrifice any handling with this choice. You're pretty much stuck with true athletic prowess in every aspect. If you really want to sacrifice some handling for the sake of a nice highway ride, you'll have to buy some 16" rims and mount 225/60TR16 X-Ones. But I don't think you want to do that. The only sacrifice you'll make with the XGT Z4s is treadlife. Oh, and I hope you don't mind paying roughly the same price for one tire on the 'Stang as for all four on the Tempo. The Pilot Sports are just that, sporty. They won't give you near the wet/snow traction of the XGT Z4s. Cool car--quite an upgrade from your previous ride. Option #2: buy some BF Goodrich Comp T/A ZRs for almost half the price, then buy some 15" steel rims for the winter. Mount some 215/70R15 snow tires (or Michelin all-season) for the winter. The benefit: nice, normal highway ride with good snow traction in the winter; awesome, non-siped performance in the summer and your pretty 17" alloy wheels never get exposed to rock salt. Of course it'll handle like an LX, but most can tough it out for the bitter months. You can buy used steel rims cheap.
#62 of 7006 Thanks!!! by ljuii Jun 22, 2000 (2:32 am)
Thanks for the nice response tireguy - I knew you'd have the skinny. I think I'll go with the XGT-Z4's. By the way, what's the name of your shop? Might be worth the summer drive...
#63 of 7006 Best Tires for Nissan Maxima by amagbanua Jun 22, 2000 (3:48 am)
I have a '97 Maxima SE with 215/55HR16 Toyo Proxes A05. I heard these tires suck so I'm looking for a new set are tires that combine great handling, quiet ride, decent wet traction, and decent treadwear. Some of tires I've seen that come in my size are: Dunlop SP9000, Dunlop W-10, Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus, Michelin Pilot HX MXM, Goodyear Eagle HP & RS-A, Yokohama Avid H4/V4. As you've noticed some of tires in this list are cheap while others double the price even. Which tire should I get? Thanks in advance.
#64 of 7006 Best Tires for Nissan Maxima (cont.) by amagbanua Jun 22, 2000 (3:50 am)
OOps I forgot to mention Kumho ECSTA Supra 712, and Nitto NT-450 I believe.
#65 of 7006 1994 Ford Aspire by marby Jun 22, 2000 (5:39 am)
This vehicle came stock with 165/70R13 tires.I presently have 165SR13 alias 165/80R13 tires. I have a smoother ride with the 80's almost feels like balloon dune buggy type ride. My question is what would the advantage be to have the 165/80R13 over the 165/70R13 and what would the difference be with 175/70R13
#66 of 7006 amagbanua by tireguy Jun 23, 2000 (4:17 pm)
The Goodyears are overpriced. They're all-right tires, but not even in the same league as the Michelins, which are similarly priced. Forget the Dunlops and the Yoks. You're looking for the best. The Michelin MXV4 Plus and the Pilot HX MXM(4?) are two very different tires. The MXV4 is a luxury touring tire, meaning it will be smooth as glass at very high speeds (over 100), but it won't handle like the Pilot. The Pilot will deliver a slightly harsher ride, but will corner well beyond the limits of your SE's suspension. If you're talking about the HX MXM 4, like the MXV4, it is an all-season tire. The HX MXM is not. If you're looking for outstanding all-season performance, you might want to consider the Pilot XGT V4. You'll probably have to upgrade to a 225/50VR16, but I can't imagine you would be let down by this setup.
#67 of 7006 1998 Dakota tire upgrade by pttaylor Jun 23, 2000 (6:29 pm)
My 1998 Dakota has ugly factory 15x6 steel wheels on it. I am upgrading to a 15x8 Aluminum styled split-star (Durango) wheel. I presently run 235/75R15 tires. My question is what is the maximum tire size I can run without tire rub??? Thanks -PT
#68 of 7006 pttaylor by tireguy Jun 23, 2000 (7:01 pm)
Assuming your Dakota is a 4x4, a 31X10.50R15LT is the biggest I would go with. This is the standard size as the Durango and optional on the Dakota. 32X11.50R15LT tires would fit on the rims, but might rub at full lock. And I think they'd look goofy. The 31s fill out the wheel well nicely. If it's off-road capability you seek, the 31" has been the standard for decades. Also, if you were to go with a wider 32X11.50 tire, snow traction would be reduced due to the excessive floatation (though you'd fare better in the slop if you're a part of that mud-bogging .05% of truck owners). My recommendation would definitely be the 31". If you want serious off-road performance (making your own roads), there is there is the BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A. If you want off-road capability with a decent highway ride, choose the BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO. If you want more of a highway-tuned ride with good off road capability, choose the Michelin LTX A/T. If you want an excellent highway ride while still retaining a degree of off-road capability, choose the Michelin LTX M/S. The split-spoke Durango rims require MC type weights. Make sure they have them before you pay them for the balancing. You also need to consider your gear ratio. Were the 235s the standard size? If the axle ratios are too distally matched with the tire size, your fuel economy will be adversely affected. With late model Dakotas, you can go from basically any standard size to the 31" without encountering any problems.
#69 of 7006 Pep Boys Futura's by jammindude99 Jun 24, 2000 (6:04 am)
Anyone have any experience with Pep Boys tires? I have a 96' Nissan 200SX SE-R that came with 195/55R15's and I just bought new tires. They are 195/50/R15's Any past history with these tires? I live in Puerto Rico now where the roads are bad an I needed a good replacement tire. The Goodyears that came with the car were a odd size, Give me some advice please!!! JamminJess
#70 of 7006 JamminJess by tireguy Jun 24, 2000 (6:17 pm)
Well if I told you what I really thought about Pep Boys' Futura tires, you'd probably regret the purchase, and it's a bit late to do anything about that now. Hmmm... positive things... there are worse tires (not many). At least you didn't have to spend a lot of money. They should adequately support your car and probably will hold air for a few years. At least they look cool. The chances of your wheels being stolen has been reduced. Not everyone needs good tires. Cheap tires work just fine if you never know the better.