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Kia Sedona Tires/Wheels

34 messages,  Last post on Jan 26, 2012 at 11:05 AM

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What is this discussion about? Kia Sedona, Tires, Wheels, Van

Messages Page 2 of 4

#5 of 34 215/70R15 tires--UNDERSIZED?? by albanybill

Aug 27, 2007 (9:58 pm)

Hello everyone.
My first post.
Just bought a used 2004 KIA Sedona EX on 08/14. 27,800 miles. The Dealer (Hyundai with a sister KIA franchise) put 4 new Firestone 215/70R15 on. I thought they were undersized for a 4800 lb van (GVW almost 6,000), but that's what the owners manual calls for.
Two days later, a family emergency required my wife, daughter, son, daughter-in-law and grandson to go to Tampa Fla. I made sure the Firestones were inflated to 35 psi cold, topped off all fluids, and packed them in the KIA. I gave my wife (who has never driven a mini-van) specific instructions, including keeping the max speed below 70, keeping a gas mileage log, and NOT allowing my son (high speed and road rage) to drive.
Well, she let him drive--and he did 85 mph the whole way, with heavy acceleration, high speed turns, and last minute braking. The KIA made it down there and (almost) back with no problems.
Just 50 miles from home, the new Firestone on the rear passenger side blew out the sidewall. They put on the spare & came home.
I looked at the tire. Hole in the sidewall. But what caught my eye was the load rating---1620 lbs AT 44 PSI!!
So what is the load rating at 35 psi? It seems that following KIA's 35 psi requirement will result in an underinflated and overloaded tire.
Going back to the dealer to get these Firestones replaced. Any suggestions on which tire? Also, can I go to a 215/75R15, or a 225/70R15 on the Sedona?
Thanks,
AlbanyBill
p.s. --- gas mileage only 16 mpg. I was concerned until I got in and noticed that the overdrive WAS OFF!! My wife confirmed that the "O/D OFF" light was on the whole way!
NEVER LETTING ANYONE DRIVE MY VAN AGAIN!!!

#6 of 34 Re: 215/70R15 tires--UNDERSIZED?? [albanybill] by capriracer

Aug 28, 2007 (4:37 am)

Replying to: albanybill (Aug 27, 2007 9:58 pm)
"....But what caught my eye was the load rating---1620 lbs AT 44 PSI!! ..."
 
Look again. I'll bet it says: Max Load 1620 pounds. Max inflation pressure 44 psi. These 2 items are not connected!
 
FYI, the maximum load for a P215/70R15 is 1620 # and it occurs at 35 psi. The 44 psi figure is an allowable usage pressure, but there is no increase in load carrying capacity as a result of the increased pressure.
 
As far as the sidewall blowout - I'll bet you will find a puncture somewhere in the tire. Tires don't like to run without pressure and one of they ways they fail when the pressure is too low is by the sidewall rubbing against itself. There should be some rubber dust if this is the case.

#7 of 34 Re: 215/70R15 tires--UNDERSIZED?? [capriracer] by albanybill

Aug 28, 2007 (1:25 pm)

Replying to: capriracer (Aug 28, 2007 4:37 am)
Oh.
I didn't know that.
Seriously, in 37 years of driving, I thought the max load came only at max pressure. Learn something every day.
The dealer called today. He will look at the tire when I bring it in for the 30K. The spare looks like an OEM. It's also marked 1620 lbs. 44 psi. I've got all at 35 now.
But I still think the 215/70R15 is marginal for a 6000 lb GVW. Can I go up one size (215/75 or 225/70) without problems?
Thanks,
AlbanyBill

#8 of 34 Re: 215/70R15 tires--UNDERSIZED?? [albanybill] by boxwrench

Aug 30, 2007 (3:37 pm)

Replying to: albanybill (Aug 28, 2007 1:25 pm)
Albany Bill,
 
Not sure what model Firestone tire you have on your van, but I just recently purchased new tires for my '04 Sedona EX, at Sams and I wanted Michelin X tires. The original Kuhmo tires were almost gone at 32K. I never had a lot of faith in the Korean made tires, although I had NO trouble to date. After making the deal, and they went to put them on, I was told that it was not the right tire for the Sedona. I then purchased Michelin Aqua-Tread tires (at $10 more per tire) which had to be ordered as no 215/70R15 were in stock. I equate the tires for the Sedona like tires in the past that were designated "Extra Load" tires, capable of higher pressure.
That said, I love the Michelin Aqua-Tread tires with a 90k warranty!! Supposedly- no Hydroplaning on water, and they ride so smooth & quiet! I think I paid $114 each before a $60 instant rebate on 4 tires. You will notice that most tires are rated at 35 psi. Probably the higher rating required for the Sedona tires is because it is a smaller tire and there wasn't room for a larger tire when they designed the front clearance for the weight of the vehicle. Personally, the larger the tire, the more expensive the replacements are likely to be.
Your Firestone tire probably had a problem, and thus the sidewall problem.
 
Boxwrench

#9 of 34 tire questions by rgochoa

Sep 04, 2007 (7:38 am)

I have a 2006 Kia Sedona that I really like. Will be moving to Colorado shortly and am wondering if anyone has installed any type of mud and snow tires and if so what brand and what luck they have had with them. My van currently has original Michelin tires that show no abnormal wear after 19000 miles.

#10 of 34 Re: tire questions [rgochoa] by fishbreath

Sep 04, 2007 (1:01 pm)

Replying to: rgochoa (Sep 04, 2007 7:38 am)
I just bought an extra set of steel wheels with original handkook tires from a junk yard. The van only had 4,7?? miles an was totaled. I'm planning on getting 2 cooper discoverer M&S for the winter. I used the van with the handkook tires last winter 2 times and it did OK, but thoses tire are more like highway-rain tires. Time will tell.

#11 of 34 2007 Kia Sedona Bolt Patterns by swkwong

Oct 18, 2007 (11:18 pm)

I am trying to find out the bolt pattern for a 2007 Kia Sedona. Any info is greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks,
Simon

#12 of 34 Re: '05 Sedona abnormal Front tire wear [fonedoc] by fedupkiaowner

Dec 31, 2007 (9:07 am)

Replying to: fonedoc (Apr 16, 2007 9:20 am)
My tires wore out completely on the inside at 27,000, to the point where the car vibrated badly. The Kia dealer told us it was because we didn't have it aligned. We did have it aligned and rotated the tires regularly. For our trouble they charged us $65 to call us liars. Don't let them get away with this again!

#13 of 34 What are the best tires for this Sedona by exmini

Mar 14, 2008 (8:03 am)

My 2006 Kia Sedona Goodyear Energy tires are about gone at 25,000 miles. They have been horrible for road noise. Does anyone have any suggestion on a good tire with very low road noise and a very smooth ride??? Im willing to pay top dollar.

#14 of 34 Re: What are the best tires for this Sedona [exmini] by jimmyy43

Mar 20, 2008 (6:49 pm)

Replying to: exmini (Mar 14, 2008 8:03 am)
I also have a 2006 Sedona with Michelin Energy LX4 tires. This is a 40,000 mile tire and I have 28,000 miles on them. They may make it to 40,000 but LOTS of road noise! I am going to our tire dealer this week and we are going to drive and try to determine if the noise is in fact because of the tires or if it is just a fault of the van due to poor design or insulation. If you are having the same problem with Goodyears then it makes me wonder if the van might be the problem. Also I have been looking on web sites like Tire Rack and am finding few tires that are the size I need. 235/60/R17 that have a good rating or review. If you or someone else comes up with a suggestion for a quiet tire or are suspect of the van I would sure like to know. So far I am very pleased with the Sedona EX except the road noise.

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