Topic: Summer tire advice for Matrix 2004

[_guillaume]

Hi,

I have a 2004 Toyota Matrix and will have to buy new summer tires in the next few weeks (tire size 205/55/16). I drive an average 30,000Km mostly on highways during the summer time, so a long lasting treadwear is important to me. I've been recommended to go with either Michelin MXV4 or Uniroyal Touring HR. Does anyone have experience with those tires?

Also, we often drive with the car fully loaded with camping/scuba gear and haul a small trailer. Can that have an impact on the kind of tires I should buy?

Thanks for your comments,

Guillaume

[Minou]

After I had put Yokohama TRZ's on my Corolla last year, a friend asked for advice for their '03 Vibe.  Similar kind of driving as you do and a lot of mileage.  They wanted mostly a good ride and long life.

The best they could find for the money was the TRZ's and even his wife reported at how much better the car behaved with the new tires.  Treadwear is 700AB and speed rating is T, so the sidewall is not as stiff as an H or higher

Another good choice for your kind of driving would be the Bridgestone Turanza LS-T.  My brother just put a set on his wife's Jetta and he's very pleased with them.

[morty]

Your Matrix did come with an H-rated tire, so I would recommend staying with that type of tire. It is tempting to buy a tire that has a better tread life warranty, but it will alter the handling and braking of the vehicle.

I would not recommend the Michelin MXV4 as a high-mileage tire. Uniroyal is a good value and tread life will be good for the catagory. Some other tires to consider are:

BFG Traction T/A
Dunlop Sport A2 plus
Kumho Ecsta ASX
Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S
Yokohama Avid V4S