Topic: How important are tire speed ratings? Tire Recommendations?

[SVG]

Hi, all. I am looking for new all-season tires, and have been shopping around different places. Some places in particular really stress the importance of maintaining the speed rating of the current tires.

I currently have Michelin Energy MXV4+ with V rating (240km/h), some places say cheaper tires, i.e. Michelin Harmony (S, 180 km/h) is fine, because "I won't drive that fast anyways". Other places, recommend at maximum, going down to H (210 km/h), otherwise my roadhandling will suffer.

I thought about shopping at different places, just to better educate myself. Funny thing is I am getting a very wide range of prices and every place sells different tires.

So, what's your take, guys? Thanks for any help.

[morty]

Speed ratings are very important! It is really about the construction that will allow them to maintain a certain speed for a set period with out suffering any damage or failure. It is the characteristics of this construction that are important. The sidewall flex and handling. The tires are a large part of your suspension and braking. Down grade the tires and you are diminishing the braking and handling that are most important in emergency situations. I dont know what type of vehicle you own, but I imagine you may have bought it for the way it drives and feels on the road as well as safety. Change the tires and you will be changing how the vehicle drives.

Spend a few extra dollars and get the proper tires. Typically, if someone is trying to sell you a lower speed rated tire it is becasue they are cheaper and it is an easier sell. Listen to the ones who are telling you to maintain the speed rating and take it from there.

[tortoise]

Excellent reply Morty. 

There's some shops that won't install tires with a lower speed rating. 

[safristi]

It's like buying  high heels when yer a 100 Yard sprinter........ ..YOU will get to the finish line...but uncomfortably...and unsurely

[Altair 4]

When I buy tires, I also look at the load rating.  I won't buy tires that don't meet both specs. 

[morty]

Load rating is very important as well!

[Craig]

Dear Morty,

I'm a relative lightweight at 155lbs, and my wife is normally quite slim as well.  But since she found herself in a "family way", she's kinda let herself go.

Can we get away with using tires with a higher load rating on the X-Trail, or do we need to strap her down to her own trailer?

[SVG]

Thanks for all the response. Tremendous helpful info. For V rated tires, it looks like most places recommend going with what I currently have.

A few other places did recommend Nokian WR, Toyo and Kumho H-rated tires.

I must admit the Nokian WR looks pretty good since I don't think I will keep the car long enough to make a separate set of snow tires worthwhile. At this point, I think it's going to be Michelin Energy or Nokian WR.

There's a thread right below with very favorable response for the Nokian tires, so what do you guys think? Thanks a lot once again for all your help.

[safristi]

This BIG ENUF Craig  ...Fer SALE or RENT...da da dum dum da dee.....

[WagonMan]

What kind of car are we talking about here?

[morty]

Ha ha...the tires you have should be able to carry the extra few pounds. You may find yourself gaining a few yourself. Even then you wont need the flat deck trailer.

[Winklovic]

The top speed on my car is 180 km/h, so should I purchase S or T rated tires?

[morty]

What kind of car? Top speed doesnt matter. No one drives the top speed. Tire is a significant part of braking and suspension of any vehicle. Speed rating denotes the construction of the tire and you should be purchasing tires with comparable or better rating to what was original equipment.

[Winklovic]

What kind of car? Top speed doesnt matter. No one drives the top speed. Tire is a significant part of braking and suspension of any vehicle. Speed rating denotes the construction of the tire and you should be purchasing tires with comparable or better rating to what was original equipment.

2002 Chrysler Sebring LX sedan, 4 cyl.

[morty]

Your options are open. You can run as low as a T speed rated tires. If you are looking for long mileage and softer ride you can consider tires like Michelin Hydroedge, Bridgstone Turnaza LST, Yokohama Avid TRZ, BFG Traction T/A. If you want to improve the handling and sacrifice some wear then bump up the speed rating to an H.

[Winklovic]

Thanks for the info, Morty.  I'll keep that in mind when I go shopping for my 3 season tires.

[safristi]

XXX ratings get me HOT....... ...that Michelin X man is a chubby chaser,,,,
 and loves A/S too.......... ,