Which Tires and how Much?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 37
My mom's 97 SE maxima is in need of some new tires. She has found out that the stock size 215/55/16 tires are not very common. She has so far found some toyo proxes, and michelins. Both of these come out to be around 550 bucks for a set. The problem she has is that she wants them to last a fair amount of time. So how long can you expect most tires to last in this size? And is 550 bucks a reasonable price? Also, does anybody know of a fairly inexpensive tire in this size which is ok? Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 792
Tires are a very subjective matter. Mileage and performance are often the opposite of each other. You often need softer rubber for better grip, but that makes them not last as long. Also, depending on tire construction, the tire can pick up road noise more easily and transmit more road noise (tread design and carcass design).
You can also look for tires in the size 225/50R16. They should fit the rim fine, and is a little more common in size (i.e. the front of the 300zx, Probe GT, some Pontiacs, etc...). The speedometer will be off approximately 1-3mph depending on the tire (on the fast side, so if you're doing 70, the speedo may show 72).
I would recommend at least getting an H-rated tire. They tend to be of better quality and have UTQG ratings of A for temperature (dissipation) and A for traction (relative stopping distances). It would appear to me that they have a lesser chance for blowouts as well since they can dissappate heat better and also have a strong enough carcass to survive a 130mph constant.
Tires normally don't last too long for me, but I have a set of Michelin Pilot XGT H4 tires, and they've lasted me 40,000 miles which is VERY good (at least for me). They tend to be slightly on the noisy side though, and if your mom doesn't have any other mods on the car, it will make the car seem noisier. They are okay in the rain. These tires are about $125 each. The Sumitomo HTR4 tires are a little quieter and have lasted decent on my other car. About 35,000 miles. They are quieter and decent in the rain. Quieter and better riding than the Pilots. Also cheap at under $100 each. My Miata has Pirelli P7000 tires. Not very good performing until they're warm, then they're ok. Relative rough ride and noisy (but then again, they are in a 215/40WR16 size). They wear ok, but expect about 25000 to maybe 30000 miles on the tires. They cost about $125 and I wouldn't recommend them for the price. The Sumitomo HTR-Z tires handle pretty good, and are noisy but grip very well. They don't last long either, but are under $100 while giving you enthusiastic grip. I haven't tried them, but the BFG g-Force T/A KDWS are probably the next set of tires I'm gonna try. They're supposed to wear well (probably 40000-50000 miles) and are supposed to handle very well and be relatively quiet. They are standard on some Ford Special Vehicles Team vehicles like the Contour SVT. They cost about $110 each. There is also a KDW model that's supposed to be better gripping in the dry, but not for all season use (no mud/snow rating).
These are just my .02 opinions...
-V
You can also look for tires in the size 225/50R16. They should fit the rim fine, and is a little more common in size (i.e. the front of the 300zx, Probe GT, some Pontiacs, etc...). The speedometer will be off approximately 1-3mph depending on the tire (on the fast side, so if you're doing 70, the speedo may show 72).
I would recommend at least getting an H-rated tire. They tend to be of better quality and have UTQG ratings of A for temperature (dissipation) and A for traction (relative stopping distances). It would appear to me that they have a lesser chance for blowouts as well since they can dissappate heat better and also have a strong enough carcass to survive a 130mph constant.
Tires normally don't last too long for me, but I have a set of Michelin Pilot XGT H4 tires, and they've lasted me 40,000 miles which is VERY good (at least for me). They tend to be slightly on the noisy side though, and if your mom doesn't have any other mods on the car, it will make the car seem noisier. They are okay in the rain. These tires are about $125 each. The Sumitomo HTR4 tires are a little quieter and have lasted decent on my other car. About 35,000 miles. They are quieter and decent in the rain. Quieter and better riding than the Pilots. Also cheap at under $100 each. My Miata has Pirelli P7000 tires. Not very good performing until they're warm, then they're ok. Relative rough ride and noisy (but then again, they are in a 215/40WR16 size). They wear ok, but expect about 25000 to maybe 30000 miles on the tires. They cost about $125 and I wouldn't recommend them for the price. The Sumitomo HTR-Z tires handle pretty good, and are noisy but grip very well. They don't last long either, but are under $100 while giving you enthusiastic grip. I haven't tried them, but the BFG g-Force T/A KDWS are probably the next set of tires I'm gonna try. They're supposed to wear well (probably 40000-50000 miles) and are supposed to handle very well and be relatively quiet. They are standard on some Ford Special Vehicles Team vehicles like the Contour SVT. They cost about $110 each. There is also a KDW model that's supposed to be better gripping in the dry, but not for all season use (no mud/snow rating).
These are just my .02 opinions...
-V
Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 97
Assuming she is not an aggressive driver who would enjoy the handling characteristics of a "V" speed-rated tire, she should get an "H" speed-rated tire, which is what speed rated tire Nissan recommended on her car. Anything less than an "H" (for example an "S" or a "T" speed-rated tire) will handle poorly and she'll feel like something is wrong with the car.) I've recently put Continental CH95 Touring Contact tires in this size (215/55/16) on my SE and they represent a nice balance between comfort and handling. They are rated at 60,000 miles, are very quiet, and don't squeal in hard cornering situations. They're available from Tire Rack or Discount Tire at $75/tire. Or she can call the local Continental tire seller and pay retail (approximately $95/tire) Other H rated tires to investigate is the Pirelli 6000 Viazolla or Dunlop A06, both of which are sold at Sears.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post