My 60k mile Michelin MX4 tires and about gone at 23k miles and I am in the market for some new tires. While looking at the original receipt I have a question. It says these tires at 205/65 but everywhere I see says to use 225/50 or 215/55. Are these tires really not meant for my size rim? Also, does it sound rediculous to use up 60k tires in 25k? Now I live in a hilly area and do mostly stop and go driving but my brakes last 30k. Also, my current tires make a kind of whine at speeds above 40. Is that the tire telling me they are low on tread? My front left tire did that and I moved it to the back and it stopped. These tires are on stock 15" rims if that matters. Thanks.

 

I would stick with either 205/65/15 or 215/60/15. Of these two the 205/65 has the highest profile which means marginally less wheel gap. The 215/65 is slightly wider and and a tad bit lower in profile, but not significant. The 215/60 will give a better footprint than the 205/65 and I would say that's your best bet. Take into accoutn that the rims on that car is a 6.5 inch and anything wider than the 215 may not be a good idea.

What brand of tire are you planning on getting?

 

Well, I don't really know yet. I am trying to get some 5 spoke 16" rims first. If I get my new tires prorated I will have to get Michelins. I never hear people getting Michelins for performance. Any suggestions?

 

Actully, the stock MXV4's held on in my car for 48k and even at the end of their life - I good pretty good dry weather grip with those. I now run Yokohama YK420's (H rated) in the front and this new Kumho tyres (716's) in the rear and they slide around somewhat more than I expected. I like that set up better since it induces a bit of oversteer.

If you are staying with 15's - I would suggest staying with the Michelins if your pro-rate deal works out. If you are still stayting with the 15's but no pro-rate - go with the Yokohama AVS intermediats (on clearence at Tirerack.com).

The MVX4's are a pretty good tire. I've seen them as stock rubber on my cousin's 3.2 TL and also as factory rubber on the Mercedes S500. That should tell you something.