I need some new tires (because of a flat), but I'm not very knowledgable about tires, so I figured I'd ask this here.

Costco suggests various Michelins (245/45ZR18) for around $285. How important is the size though? Is 245/40 "good enough?" 225/45? Or does it depend entirely on my "driving style"?

Thanks!
Aditya

 

If you have 18's then the stock size is 245/45/18 and it doesn't really relate to your driving style...well I take that back, I guess it kind of does. 245 is the width of the tire and 45 is the sidewall which is 45% of the width, and 18 is just the size of your rim. I think you can go about + or - 5 in the width and sidewall, but don't quote me on that.

Main point being the sidewall--the shorter and firmer=more controlled ride, yet rougher; taller and softer=floatier and comfortable ride

dan

 

Yeah, you don't want to go lower on the width as it would decrease your traction. Going lower on the sidewall from 45(stock) to 40 would improve handling as this would minimize the sidewall flex, but would also decrease ride quality. It is not the suspension that does all the work.

Also you've failed to metion whether you still have stock rims. As 245/45/18 tire will give you completely different ride/handling characterists when its mounted over 18x7.5 or 18x9 rim.

If you still have stock 18" I would recommend you stick to the recommended 245/45/18. I would doubt that COSTCO would allow you to change it either way to 225/45/18 or 245/40/18 due to the fact that they are only allowed to install the OEM size. Another thing you have to keep in mind and they will also look at is the weight rating. Because our MAXes are quite heavy they require the rating to be at 96Y or higher. Tires outside of stock dimensions would likely not be rated at 96Y or above and COSTCO will not install it if it doesn't meet it.


I got my tires at COSTCO (Brooklyn, NY) too because they were the cheapest. I got hi-performance BFGoodrich G-Force installed for $179/per tire. In addition, they will also give you a warranty that if the tire is defective they will simply replace it, that includes sidewall bumps and getting nails when the tire has meat still left on it. In addition to that, they pump the tires with NITROGEN gas which in temperature changes doesn't loose as much pressure as the air does. Hope this helps.

If you are buying summer tires, I would recommend BFGoodrich G-Force.
For all season tires I recommend michelin pilot sport A/S.

 

I've had great handling & mileage with Michelins

 

These might be of your interest...guy is asking $800 for a nearly new set.

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=508673

Try negotiating.

 

I just bought a set of Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Positions. These are ultra high performance all season tires. I have the stock 18" rims and I bought the tires at Firestone. They cost me $196 each. Pretty good tires and they're WAY better than the Eagle RSAs.

 

I guess it is safe to say anything is better than RS-As, especially ones with cracking sidewalls.

 

true that

 

Just ordered my BFGoodrich G-Force KDW2 from costco.com yesterday. $786 all included. They have $60 off until Feb 4. I asked around and could not get under $250 for just the tire (must add install, load force balance, valve, environment tax, etc).

Lots of other good tires out there. Check the tests/comments/surveys at www.tirerack.com. A ton of info. Check the .org tire threads. Like some said, may be cheaper to get rim/tire package, balanced, delivered. If you are not sure about tires, stick with the OEM size 245/45/18 (SE).

 

These are the tires I bought and have been very happy with them. While they are not snow tires, they work well in snow -- provided the snow is not too deep or the hill too steep. You don't want to be driving on "summer tires" if you live where it snows in the winter. (You don't list where you live.)

 

KDW2 ? I didn't find that model. Are these what you bought, if so these are G-Force T/A KDW

 

If your on stock suspension you DO NOT want to go with a 40 series tire. I found a deal on some 40 series Blizzak runflats that I couldnt pass. Well, because of the gap I sold them quick! It looked terrible. I would stay with factory size or if anything, go bigger.

 

Correct thread pattern. The tirerack.com calls them KDW-2. They report .98g cornering on dry pavement. I suspect it will be a stiffer ride. And I just got my ceramic pads. A fun summer lies ahead.

 

I just got my first set of Michelins, the Hydro-edge, 105.00 per tire w/ 90,000 mile tread wear... After only getting 35K out of my Proxies, the Michelins should be a lot better..

 

Anybody have any experience with 235/50-18 or 255/50-18 tires on a stock 18" rims on a 6th gen. max (stock suspention)?

Thanks,
D.

 

Hey guys, looking to replace my tires soon. I have the stock tires and rims on my 2004 SE (245/45/18 Eagle RSA's). I've heard that lots of bad things will happen to them.

Also, I live in New England, so rain and snow are a big concern to me.

Suggestions for good tires that will perform well in rain/snow? I don't care to change the size or anything, and plan on keeping my stock rims.

 

Michelin Pilot Sports are great tires -- including in the snow. But they are expensive. I would never buy another tire for my Max.