My Atlas came with 255/50 R20 tires, Pirelli Scorpion Zero A/S. Superb on road performance. However, they were hard and transferred a lot of impact noise etc. when I got a car in January 2023, soon I got set of 18” wheels and snows 235/65 R18. Same 30” size, same rpms to single one (both 672). Car rode MUCH better, though 235’s felt bit “undertired” when pushing through corners on I70 going to ski.
So, last end of April I put back 20’s, and in June hit the road to Tahoe, Yosemite, LA, LV, Grand Canyon back to the Springs. Up until AZ I was thinking 20’s might not be bad. When I hit I40 in AZ on my way to Flagstaff, the road was so bad, i was thinking: these tires must go.
So, this winter, neighbor was selling Michelin Defender LTX M/S with some 10k miles. Still have 11/32. I never bought used tires, but for $350, worth a try. And I know him, not abusing car etc.
so, today I took off 235’s snow’s and installed 265’s. They are 30.5”, but Atlas already comes with those sizes, 265/45 R21 (30.4”) and on Base Camp 245/70 R17 (30.5). Original size (base) is 245/60 R18 (29.7”).
Here is how it looks with 20” wheels:
This is today:
We do occasional gravel, light off road to get to some vista places to light up grill or do some biking. Tried some gravel with 20” at Tahoe, horrible. I was afraid I will puncture tire and then get in serious trouble getting stuck at some mountain with two small kids and no signal.
These ride super smooth (sidewall is 6.3” compared to 5” on 20s or 6” on my winters 235’s). But, winters are Bridgestone, and on its own bit rough. Also, while these Defenders weigh 38lbs compared to 33lbs for Pirelli 20’s, wheel is much lighter and I think I am at same weight, if not bit lighter.
I hope I get 3-4yrs with these, and probably that will be possible bcs. snow tires.
So, last end of April I put back 20’s, and in June hit the road to Tahoe, Yosemite, LA, LV, Grand Canyon back to the Springs. Up until AZ I was thinking 20’s might not be bad. When I hit I40 in AZ on my way to Flagstaff, the road was so bad, i was thinking: these tires must go.
So, this winter, neighbor was selling Michelin Defender LTX M/S with some 10k miles. Still have 11/32. I never bought used tires, but for $350, worth a try. And I know him, not abusing car etc.
so, today I took off 235’s snow’s and installed 265’s. They are 30.5”, but Atlas already comes with those sizes, 265/45 R21 (30.4”) and on Base Camp 245/70 R17 (30.5). Original size (base) is 245/60 R18 (29.7”).
Here is how it looks with 20” wheels:
This is today:
We do occasional gravel, light off road to get to some vista places to light up grill or do some biking. Tried some gravel with 20” at Tahoe, horrible. I was afraid I will puncture tire and then get in serious trouble getting stuck at some mountain with two small kids and no signal.
These ride super smooth (sidewall is 6.3” compared to 5” on 20s or 6” on my winters 235’s). But, winters are Bridgestone, and on its own bit rough. Also, while these Defenders weigh 38lbs compared to 33lbs for Pirelli 20’s, wheel is much lighter and I think I am at same weight, if not bit lighter.
I hope I get 3-4yrs with these, and probably that will be possible bcs. snow tires.