DIRECTIONAL TIRES ON A MINIVAN?

[strombony]

Does anyone have any experience both negative or positive in so far as putting directional tires on a minivan? I have 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan and one tire I'm considering is directional. Ive been told by one person that it might be best to stick with non-directional since they will be rotated to each corner of the vehicle and would get more even wear this way, and this was my though also. My friend who puts nothing but higher end tires on all his vehicles including his own minivan says hes never had a problem with directional tires.. Any opinions on this?

 

[Volvohead]

Seems like the majority of tires are directional anymore.

As long as your vehicle is not a confirmed "tire eater" and alignment is within specs, rotating front to back should sufficiently equalize wear.

 

[strombony]

Well, my van compared to any other vehicle I've owned is a tire eater. It's top heavy compared to a car. Suspension is soft and cushy, so it leans a lot compared to a vehicle with sport tuned suspension. Those factors alone are tougher on a tire which is my thought, correct me if I'm wrong. This is why I thought a non-directional would wear better.

 

[JustinH]

Many tire companies are coming out with cheap all season directional tires.

I just put a set of falken all seasons on the misses dodge neon. We haven't had any issues with tire wear, and have been rotating at 5k intervals.

When discount tire had the $100 off 4 tires coupon, we got a set of 4 new tires shipped to the door for $100, no tax, no shipping.

For 25 bucks a corner, I can't complain at all.

 

[Volvohead]

Is the wear unequal to a particular corner? That can create a problem, but is less common. That's where cross rotating can be a plus.

But if you simply have heavy front to rear wear, or wear to the inboard or outboard tread due to excessive rolling, cross rotating isn't necessarily going to fully overcome that. Unless your car only rolls to one side, the outboard tread is going to stay the outboard tread, no matter where you move it. Only way to get around that is to start flipping the tires on the wheels.

 

[strombony]

Originally Posted By: Volvohead
Is the wear unequal to a particular corner? That can create a problem, but is less common. That's where cross rotating can be a plus.

But if you simply have heavy front to rear wear, or wear to the inboard or outboard tread due to excessive rolling, cross rotating isn't necessarily going to fully overcome that. Unless your car only rolls to one side, the outboard tread is going to stay the outboard tread, no matter where you move it. Only way to get around that is to start flipping the tires on the wheels.


That makes sense... Over the life of my current tire which I'm replacing, the wear is even for the most part. one tire is a little more worn on the outboard side than the others, but not signivicantly more. Directional may not be an issue for this van. In the post I made yesterday, one of you guys showe me the Gengeral Altimas, seems to be a great tire, but I'm leaning toward the BF Goodrich T/A simply because it's been out a lot longer and has great reviews, the other one is too new and has no ratings yet and I don't want to be the one to spend my money to test them out until I see ratings on them. I indicated money was an issue, but I've sort of change my stance on this as of today because I want high mileage and reliability with high ratings. Sure I could get a less expensive tire, but I've seen first hand how long they last since my friend has them on his car.

I really appreciate all of your feedback that all of you are giving me.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Go to tirerack dot com read the tests and reviews for General Altimax RT. You'll convinced that it is better value than BF Goodrich T/A.

 

[strombony]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Go to tirerack dot com read the tests and reviews for General Altimax RT. You'll convinced that it is better value than BF Goodrich T/A.


I did it...the General Altimax RT's are on the way and will be installed on Thursday..thank you for guiding me in this direction.

 

[bretfraz]

Good deal! I assume you saved money over buying those Firestones or the BFGs?

 

[strombony]

I'm done with Bridgestones....for the price..they suck. If they were priced right, then I could say they don't suck...perhaps.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: strombony
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Go to tirerack dot com read the tests and reviews for General Altimax RT. You'll convinced that it is better value than BF Goodrich T/A.


I did it...the General Altimax RT's are on the way and will be installed on Thursday..thank you for guiding me in this direction.


Where are you going to have these tires installed ? Your local tire shop or Walmart ? If you have Walmart install your tires, then choose the life time balance for an extra of about $2.50/ea, the life time balance includes free rotation whenever you want.

Don't forget the $50 rebate, keep a copy of receipts for General Tire 60k miles warranty too.

 

[strombony]

Actually, I had my tire shop order them for me. Yes, I could have saved money purchasing them on-line, but I wanted to go through my own shop.. I can't begin to explain how much I can't stand dealing with Walmart.

But, at least I'm getting the right tires and not those Bridgestones.

 

[Volvohead]

Originally Posted By: strombony
I did it...the General Altimax RT's are on the way and will be installed on Thursday..thank you for guiding me in this direction.


I'm curious how the Altimax RT compares to the Altimax HP in real world circumstances. Why did you pick the RT over the HP?

I can't say enough good things about the HP.

Keep us posted.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Altimax HP does not have 215/65-15 which is the size of his Minivan.

I don't need new tires right now, I'll buy Altimax HP if they have my sizes: 235/45-17 for one car, 215/45-17 Front 245/40-17 Rear for another car. These sizes are not available with Altimax HP but they are available with Exclaim UHP.

 

[strombony]

I'm really impressed with the load rating on these Altimax's.
What a deal when you compare these to the Bridgestones which have [censored] ratings.

 

[Tornado Red]

I'm not sure if I can positively say "never", but right now I can state that I will "never" put a directional tire on any FWD vehicle. I want the option of cross-rotating.

 

[JDD]

I have owned 4 minivans, 3 of which were Chryslers. I have found that minivans wear the fronts much faster than most fwd cars. They are heavy on the front end and just wear the tires out faster, so I wouldn't go with directionals. I have to rotate every 4000 or so or to keep the wear even. I also do yearly alignments and keep up on tire pressure. I also put a couple extra psi in the fronts.