Still worth getting a

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daves87rs

daves87rs

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high milage tire for a low milage car?


One of my major issues for getting tires for my car is the the milage I would put on them. When your car (my car) only does around 5k a year, it's hard to justify a 70-80k, considering it might only see half of that. But, the better features on the high milage tires also may make them a better choice for safty reasons (just maybe).


So, for a low milage car-Would you go-




Low milage? (The Kelly Explorer Plus/ Republic Ensign Plus and Sumi H4s I like due to the nylon overlay they have)

Or High milagee? (X-radial, Uniroyal Tiger Paw AWP, Traction /Touring TAs)
 
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Aside from tread wire due to mileage, tires are subject to dry rotting issues over time as well. A high-mileage tire might die from dry rot before it does of tread depth problems. High temperatures, ozone-rich environments, and sun exposure will make the problem worse. Consumer Reports rates tires for several factors based on real world testing, and my own experiences line up with what they found. Barring that, I think I would go with whatever tire has the right characteristics (speed, temp, and treadwear ratings, tire type, etc.) at the lowest price. Even a 40k mile tire would last you 8 years.
 
I like the idea of the Bridgestone Insignia. Even though it has a treadlife warranty of 65,000 miles, I doubt you'd get it, because most sizes are in the 380-500 range for UTQG ratings. I'd expect a maximum of 50,000 miles out of those tires. If you're looking for a decent economical tire, I think the Insignia would be a decent choice. They came on my former Corolla from the factory.

Normally, I really like the Michelin X Radial. But I am beginning to change my opinion a little bit...even on a heavy FWD minivan that sees 12-15k miles per year, I think they'll get replaced due to age/hardness before they actually wear out.

I wouldn't go to a no-name tire (like Republic). I'd still stick with a name brand, but I'd probably do something like a Firestone Firehawk GT or Bridgestone Advantage T/A or similar. They're in the neighborhood of 50-60k mile tires, and are available at a decent price. Even a Goodyear Assurance and/or Fuel Max (or Viva Authority Fuel Max, etc) would be a solid choice (with an H speed rating), if available in your size.
 
Dave, I'm in the same situation. I only put 5K on any car in a year. High milage tires would get old and rot before I wear them out. So now I buy tires with high grip. This is the general trade-off with tires... all things being equal, you can get good traction tires or you can get high-mileage tires. Might as well enjoy the safety of grippy tires.
 
Having a HM tire on the car may pay off at resale. Grip although fun & safe are more likely to develope problems before the end of the rated miles. They are also more sensitive to chassis ill's & prone to noise.
 
I'd prefer cheaper tires for the same traction, because you can never know how long you are keeping the tires on it and if it rot, you have to replace it. That means I'd rule out expensive high mileage tires like X-radial.

Something like Sumitomo or Fuzion would be good.
 
Originally Posted By: Kestas
Dave, I'm in the same situation. I only put 5K on any car in a year. High milage tires would get old and rot before I wear them out. So now I buy tires with high grip. This is the general trade-off with tires... all things being equal, you can get good traction tires or you can get high-mileage tires. Might as well enjoy the safety of grippy tires.



The thing that sucks for me is the lack of fun tires in my size 195/70/14.


The Sumi H4s and the BFG Traction TAs seem to by a few choices...many are being discontinued, simply-with cars like mine (Cavalier), most people just buy the cheapest tire and they are all done....
 
Originally Posted By: willix
Having a HM tire on the car may pay off at resale. Grip although fun & safe are more likely to develope problems before the end of the rated miles. They are also more sensitive to chassis ill's & prone to noise.



Resale? This poor car is not worth much anyways. (at least money wise) I plan to keep it for a while, though....
 
Originally Posted By: daves87rs

The thing that sucks for me is the lack of fun tires in my size 195/70/14.


It's very hard to build fun tires with 70 profile.
 
Originally Posted By: PandaBear
Originally Posted By: daves87rs

The thing that sucks for me is the lack of fun tires in my size 195/70/14.

It's very hard to build fun tires with 70 profile.

Good point.

Still, there should be something....
 
Do you have enough rim for a 225/60? They are the same height.

I agree with you on the "resale" thing. Dealers around here could care less what kind of tires you have -- as long as they have decent tread left.
 
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Originally Posted By: Billbert
The Republic is a kelly made tire,just a slightly different tread pattern

Yep. And Goodyear is getting rid of republic too.....
 
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