Tire spec question.

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Hollow

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The stock spec for my vehicle is 225/60/16H. I'm not sure of the temp and traction ratings as the OEM tire is no longer produced.

Currently have Michelin Primacy MXV4 225/60/16H UTQG 620AA. Looking at replacing next year with General Altimax RT43. The General does come in stock size, but a T rated UTQG 700AB. Or I can go to 235/60/16 or 215/65/16 for an H rating and UTQG 700AA.

Is there an issue of running a B rated temp tire? The T rating doesn't bother me, as it was the spec for different years with a different OEM tire. Also, it is a 4 cylinder station wagon, so it'll never see either speed.

What is the better option?
 
Originally Posted By: Hollow
Is there an issue of running a B rated temp tire?

The lower temp rating is probably related to the lower speed rating. A tire like this has weaker construction which causes it to generate more heat (at any speed) and thus not able to handle higher speeds at all.

The H-rated versions of RT43 have A rating for temp, probably because of better construction.

Do you have to have the Altimax RT43? Isn't there some other good tire available in size 225/60/16 with H-speed rating?

With an H-rating, you're basically getting a better made tire, regardless at what speed you drive it. I wouldn't get anything lower than an H-rated tire, unless we're talking dedicated winter tires.
 
It is a very common size, so there are plenty of options.

The Primacy has been a very good tire, but the cost is stretching my budget for replacement, as it will occur right around when I graduate and have to start paying back on student loans.

Trying to find my best tire for a lower price point then the Michelins or Nokians I would prefer to put on.
 
Originally Posted By: Hollow
Trying to find my best tire for a lower price point then the Michelins or Nokians I would prefer to put on.

Why not General Altimax HP then?
 
1: Prefer not to run a directional tire.

2: Everyone I know who has them, has gotten very poor life from them.
 
Originally Posted By: Hollow
It is a very common size, so there are plenty of options.

The Primacy has been a very good tire, but the cost is stretching my budget for replacement, as it will occur right around when I graduate and have to start paying back on student loans.

Trying to find my best tire for a lower price point then the Michelins or Nokians I would prefer to put on.


Costcos running $70 off, A hair under $600 otd installed
At least, that's why I bought my set
 
That car does not need anything larger than a 205. Car tires are oversized these days and all they do is make the thing hydroplane and add to poor, darty steering. I recall when s class 2.5tonnes ran 185. I recall a track test by CD or MT ( or GM proving grounds) on a Camaro z28 with GY eagles, and anything larger sectionwise slowed it down or had NO benefit.
 
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I disagree.

I took the 185/65R15's off my car and put 205/60's on.

Car just wants to go straight. Much more road stable...

Put the 235/60R15's on, it's only 1.9% difference, a little wider, a little taller.

Don't go smaller, either treadwidth, first number, grip on road will be less
or diameter, your gas mileage will suffer...

www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
 
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
That car does not need anything larger than a 205. Car tires are oversized these days and all they do is make the thing hydroplane and add to poor, darty steering. I recall when s class 2.5tonnes ran 185. I recall a track test by CD or MT ( or GM proving grounds) on a Camaro z28 with GY eagles, and anything larger sectionwise slowed it down or had NO benefit.


I'll stick with the stock sizes, thanks. 215/65/16 is listed as an alternate size for winter rubber, but still ok.


Any way, much of the conversation has missed my original question, should I stay in stock size with a lower T rating and B temp, or change to an alternate size to get the H rating with A temp?
 
Originally Posted By: Hollow
Any way, much of the conversation has missed my original question, should I stay in stock size with a lower T rating and B temp, or change to an alternate size to get the H rating with A temp?

The B temperature rating was established by measuring a loaded tire's ability to operate at between 100 to 115 mph by running an inflated test tire against a large diameter high-speed laboratory test wheel. The T speed rating was achieved based on laboratory test where the tire is pressed against a large diameter metal drum to reflect its appropriate load, and run at ever increasing speeds until the tire's required speed has been met. T indicates a 118 mph speed rating.

Unless you're up to something out of the ordinary in your driving, you should be good to go.
 
Most tire shops will not install tires with a speed rating below the OE specification. That is, if your car originally came with H-rated tires, they will not put on T-rated tires. You can go higher, but not lower.

Also, you don't have to change tire sizes to get the H speed rating and A temperature rating. There are several options for you below. I always prefer at least A in traction and temperature.

The Altimax HP is OK to get if you buy from a place that includes free lifetime balance and rotation, like Walmart. They will remount the tire as needed for the rotation every 7500 miles. For your size, it is available in both H and V-rated for about the same price.

Another non-directional tire worth looking at is the Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum, which is actually W-rated in your size. UTQG is 600 A A and a 60k warranty. The LX Platinum is a grand touring tire like the MXV4 and HP despite the higher speed rating.

There is also the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max, H-rated, and 580 A A. 65k warranty.

Although not my favorite, some people also like the Cooper CS4 Touring. Available in both H and V-rated. The H version is 560 A A, and the V is 520 A A. Both have a 60k warranty.
 
Originally Posted By: tommygunn
if you buy from a place that includes free lifetime balance and rotation, like Walmart. They will remount the tire as needed for the rotation every 7500 miles. For your size, it is available in both H and V-rated for about the same price.


Every 7500 miles they will remount the tires? I'll be happy if they do that once for me. Which I'm coming up on 20k miles soon on some directions that I'd like to have flipped for a proper rotation.

I'll be happy if I can get 40k out of these tires. I only paid $200 installed for these after rebates. So not sure I want to spend $44 to flip them that someone else told me WM wanted to charge him for the flip. $11/tire for the mount.
 
"Looking at replacing next year with General Altimax RT43."

If you're not planning on replacing your tires until next year, how can you even know if what is available today, will even still be available next year? Next year is almost a year away at this point.

And if these tires are still available, how will you know what the prices will be next year?
 
Originally Posted By: tommygunn
Most tire shops will not install tires with a speed rating below the OE specification. That is, if your car originally came with H-rated tires, they will not put on T-rated tires. You can go higher, but not lower.

You can go lower. The shop may not be willing to mount them.

Apparently it came with H-rated tires

Subaru Maintenace and Service

Legacy Specifications

which are probably overkill for most owners.
 
I have a pair of the General Altimax HP tires in 205/60R15.

A little growly, but overall quiet. Terrible reviews on snow traction, but your in Florida.

To rotate, just take the fronts to the back and vice versa...
No need to move from side to side every time,
(which would require removal from the rim, turning around, then re-mounting)
just do that once when they are worn halfway...

The key to tire wear is inflation, my Generals say max of 51 psi, I put in 47-48...
 
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I have a pair of the General Altimax HP tires in 205/60R15.

A little growly, but overall quiet. Terrible reviews on snow traction, but your in Florida.

To rotate, just take the fronts to the back and vice versa...
No need to move from side to side every time,
(which would require removal from the rim, turning around, then re-mounting)
just do that once when they are worn halfway...

The key to tire wear is inflation, my Generals say max of 51 psi, I put in 47-48...
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
"Looking at replacing next year with General Altimax RT43."

If you're not planning on replacing your tires until next year, how can you even know if what is available today, will even still be available next year? Next year is almost a year away at this point.

And if these tires are still available, how will you know what the prices will be next year?


This x1k
The Premier is rumored/slated to replace the Primacy MXV4, Starting Aprilish~ this year, MXV4's will probably be on closeout then. Tread carefully (see what I did there)
laugh.gif
 
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