Hi, all,

A set of new tires will be due for my 99 v70 (non-turbo) soon. Due to the $$$ issue, the guy at Costco tire center suggested to use BF Goodrich Traction P205/55/15 tires (v rating). In that way, I can save about $200 comparing to using Michelin tires (also v rating). OEM tires on my car are 195/60/15. Will it be a problem or drawback if P205/55 tires are used? Are BFG Traction tires good? Thank you for your advice.

Best,

Puhong

I went to an H rating on my 98 S70. I saw no reason to replace the V tires that came off.

As far as Costco goes I know they will not put on a lower speed rating the what came with the car so I ended up at a Bridgestone dealer ( I put RE950's on).
Costco also had my 2001 V70 as having V tires and I actually had to take the service manager out to the parking lot to show him that it actually had H tires on it not V's. I think the actual size that came on the car is inside the gas flap.
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Geo

You'd be going down about 1.4 percent in diameter - 24.21" to 23.88". Not a bid deal. But there's something fishy going on here. You're saving money going from Michelin to Goodrich. You don't need to change sizes to do that. There's got to be other lower priced tires in the correct size. BTW, are you sure the original size was 195/60 - I would have thought 195/65 - in which case both 195/60 and 205/55 are not a good idea. I would double check the owner's manual - not just on the size but on the V rating as well.

Geo and Deanyel,

Thank you very much for your input. I will also check other places since there are not many choices at Costco (Though I like their service.) If I go with H rated tires, I have to get tires from a place other than Costco. The guy at Costco said that requirement of a V rated tire is in consideration of both the limit of speed AND braking performance. The V rated tires are softer (wearing faster) so they are better in braking and handling. Any thought?

I double checked my car and manual. The OEM tire size indeed is 195/60/15 (requires v rated tires).

Best,

Puhong

A h rated tire will be fine if it works with your driving habits. The V is a stiffer sidewall, so it will handle better, if you care. I would not go down to a 50 series as the ride will suffer and the speedo will be incorrect. I am not at all a fan of Goodyear tires, having had many poor experiences. Try Bridgestone as an alternative to Michelin.

Try the TireRack website, tons of good info backed by people who actually know something. Most refreshing.

Stormin,

Thank you for your info. I will stick with the original tire size. I will check Bridgestone tires.

I looked The tirerack website and there are a lot of tires available from it. The problem is that, if the tires are purchased from the tirerack, I have to find a shop to install the tires. It could end up with more trouble (and $$) to get the tires locally.

Have a good day,

Puhong

I went with Bridgestone RE950's that I purchased at a local Firestone dealer that was running a buy 3 get 1 free promotion. I don't think they come in a V for your car though.

good luck.