posted by
someone claiming to be Tim Ervin-Gore
on
Thu May 17 05:50 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
Oh ye who walk the board, please give me opinions on the tires/tyres you've purchased and appreciated. It looks like I need some.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be john
on
Tue May 22 14:21 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
Tim,, I like the Yokohama, AVS db 205/60/15v directional, $73.00,, quiet hence db (decibel), excellent handling, dry/wet..I like them alot driven about 8,200 mi.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Julio Manalo
on
Sun May 20 02:05 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
I'm using Goodyear GPS 2 185/70-14 on my 85 245 GL. They are actually smaller in diameter than the original equipment 185/80-14. They kinda make the wheelwells look 'hollow' and the car also ride about an inch lower. The handling doesn't really change though. The brick seems to handle ok and the traction is not too bad in wet or dry. The Philippines is a tropical country and we get lots of rain during the monsoon but the tires seem to handle that well enough.
I contemplated getting OEM sized 185 R14s but the only ones available here are for SUV types and light trucks so I ended up with the ones I have which are 'car tires'.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Don Foster
on
Sat May 19 01:00 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
Tim --
I love my Yokohamas (Avids), now on three cars. Yokos are inexpensive, sure-footed, very quiet and comfortable, good in the rain, long-lasting.
Years ago I fell outta love with Michelin -- my experience was they'd start slippin 'n sliddin' when the weatherman said, "Chance of a cloud tomorrow..." I know the newer designs are better, but I've become entirely happy with other very good tires costing less. I prefer not to pay for Michelin's high-profile advertising budget.
Do some research at www.tirerack.com. You can learn from them, and will probably be very happy with their prices and service.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Kevin Bennett
on
Tue May 22 03:16 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
Don, Great tip on the Avids. I checked Tirerack and the Avids have very good survey results and great prices (less than 2/3 the price of the MX4s I currently use).
What kind of mileage have you got on your sets?
Also, one positive experience I have had with Michelins is long tread life with no need to balance the tires, just regular rotation. How have your Avids fared in this area?
Thanks, Kevin
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Don Foster
on
Tue May 22 03:32 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
Kevin --
I've put Yokos on mother's (now brother's) '89 244, and they have about 30k on them -- and look new.
I have Avids on my '86 245...... they have about 55k on them and look about 1/2 worn. They're still smooth riding, balanced, and sure-footed even in the rain.
I put Avids on daughter's VW Golf last winter, but they only have about 3k on them. They're infinitely better than the Michelins I took off -- but in fairness, the Michelins had about 65k on them.
I have never rebalanced any of the Yokos. Every season, when I remove the snows, I swap the front tires for rears, but never right for left.
Don't forget that dealing with Tirerack.com means you pay shipping plus full mounting 'n balancing costs. I think I've bought 5 or 6 full sets from them and been happy every time.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Kevin Bennett
on
Thu May 24 02:36 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
Don, 55k with no re-balancing is a pretty good indication of the quality and build of the Avids. Just what I need.
BTW, what size are you using on your '86 245?
Thanks Kevin
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Robert
on
Sun May 20 01:23 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
I hear that. I guess Michelin is starting their corporate downslide, inevitably.
Tire Direct is great too. Found a better deal there on the Pirelli's, and with road hazard (I seem to get flats without it), which tire rack did not offer.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be john
on
Fri May 18 17:41 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
Tim,, I like the Yokohama, AVS db 205/60/15v directional, $73.00,, quiet hence db (decibel), excellent handling, dry/wet..I like them alot driven about 8,000 mi.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Michael
on
Fri May 18 13:27 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
I'm currently using Bridgestone Potenza RE71 205/55/15 on 240 Turbo wheels. They've got very soft tread so they grip well, but wear fast. Rain is no longer a problem, and dry traction is very good. They probably won't do much in snow, however. tirerack.com had them for $68/tire, but the RE71 is being replaced by the RE730, which is a slightly harder tire (wear rating of 140 compared to 300 for the RE730), but I would expect them to be a very good all around performance tire.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Robert
on
Fri May 18 08:24 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
I am also right now in the process of getting tires/tyres. Whenever I call the wholesalers of tires (Tire Direct, Tire rack, Euro Tire), they have told me that Michelin is the only mfr. making the Volvo 240 OEM metric size of 185/SR14, in their "MX4 Rain Force." If you have ABS brakes this tire is a good choice. But if not, beware they will prove to be a "mixed bag" in rain handling, especially if you are an aggressive driver.
Previously, I took Consumer Reports recommendations on the Michelin "MXV4+ Energy Plus" and put four of them on our 740, and they seem to be doing well. But CR warned about using the MX4, Rain Force on non-ABS vehicles. I found out that Michelin has not tested this tire on non-ABS vehicles, and therefore have different test results. CR recommended the Pirelli P400's #1 All Season Tire with a touring tire speed rating, now for four years in a row. The only drawback is they do not make it in the 240 OEM size. The closest overall replacement diameter is the 195/75-14, 1/10th of an inch less, at 25.5., as compared to 25.6 OEM. The other choices of 195/70, 205/70, etc. are not as close to the 195/75 in diameter.
But the 195/75's are also 10 mm wider, which gives some handling improvement without adding to what is termed "under the axle weight" which when you increase the width too much, and therefore increase tire weight, it adds to rolling resistance and is like adding two more passengers to your car. If it wasn't for the CR warning about the Michelin MX4 on non ABS cars I would be getting them. I am a Michelin Tire person, and usually get good results with them. But I know there are lots of other good tires out there besides Michelin. I just can't risking my life and property on these MX4's, even if it is somewhat exaggerated. You never know when you need to stop in an emergency.
On the other hand, I sure wish there was more OEM size choices, in top quality tires - I don't like the catch-22 limited choices I had. So my general advice is for the Pirelli P400's. They seem to be the lesser of two evils. But as one of the other guys said, it really all depends on how you are using the tires. Mileage? Dry Performance? Wet? All Terrain? BTW, I use the Swedish Gislaveds in the winter, and take off the all seasons - excellent tires!
If you find any real exceptional tires let us all know.
Later.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Kevin Bennett
on
Sat May 19 11:24 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
I have the MX4s on my '89 245 (non ABS)and have no complaints about wet weather handling. I bought them before that CR article you refer to came out and was surprised to see their comments. I have seen quite a few other posts from 240 owners recommending the MX4. I'd buy them again.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Robert
on
Sun May 20 01:25 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
Kevin,
Wait until you have to stop very very very very fast - hope you had sking lessons!
Robert
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Kevin Bennett
on
Tue May 22 03:07 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
I checked the survey results at Tirerack.com and see that the MX4 gets a 7.8 in wet traction while the P400 got a 7.7.
So the general public's experience doesn't support the CR report you quoted (that MX4s are poor in the wet).
Not saying the MX4 is better, since I have not used the P400, but the tirerack survey results mirror my favourable experiences with the MX4.
But I also checked out Don's recommnedation of the Avid. It looks like a best buy, good ratings and low prices.
Kevin
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Robert
on
Tue May 22 08:55 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
Kevin,
You said, "I checked the survey results at Tirerack.com and see that the MX4 gets a 7.8 in wet traction while the P400 got a 7.7."
My response is that I do not trust the tests of a tire seller as much as I do an independent tester, like CR.
You said, "So the general public's experience doesn't support the CR report you quoted (that MX4s are poor in the wet)."
My response is, quite the contrary, I have cut and pasted far more recommendations for the P400's than the MX4. BTW, I have spoken to several resellers of Michelins in my area and they told me that almost all of the vehicles they put the MX4's on were ones that had ABS. So that supports CR's findings. Neither would I trust the tests of Michelin that did not test the MX4's on non ABS vehicles. That is like asking a Ford dealer in 1997 what he thought of Ford Explorers with Firestones AT Tires.
You said, "Not saying the MX4 is better, since I have not used the P400, but the tirerack survey results mirror my favourable experiences with the MX4."
Good for you.
But I also checked out Don's recommnedation of the Avid. It looks like a best buy, good ratings and low prices.
Now, Yokohamas are tires I was wondering about and would like to know more, data-wise.
Generally I say, I doubt the general public tests tires as rigorously as CR did. BTW, the Pirellis got # 1 twice now in four years. Sorry to disagree with you, but more people that I spoke to liked the P400's over the MX4's.
Now, basically, I am a Michelin person. I never even bought anything else for the last twenty + years, or so. So you certainly can't say I am prejudiced against the MX4. I just really believe there is something to what I read. In fact, I made a previous Michelin purchase based on another CR test that rated a different Michelin Tire # 1. I got them and have not found any problem with them. Also, I would probably like the MX4's if I did buy them, and would probably not experience any problems. I just don't drive as rigorous as CR tests tires.
But I would like to try something else now. The tires I would like to get for my 240 seem to be nonexistent. At any rate, Pirellis have been the choice of mfrs. of some of the fastest sports cars on earth. Vehicles that do high speed autobahn driving regularly. They hold their own and speak for themselves.
You better defend those Michelins - ever hear of buyers remorse? What was that line in Simon and Garfunkle about ... "still a man hears what he wants to hear ...."
Rob
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Julio Manalo
on
Tue May 22 11:31 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
I don't know if this means anything to you guys, or if you watch Formula 1 racing on TV at all but in Formula 1, Bridgestone has dominated as THE tire choice among the top car constructors. Michelin recently made a comeback but were blamed to be one of the causes of the failure of the BMW Williams team in the last Grand Prix in Austria. The Williams drivers were Ralf Shumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya. They said their Michelins were outperformed by the Bridgestones used by the winning teams Ferrari and Mercedes Mc Laren.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Robert
on
Tue May 22 12:38 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
Interesting. Bottom line, I think that all of the tires mentioned are great choices. There are probably many that are not, that no one bothered to mention. Pehaps the question would have been better put that way - Q: What tires should I avoid?
I would love to try out all those brands mentioned. Think I'm leaning toward the Yok's next time around.
The one thing I would like to know is does anyone besides Michelin make a 185/SR14 (the 240 OEM size)???
Rob
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Julio Manalo
on
Tue May 22 12:52 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
Rob,
I don't know about your part of the world, but here in the Philippines, we have several brands that offer 175, 185, 195/R14 (80% aspect ratio). BF Goodrich, Simex, Hankook, Michelin, Yokohama, Bridgestone, Goodyear all offer the sizes here. The specific market is the "Asian Utility Vehicle" (AUV), which is like a smaller version of an SUV but only 2wd. The other uses are for minivans and also small Japanese pickups like Nissan Eagle and Toyota Hilux.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be jimmy G
on
Sat May 19 02:51 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
I really like my Bridgestone Potenza. They are pretty quiet ride very well and hold the road and the price was very good at Firestone $340 mounted and road hazard. I've had Yoko avs and they're great but they don't last. My Passat wgn has Michelin Energy but I expect that in 12 months the'll start humming and slipping and sliding like every other Michelin's I've had.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Kevin Bennett
on
Sat May 19 11:28 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
The Potenzas are great in summer conditions, but don't give much grip in wet snow, slush and ice. I have them on my 2000 Subaru (OEM tires). Lot's of complaints on the Subaru usenet site about poor winter handling.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Paul
on
Sat May 19 10:32 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
Has anyone tried Goodyears? No one has mentioned them and I notice that Sears has a sale on them...
Paul
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Guid
on
Fri May 18 07:06 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
My '88 240DL is wearing the Firestone FT70c. A great rain tire, and quiet too. It also quelled the 240's tendency to hang its tail out under throttle in the wet. So far, I've logged over 40,000 miles on these with no problems, and they appear to be wearing very well.
A slightly more sporting alternative is the Bridgestone BT70s. They both use the same type of compound and rain dispersion (both being made by Bridgestone/Firestone). I'm planning on trying this one on my 740 when it's time.
Either tire would be reasonably priced.
I agree with the recommendation of the Michelin X-One, also. I'm told it's an excellent tire, but slightly more expensive.
G
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Robert Ludwick
on
Thu May 17 16:07 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
I just recently put on a set of Nokian NRH-2's.
I don't know how long they will last , but as far as ride and traction, all I can say is: WOW!
---Robert
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Peter May
on
Thu May 17 20:28 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
I've been running some New Zealand made Firestone P195/75R tyres. These are a hard composition tyre supposed to be good for the weight of the Volvo. They also have a very "grippy" tread pattern.
The New Zealand made Firestones are distributed by Bridgestone tyres over here in Australia. The prices are very reasonable, cheaper than other brands.
Cheers
Peter
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be BC
on
Thu May 17 07:43 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
Tim -
Look at the sticker on the rear edge of the front passenger door for the size of tyre that you car considers "stock". Get one size larger for longer wear with little speedometer error. Go to www.miata.net/miata/garage/tirecalc.html to check the speedo error.
Good Luck,
Bob
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Michael
on
Fri May 18 13:23 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
"Go to www.miata.net/miata/garage/tirecalc.html to check the speedo error."
That link doesn't work anymore. I've got a link to a good tire size calculator in my Volvo 240 links (under Wheels & Tires).
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be BC
on
Fri May 18 19:12 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
Well, it always helps to do it right. The link for the speedo error calculator is www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html and I got it OK.
Thanks for the heads up,
Bob
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be ALEX PIEPER
on
Thu May 17 07:41 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
It all depends on what you are doing with the car, travel, performance, all-season, just summer. a great all around tire is the General Ameri- g4s
strange name, great tire, 80000 mile warr. quiet, good in the wet and snow.
I have Continental ContisportContact summer high perfornance tires, great grip, but only good for about 20,000 miles. My wife has michelin Pilot
XGT V4 on her 760 ti, good grip, good milage but not cheap.
best of luck on your tire search
p.s. try the tirerack.com, they give great comparisons
alex pieper 940se, 760ti
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Long
on
Thu May 17 06:26 CST 2001 [ RELATED]
|
|
Michelin X-One or X Metric. I like them, they aren't noisy and wear long
|
|
|
|
|
