Tires (1 Viewer)

[squidrope]

tirerack is the only answer

This. Ordered from them just two weeks ago.I had no idea what I needed on my car, other than I have summer performance tires and we just moved to a hilly area and it would be a death trap in winter. Went to tirerack, they spec out a winter wheel package for my car. Pick tires, wheels (and I even screwed up sizing somehow, but they called me to fix the order before shipping), and it gets shipped to me tires already mounted and balanced. Up to the local station to have the wheels swapped, and we're all set. It was pretty painless.

People still do this? I thought this went out a long time ago. So you bought new rims just for winter tires? Why not just the tires and get them mounted?

It costs $ to have the summer tires removed in the fall and more $ to have them put back on in the spring. Rims were not that expensive and I got narrower rears, which will work better in the snow. It works out to be considerably cheaper doing it this way. Plus you get the best performance in the winter and summer.

 

[Chadstroma]

tirerack is the only answer

This. Ordered from them just two weeks ago.I had no idea what I needed on my car, other than I have summer performance tires and we just moved to a hilly area and it would be a death trap in winter. Went to tirerack, they spec out a winter wheel package for my car. Pick tires, wheels (and I even screwed up sizing somehow, but they called me to fix the order before shipping), and it gets shipped to me tires already mounted and balanced. Up to the local station to have the wheels swapped, and we're all set. It was pretty painless.

People still do this? I thought this went out a long time ago. So you bought new rims just for winter tires? Why not just the tires and get them mounted?

It costs $ to have the summer tires removed in the fall and more $ to have them put back on in the spring. Rims were not that expensive and I got narrower rears, which will work better in the snow. It works out to be considerably cheaper doing it this way. Plus you get the best performance in the winter and summer.

My BIL has like 3 sets of tires/rims for his Z. (I think he had 4 but got rid of one set) One set is his winter tires which really makes sense because his summer tires would be absolute crap in the winter and if you have a little sports car like that, you want to get the fun out of having decent sporty tires during the other times (no idea what the third set is for). I never thought to ask if he gets them aligned every time he puts the new ones on. How much does an alignment normally cost?

 

[squidrope]

tirerack is the only answer

This. Ordered from them just two weeks ago.I had no idea what I needed on my car, other than I have summer performance tires and we just moved to a hilly area and it would be a death trap in winter. Went to tirerack, they spec out a winter wheel package for my car. Pick tires, wheels (and I even screwed up sizing somehow, but they called me to fix the order before shipping), and it gets shipped to me tires already mounted and balanced. Up to the local station to have the wheels swapped, and we're all set. It was pretty painless.

People still do this? I thought this went out a long time ago. So you bought new rims just for winter tires? Why not just the tires and get them mounted?

It costs $ to have the summer tires removed in the fall and more $ to have them put back on in the spring. Rims were not that expensive and I got narrower rears, which will work better in the snow. It works out to be considerably cheaper doing it this way. Plus you get the best performance in the winter and summer.

My BIL has like 3 sets of tires/rims for his Z. (I think he had 4 but got rid of one set) One set is his winter tires which really makes sense because his summer tires would be absolute crap in the winter and if you have a little sports car like that, you want to get the fun out of having decent sporty tires during the other times (no idea what the third set is for). I never thought to ask if he gets them aligned every time he puts the new ones on. How much does an alignment normally cost?

Alignments are done on your cars suspension. They make sure that your tires are all pointing in the same direction. They don't need to be done every season. Get your car aligned if it pulls or you notice uneven wear patterns on your tires.

 

[Chadstroma]

tirerack is the only answer

This. Ordered from them just two weeks ago.I had no idea what I needed on my car, other than I have summer performance tires and we just moved to a hilly area and it would be a death trap in winter. Went to tirerack, they spec out a winter wheel package for my car. Pick tires, wheels (and I even screwed up sizing somehow, but they called me to fix the order before shipping), and it gets shipped to me tires already mounted and balanced. Up to the local station to have the wheels swapped, and we're all set. It was pretty painless.

People still do this? I thought this went out a long time ago. So you bought new rims just for winter tires? Why not just the tires and get them mounted?

It costs $ to have the summer tires removed in the fall and more $ to have them put back on in the spring. Rims were not that expensive and I got narrower rears, which will work better in the snow. It works out to be considerably cheaper doing it this way. Plus you get the best performance in the winter and summer.

My BIL has like 3 sets of tires/rims for his Z. (I think he had 4 but got rid of one set) One set is his winter tires which really makes sense because his summer tires would be absolute crap in the winter and if you have a little sports car like that, you want to get the fun out of having decent sporty tires during the other times (no idea what the third set is for). I never thought to ask if he gets them aligned every time he puts the new ones on. How much does an alignment normally cost?

Alignments are done on your cars suspension. They make sure that your tires are all pointing in the same direction. They don't need to be done every season. Get your car aligned if it pulls or you notice uneven wear patterns on your tires.

So putting on new tires does not mean you need to get the car aligned?

 

[Chadstroma]

Ok, how much should mounting and balancing a tire cost?

Called Discount Tire. His quote of $1046 for the tires and service was with a quote of $235 a tire, so the service of mounting and balancing is charging me $106. When I called and said I got the tires for $230 which would bring it to $1026, he balked and said that he was already giving me a break in the service and could maybe do it at $1040. $14 is not a big difference but this thread and that conversation together made me wonder if $106 for mounting and balancing was cheap, about right or expensive.

So, what say you manly men of the tire clan?

 

[beer 30]

tirerack is the only answer

This. Ordered from them just two weeks ago.I had no idea what I needed on my car, other than I have summer performance tires and we just moved to a hilly area and it would be a death trap in winter. Went to tirerack, they spec out a winter wheel package for my car. Pick tires, wheels (and I even screwed up sizing somehow, but they called me to fix the order before shipping), and it gets shipped to me tires already mounted and balanced. Up to the local station to have the wheels swapped, and we're all set. It was pretty painless.

People still do this? I thought this went out a long time ago. So you bought new rims just for winter tires? Why not just the tires and get them mounted?

It costs $ to have the summer tires removed in the fall and more $ to have them put back on in the spring. Rims were not that expensive and I got narrower rears, which will work better in the snow. It works out to be considerably cheaper doing it this way. Plus you get the best performance in the winter and summer.

My BIL has like 3 sets of tires/rims for his Z. (I think he had 4 but got rid of one set) One set is his winter tires which really makes sense because his summer tires would be absolute crap in the winter and if you have a little sports car like that, you want to get the fun out of having decent sporty tires during the other times (no idea what the third set is for). I never thought to ask if he gets them aligned every time he puts the new ones on. How much does an alignment normally cost?

Alignments are done on your cars suspension. They make sure that your tires are all pointing in the same direction. They don't need to be done every season. Get your car aligned if it pulls or you notice uneven wear patterns on your tires.

So putting on new tires does not mean you need to get the car aligned?

No, probably a good idea to get it checked but doesn't necessarily mean you need to have it down. They will give a slick computer printout telling you if it's in alignment or not. I was always under the impression that needed to have the tires balanced when put on or rotating. Notice how the lead weights move around when you have the tires rotated?Also, have your tires rotated every 6k-9k miles. I typically do every other oil change.

 

[Chadstroma]

No, probably a good idea to get it checked but doesn't necessarily mean you need to have it down. They will give a slick computer printout telling you if it's in alignment or not. I was always under the impression that needed to have the tires balanced when put on or rotating. Notice how the lead weights move around when you have the tires rotated?Also, have your tires rotated every 6k-9k miles. I typically do every other oil change.

You think I notice lead weight thingees? Obviously you have not been reading my posts in this thread. Wait... what is this oil change thing you speak of?

 

[NutterButter]

Ok, how much should mounting and balancing a tire cost? Called Discount Tire. His quote of $1046 for the tires and service was with a quote of $235 a tire, so the service of mounting and balancing is charging me $106. When I called and said I got the tires for $230 which would bring it to $1026, he balked and said that he was already giving me a break in the service and could maybe do it at $1040. $14 is not a big difference but this thread and that conversation together made me wonder if $106 for mounting and balancing was cheap, about right or expensive. So, what say you manly men of the tire clan?

Looking at my last bill from STS from 2009, I was charged around $80 total for everything not related to the cost of the tires.

 

[beer 30]

No, probably a good idea to get it checked but doesn't necessarily mean you need to have it down. They will give a slick computer printout telling you if it's in alignment or not. I was always under the impression that needed to have the tires balanced when put on or rotating. Notice how the lead weights move around when you have the tires rotated?Also, have your tires rotated every 6k-9k miles. I typically do every other oil change.

You think I notice lead weight thingees? Obviously you have not been reading my posts in this thread. Wait... what is this oil change thing you speak of?

It was more of a general statement rather than directed at you. I'm as clueless as the next guy when it comes to tires but check em out when you go to your truck today, you'll see them.There used to be a couple of tire guys on the site, haven't seen them around in a while but they could help you out with the price on mounting & balancing. $106 a tire seems bend over high to me but what do I know? Trucks seem to cost more for everything.

 

[Chadstroma]

No, probably a good idea to get it checked but doesn't necessarily mean you need to have it down. They will give a slick computer printout telling you if it's in alignment or not. I was always under the impression that needed to have the tires balanced when put on or rotating. Notice how the lead weights move around when you have the tires rotated?Also, have your tires rotated every 6k-9k miles. I typically do every other oil change.

You think I notice lead weight thingees? Obviously you have not been reading my posts in this thread. Wait... what is this oil change thing you speak of?

It was more of a general statement rather than directed at you. I'm as clueless as the next guy when it comes to tires but check em out when you go to your truck today, you'll see them.There used to be a couple of tire guys on the site, haven't seen them around in a while but they could help you out with the price on mounting & balancing. $106 a tire seems bend over high to me but what do I know? Trucks seem to cost more for everything.

Not $106 a tire but for all 4 tires... so, what $27 a tire?

 

[beer 30]

No, probably a good idea to get it checked but doesn't necessarily mean you need to have it down. They will give a slick computer printout telling you if it's in alignment or not. I was always under the impression that needed to have the tires balanced when put on or rotating. Notice how the lead weights move around when you have the tires rotated?Also, have your tires rotated every 6k-9k miles. I typically do every other oil change.

You think I notice lead weight thingees? Obviously you have not been reading my posts in this thread. Wait... what is this oil change thing you speak of?

It was more of a general statement rather than directed at you. I'm as clueless as the next guy when it comes to tires but check em out when you go to your truck today, you'll see them.There used to be a couple of tire guys on the site, haven't seen them around in a while but they could help you out with the price on mounting & balancing. $106 a tire seems bend over high to me but what do I know? Trucks seem to cost more for everything.

Not $106 a tire but for all 4 tires... so, what $27 a tire?

Ah, reading is fundamental, eh? $27/tire is probably right.

 

[GDogg]

tirerack.com seems to track with what the guy at Discount Tire was saying and the Michelin LTX M/S2 seem to be the best fit and best tire. I found them on discounttires.com for a lot less and I will call him to get him to match that price. If he does, great, I will head over there. If not (cause it is a pretty steep discount, maybe at some point they stop matching price?) then I will order them online. Unless anyone has any objections.

I've always used Costco for tires. They seemed to have pretty good prices and they have an excellent service policy with their tires, too.

 

[17seconds]

I just go to Discount Tire and buy the cheap korean sport tires like Kumho. Usually about $120 a tire for 17" Z rated tires. Never had a problem with them. I have an Audi A6 with 19" wheels now so haven't done that yet but plan on going the same route.

With tirerack you have to, like, put the tires on yourself? Not doing that.

 

[Chadstroma]

I just go to Discount Tire and buy the cheap korean sport tires like Kumho. Usually about $120 a tire for 17" Z rated tires. Never had a problem with them. I have an Audi A6 with 19" wheels now so haven't done that yet but plan on going the same route.With tirerack you have to, like, put the tires on yourself? Not doing that.

Wait... you have an A6 and then put the cheapest tires you can on them?

 

[17seconds]

I just go to Discount Tire and buy the cheap korean sport tires like Kumho. Usually about $120 a tire for 17" Z rated tires. Never had a problem with them. I have an Audi A6 with 19" wheels now so haven't done that yet but plan on going the same route.With tirerack you have to, like, put the tires on yourself? Not doing that.

Wait... you have an A6 and then put the cheapest tires you can on them?

I haven't changed the tires yet, just saying what I did with my previous car. I put 22K freeway miles on my car every year so value is important. I live in SoCal so I don't care about snow and it doesn't rain that much. What's wrong with Kumho? I had 2 sets last for 50K miles each and performance seemed fine.Looks like Continental ExtremeContact DWS is the most well reviewed 19" tire with long treadlife which is what I'd want next time. About $1100 for the set.

 

[squidrope]

I just go to Discount Tire and buy the cheap korean sport tires like Kumho. Usually about $120 a tire for 17" Z rated tires. Never had a problem with them. I have an Audi A6 with 19" wheels now so haven't done that yet but plan on going the same route.

With tirerack you have to, like, put the tires on yourself? Not doing that.

Kumho tires are inexpensive, but not a cheap. From my experience they have performed as good or better than some of the much more expensive "Brand Name" tires.LMAO-Putting tires on is not a big deal. All of you that are too scared or too lazy to do this need to turn in your man card.

My 10yo daughter helped me put my winters on this year.

 

[belljr]

I just go to Discount Tire and buy the cheap korean sport tires like Kumho. Usually about $120 a tire for 17" Z rated tires. Never had a problem with them. I have an Audi A6 with 19" wheels now so haven't done that yet but plan on going the same route.

With tirerack you have to, like, put the tires on yourself? Not doing that.

Kumho tires are inexpensive, but not a cheap. From my experience they have performed as good or better than some of the much more expensive "Brand Name" tires.LMAO-Putting tires on is not a big deal. All of you that are too scared or too lazy to do this need to turn in your man card.

My 10yo daughter helped me put my winters on this year.

Wait are you talking about just putting the full wheel on or actually putting the tire on the rim, that's a PIA and then you still need to get them checked for balancing

 

[17seconds]

LMAO-Putting tires on is not a big deal. All of you that are too scared or too lazy to do this need to turn in your man card. My 10yo daughter helped me put my winters on this year.

I've got 2 toddlers running amok in my house so I'm not a guy who can disappear into the garage for long.I think you pay about $100 for a tire place to do it. It would take me, what, an hour to do it myself with the jack and tire iron that came with the car?Then I'd load up the old tires and take them to a disposal facility which I just looked up is 20 miles away.Not worth saving $100. And my tires are unbalanced?If I did that my friends and family would call me a cheap *******. Different worlds, I guess.

 

[squidrope]

I just go to Discount Tire and buy the cheap korean sport tires like Kumho. Usually about $120 a tire for 17" Z rated tires. Never had a problem with them. I have an Audi A6 with 19" wheels now so haven't done that yet but plan on going the same route.

With tirerack you have to, like, put the tires on yourself? Not doing that.

Kumho tires are inexpensive, but not a cheap. From my experience they have performed as good or better than some of the much more expensive "Brand Name" tires.LMAO-Putting tires on is not a big deal. All of you that are too scared or too lazy to do this need to turn in your man card.

My 10yo daughter helped me put my winters on this year.

Wait are you talking about just putting the full wheel on or actually putting the tire on the rim, that's a PIA and then you still need to get them checked for balancing

Just changing the wheels/tires package. Not remounting the tires to the rims.

 

[belljr]

I just go to Discount Tire and buy the cheap korean sport tires like Kumho. Usually about $120 a tire for 17" Z rated tires. Never had a problem with them. I have an Audi A6 with 19" wheels now so haven't done that yet but plan on going the same route.

With tirerack you have to, like, put the tires on yourself? Not doing that.

Kumho tires are inexpensive, but not a cheap. From my experience they have performed as good or better than some of the much more expensive "Brand Name" tires.LMAO-Putting tires on is not a big deal. All of you that are too scared or too lazy to do this need to turn in your man card.

My 10yo daughter helped me put my winters on this year.

Wait are you talking about just putting the full wheel on or actually putting the tire on the rim, that's a PIA and then you still need to get them checked for balancing

Just changing the wheels/tires package. Not remounting the tires to the rims.

Yeah I think he was just talking about buying tires online sans rims. Hence the confusion

 

[17seconds]

I realized you must have meant that. I've never kept 2 sets of tires in my life - no snow here.

I'm surprised tirerack is so popular because how many people are changing tires off of the rims?

 

[Chadstroma]

So, I did my research and decided on the Michelin LTX M/S2. Certainly not the cheapest but it seemed to get high praise from reviews and the Ford dealership had it as 'best' for my truck.

It was a great selection so far. Huge marked improvement on ride, noise and traction in normal conditions. It suppose to be a pretty good snow tire for being an all-purpose tire too. Well worth the extra cost.

 

[17seconds]

I realized you must have meant that. I've never kept 2 sets of tires in my life - no snow here.I'm surprised tirerack is so popular because how many people are changing tires off of the rims?

UPDATE: I use tirerack now because ordering through them and having a shop install it is ~$50 less per set than Discount Tire.

 

[Chadstroma]

I realized you must have meant that. I've never kept 2 sets of tires in my life - no snow here.I'm surprised tirerack is so popular because how many people are changing tires off of the rims?

UPDATE: I use tirerack now because ordering through them and having a shop install it is ~$50 less per set than Discount Tire.

Checked Tirerack and Discount Tire. The Ford dealership was willing to match -1 on the tires. Discount Tire was actually cheaper than Tirerack. By about $10 each tire. Got that matched and then with my rewards at the dealership ends up giving me another $20 back plus the $60 rebate back.

 

[Wingnut]

So, I did my research and decided on the Michelin LTX M/S2. Certainly not the cheapest but it seemed to get high praise from reviews and the Ford dealership had it as 'best' for my truck. It was a great selection so far. Huge marked improvement on ride, noise and traction in normal conditions. It suppose to be a pretty good snow tire for being an all-purpose tire too. Well worth the extra cost.

Just got back form Sams club where I bought a pair of Michelin X LT2s for my 4Runner. $450 out the door, mounted, balanced, with a package that includes free rotation, repairs, etc for the life of the tires. Originally had Michelin Cross Terrains, but bought 2 of them about a year ago and theyre showing decent wear already, so when I need new front tires Im gonna go with the X LT2s to match the ones I just bought, which have great ratings and a 70k mile warranty.

Ive never bought tires from Sams before, but the $15 package per tire for mounting and service was too good to pass up, and buying them local instead of online should make dealing with the warranty easier should I need it.

 

[Dentist]

Just got 4 new tires for my '04 trailblazer... only my 3rd set of tires for this car.. the first set from dealer went 45K but my replacement tires from Costco went 80K... that was a lot of "free rotate and balances!"

I definitely like Costco tire if they are convenient for you. Solid service, tires lasted well.

I suspect I will get rid of this car before I need another set.

 

[johnnycakes]

I've had Michelin tires on bicycles, motorcycles, and cars... they always seem to have problems with flats. I'd go Goodyear without a second thought. Presently running Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armors on my Toyota Sequoia. Damned good tires.

 

[Chadstroma]

So, I did my research and decided on the Michelin LTX M/S2. Certainly not the cheapest but it seemed to get high praise from reviews and the Ford dealership had it as 'best' for my truck. It was a great selection so far. Huge marked improvement on ride, noise and traction in normal conditions. It suppose to be a pretty good snow tire for being an all-purpose tire too. Well worth the extra cost.

Just got back form Sams club where I bought a pair of Michelin X LT2s for my 4Runner. $450 out the door, mounted, balanced, with a package that includes free rotation, repairs, etc for the life of the tires. Originally had Michelin Cross Terrains, but bought 2 of them about a year ago and theyre showing decent wear already, so when I need new front tires Im gonna go with the X LT2s to match the ones I just bought, which have great ratings and a 70k mile warranty.

Ive never bought tires from Sams before, but the $15 package per tire for mounting and service was too good to pass up, and buying them local instead of online should make dealing with the warranty easier should I need it.

Those Michelin's were really good tires. Certainly will be looking long and hard at Michelin again next tire purchase.