A search for tires...?

[sarguy01]

Originally Posted by 320touring

Thinking about this from a "Resource use" point of view...

Would it not be more suitable to get a set of part worn tyres for circa $100-200 and get 20,000 miles, then do it again?

That way your costs are 1/2 that of new tyres, and you get the same mileage from the tyres. Cost of slightly lowe MPG if they are not LRR would be offset by savings

They're "Scrubbed in" so no major drop off in FE once the "new" tyres are fitted

You've reused 2 sets of tyre, rather than buying a new set-with the additional oil etc involved

Just thinking about this from a different perspective!

If you think about it, folk are happy with buying 2nd hand cars that sit on "used tyres" and dont give it a second thought..

I am still checking sources everyday for a set of used tires. I have to run the numbers still, but a cheap set of used tires that have at least 50% of their tread left may still be cheaper than the increase in mileage from a really good set of LRR's. After all, my original tires now have 63K miles on them.

Plus, buying a set of used tires could possibly save them from ending up in a landfill.

[320touring]

thats what i'm driving at..

In the uk, tyres cant be landfilled- mainly they're used for cement production as fuel for the drying ovens (pyrolysis is used, so little issues with pollution vs burning with oxygen)

I'd be interested on seeing the numbers on this one for your car

Will you compare on the % increase claimed by each tyre? And get a $ saved over the life of the tyres?

Cheers and good luck!

neil

[sarguy01]

I am planning on testing whatever set up I am going to go with.

Using used tires all depends on finding ones I can live with.

[sarguy01]

So, I may be going with new LRR 215/65/R17's. They are 28" tall and 1.1" narrower then my stock tires. My stock tires are 29.1 inches tall.

I did an RPM calculation. It will be around 80 RPM faster at 60 mph with the small tires. I am guessing that the increased mpg from narrower and 9 lbs lighter a piece tires savings will overcome the decrease in MPG from higher RPM's.

I am also tracking some leads on CL for 215/225 tires. I am much more willing to chance smaller tires if I can find them used in a model I can live with.

On base, the auto skills center will mount and balance for 8$(?) or something cheap. I would put them on and off the Pacifica. I am also going to try and weigh a wheel if I can find a scale.

[busypaws]

WalMart 0-50lb fish scale. 4 dollars.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by sarguy01

So, I may be going with new LRR 215/65/R17's. They are 28" tall and 1.1" narrower then my stock tires. My stock tires are 29.1 inches tall.

That's a 3.5% difference, which is quite large - large enough to give a warning in 1010Tires' Tire size calculator.

I am guessing that the increased mpg from narrower and 9 lbs lighter a piece tires savings will overcome the decrease in MPG from higher RPM's.

You'll have 2 effects fighting the third - all of these only have a relatively small impact, so how it'll turn out is anyone's guess.

[sarguy01]

3.5% is a bit of a difference. I double checked load ratings to make sure those 215's could handle the gross weight. I am including people, gear, and occasional tongue weight of a trailer.

If I could score 215's used, I would be really willing to try them out. If the handling changed dramatically or the mileage was worse, I could always try to sell them for what I paid.

[CapriRacer]

Originally Posted by sarguy01

....... I double checked load ratings to make sure those 215's could handle the gross weight......

Be careful here. One of the lessons from the Ford / Firestone situation a few years back is that there has to be a certain amount of unsed load carrying capacity to be sure the tire will survive all the possible conditions that are out in the world. The load rating as published does NOT reflect this.

I would suggest you use tires that have at least the same load index as the originals. This is important especially as you live in one of those states that has been identified as severe as far as tire service is concerned.

[Titanium]

Originally Posted by sarguy01

Anyway, getting closer to the reason I started this thread. I have 63,500 miles and the original tires. They are 235/65/R17 Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus's. They are LRR's (low rolling resistance), but the max sidewall pressure is only 44 psi, which I am currently at. They weighed 32 pounds a piece when new. They are 880$ a set.

I need new one's soon. I could make these last another 5000ish miles or longer, but winter is fast approaching and I need this vehicle to get me to work.

I bought a set of four Michelin Energy tires used for $100.00. One of the tires was almost brand new while the other three were very good tread wise with no signs of damage. There are a couple of places near me in my state that sell good used car tires for $25.00 each regardless of brand or size.

I read a story online that suggested to never buy used tires because you never know if they were run flat or mistreated. I also read a post by someone who said many people will never buy used tires, but they have no problem buying a used car with used tires on it and will not change them until they are wore out. Depends on how you personally feel about it.