-- Time For New Tires --- You Choose!

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

What is the maximum weight they are rated for at the max pressure? I'll bet that each tire can carry at least 50% more weight that you could possibly need it to...

[basslover911]

The 50 series that I got are at 1433, the 45 series were something like 12xx ... my car weighs around 3000lbs

[CapriRacer]

Originally Posted by basslover911

.....

Also, I looked at the 215 tires that I have right now and actually they have the same exact max load rating on them as these 205's (probably because the 205's have a higher UTQG rating thus a harder sidewall most likely).

Oh, you got Extra Load's (XL). That's good.

And, no, it has nothing to do with the UTQG rating.

[basslover911]

Since I am on the subject...

Anyone changed to a tire 10mm or more narrower and have mpg data?

[Daox]

Narrower will be better for FE, but you'll loose a bit of traction.

I'm also looking for tires for the Matrix come summer time. I've been looking at the Pirelli P6 Four Seasons.

The P6 Four Seasons complements these potent vehicles by combining Extra Low Rolling Resistance (ELRR) with a smooth and comfortable ride, high performance driving characteristics and year-round traction, even in light snow.

[basslover911]

Yea I saw those as well but the reviews weren't as good... plus they don't seem to last as long.

AND FOR ME... poor college student... I needed one set of tires that would last me all 4 years of college and I think these Kumhos are just the ticket

[Daox]

IMO you can't trust those reviews much. The majority of people out there are probably running around with 20 psi in their tires and don't know that they're doing major damage to them. I also run a dedicated snow tire, so I ignored the snow traction. Also, if you read the reviews with more miles on them, and the ones that aren't aggressive drivers, those people loved the tire.

In any case, I'm sure most of the tires out there roll great when they have 50 psi in them. I try not to get too hung up on LRR, but you do wanna buy the best when you have the chance!

[CapriRacer]

Originally Posted by basslover911

Since I am on the subject...

Anyone changed to a tire 10mm or more narrower and have mpg data?

The problem here is "everything else the same!". Everything else is usually not the same.

Even if you keep the tire brand and tire line, the rim diameter, and the aspect ratio the same, the load carrying capacity also changes. Since load carrying capacity seems to be a major factor in rolling resistance, only the width change should result in a slight increase in RR - worse mpg! But this change is so small that it is doubtful you can actually detect the difference in a vehicle.

In your case, it looks like you have only kept the rim diameter and the aspect ratio the same. In other words, you've also changed tires as well as used a narrower width - and this complicates the issue too much to make a prediction.

But you should be aware that - everything else being equal - new tires are always going to hurt FE compared to worn out tires.