Tire options for 185/70/R14
I'll be needing new tires before winter on my Civic. its got the stock HX 14" rims with a stock size of 185/70's. the only tire i am seeing that is listed as a LRR tire in that size is the Michelin Defenders. I am also considering Kumho KR21's but they are not listed as LRR. The Michelins are about 30%-40% more expensive. Are they worth it? Is there an alternative size I should be considering, like narrower?
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I've heard good things from the guys running Defenders. However, I must say it is hard to swallow an extra $120 for LRR tires. I don't think you'll save that cost in gas within the life of the tire.
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I used to be a huge Michelin fan until they started dry rotting. After my father in law was shot down on any warranty with 90% of the tread remaining, not so much of a fan anymore.
The Kuhmos seem decent, had them on my Fiesta and they worked well. regards mech |
Just an FYI: "LRR" is a relative term, not an absolute one. It means better rolling resistance compared to tires with similar characteristics.
In this case, those 2 tires are only sort of similar. The Kumho KR21 has a UTQG rating of 640 AB, while the Michelin Defender has a rating of 820 AB. That 180 point difference in treadwear rating MIGHT mean the K21 has a better RR value. On the other hand, it might not. |
Tread depth.
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It's not too hard to imagine how it could still work out though, the kumhos performance is unknown, but in a tirerack test http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=189 the defenders beat the worst performer in the test by over 3.8%. Using that, and assuming the tire lasts the tread wear warranty of 90k, gas averages where it is now at $2.44, and donahues first 37mpg fill... That would be a $225 difference. Of course thats optimistic, they only beat the other non lrr tire by 1.2%, and maybe they'll only last you 60k, and if gas only averages $2. Then you'd only see a $38 difference. |
now i am thinking i should adjust my plan and get these. if i order from tirerack, i will likely just mount them myself at my buddies house and use BB's in them for balancing. my wife told me last night that she doesn't really like driving my car and wishes i would have got a 4 door and maybe something a little higher. so it looks like she wouldnt be driving anyways which means a little maracas at stops lights wont need to bother her.
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