Tire options for 185/70/R14

[Donahue]

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?

[Daox]

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.

[Donahue]

Originally Posted by Daox

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.

that's a good perspective i hadn't thought about. theoretically i would get more miles from the tires themselves, but at what cost per mile? i'll have to do some more math.

[user removed]

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

[CapriRacer]

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.

[user removed]

Tread depth.

[Donahue]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

Tread depth.

The defenders are 10/32, the Kumho's are 11/32. In my mind, .031 does not seem significant, am I wrong? Also, I am leaning towards the Kumho's based on price. Since both tires have similar warranty, it seems like the biggest benefit for the extra expense is the LRR rating, at least from my perspective. I wonder how they compare in road noise.

[H-Man]

Originally Posted by Donahue

The defenders are 10/32, the Kumho's are 11/32. In my mind, .031 does not seem significant, am I wrong? Also, I am leaning towards the Kumho's based on price. Since both tires have similar warranty, it seems like the biggest benefit for the extra expense is the LRR rating, at least from my perspective. I wonder how they compare in road noise.

I have the defenders in 185/70/R14 and at a few psi over stock on good roads, they are quiet. There is some textured concrete that makes it make some loud noises, but I think my previous tires made the same noise.

[2000mc]

Originally Posted by Daox

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.

When gas was 3.50/gal it was a lot better gamble. Now I'd say it's more like even money, problem being that it means you're behind until the end of the tires life. Might help more that there is usually a $50-80 rebate every other month

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.

[Donahue]

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.