QuestionQUESTION: The front passenger winter tire of my 2003 Honda Accord LX V6 needs to replaced after a blow out. We currently have Michelin x-ice 205/60 16 tires. The mechanic inspected the tires and told me that the tires are actually the wrong ones for this car - he stated that they need to have a speed rating of 91V for maximum safety, whereas the ones I have are 96Q. Given that the X-ice tires have been replaced by X-ice i2, one tire will now be different than the other 3. Furthermore, the mechanic is apparently unable to obtain a 91V tire for me; all he can get is a X-ice i2 92T. He told me that it is better than 96Q, but not as good as 91V. My specific questions are as follows:
1. Is it a problem (in terms of safety, performance, etc.) to have 3 Michelin x-ice 96Q tires and 1 Michelin x-ice i2 92T on the car?
2. Do I need to be concerned about the speed rating for the existing 3 tires (96Q)?
3. Is the new tire that he wants to sell me, with the speed rating of 92T, a good choice, or should I seek a different speed rating?
Thanks!
ANSWER: Dear Vivian,
Thank you for using AllExperts.
Unless your Honda owner's manual has specific advice regarding snow tire speed rating (please check it# it is quite commonly known within the tire industry that winter tires may not meet the speed rating of your original summer, or all-season tires. There are very technical reasons for this that I won't go into. I DO NOT AGREE to have mis-matched tires on your vehicle and you should insist that they be properly matched in every respect. Insist on an identical match to your other tires. As reduced speed ratings are common for winter tires, you should nevertheless be aware of the maximum ratings (which are based on laboratory testing and are not necessarily representative of actual highway speeds allowable, and may be significantly reduced depending on tire condition, tire maintenance, and other factors):
Q = 160 km/h, 99 mph
R = 170 km/h, 106 mph
S = 180 km/h, 112 mph
T = 190 km/h, 118 mph
If you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
DT
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for your quick reply! I am so relieved at the speed of your answer, because I am driving around on my donut and must have this fixed tomorrow.
With regard to mis-matched tires - apparently the treads are the same (or so I'm told), although the speed rating differs, as I mentioned. Also, I was told that Michelin x-ice tires have been discontinued and replaced by x-ice i2, so my original tires are no longer available. Does this mean that I should buy 4 new tires??
With regard to speed rating - if Q is a max of 160 km (and may be significantly reduced, as you describe), would you say it is unsafe (or at least not the preferred option), if we do regular highway driving, including long distance trips? On highways I drive at around 120 km (but have hit 130 km, depending on flow of traffic). The issue of speeding aside, is a Q tire cutting it too close?
Finally, can I determine the speed rating of a tire myself (i.e., is it marked on it), or does a professional need to inspect the tire to know?
Thanks again!
ANSWER: Dear Vivian,
I'll quickly do some research on the Michelin X-ice tires and be back with you in a few minutes...
Vivian,
It does seem that the X-ice is discontinued. Approximately how many km are on these tires? How many winters have you used them?
DT
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks again. I really am not sure how my kms are on them, but I was told that 8/32" remain in terms of tread. I have used them for 2 winters (and the first year I didn't get around to changing them until late spring, unfortunately). This is my 3rd winter (they were put on last week).
Obviously from a cost perspective, replacing just one is most affordable. What do you think about replacing just the front ones?
AnswerDear Vivian,
The Rubber Manufacturers Assn. (Trade/Technical group of all major tire manufacturers, including Michelin) will permit tire mixing under certain circumstances. Here is my recommendation.
1. The lower speed-rated tires must go on the front axle ('Q').
2. The new tires must go on the REAR, regardless if the car is front-wheel drive unless the vehicle's owner's manual specifically permits otherwise (I realize this seems counter-intuitive, but it is an important safety issue).
3. In this case, you should put the (2) new Michelin X-ice i2 on the rear in a matched pair and put the two BEST X-ice on the front.
4. Inflate all tires according to Honda's recommendation on your tire information placard #which I show to be 32 psi front, 30 rear).
Alternatively, if your time permits, you may want to try calling Michelin Consumer Relations in Canada at 1-888 871 4444 to see if they can round up an X-ice for you on an emergency basis to match your other tire.
DT
