QuestionQUESTION: I own a 2004 Mazda sport wagon (A/T, FWD, 6-cyliner, wheels requiring tires sized at 215 50 17). My tires, when installed new OR when being rotated, are spun balanced (by the mechanic where I buy the tires) and always rotated every other oil change. My alignment is a pre-purchased service checked at least annually or more frequently IF any alignment issues are noticed. All of my oil changes, and thus tire maintenance work, is done at the location or at one of the stores representing the original national chain from whence I bought the original set of replacement tires. Therein is my dilema and question.
In the absence of any signs of neglect or abuse on any of the last three sets of tires installed on this car, the national tire seller has done the following:
a) Installed four Yokohama AS 430 tires to replace the 1st set of tires that I bought for the Mazda Wagon (which were Sigma Regents). The first four Yoko's were provided at no cost to me. The Sigma's had a 70,000 warranty. The Yoko's a 60,000 warranty.
b) Installed four replacement Yokohama AS 430 tires for me after driving about 24,000 miles on the first set of Yokohama tires. I paid approx 50% of the price for these tires.
c) Utilized either a manaufacturer's warranty to document the credit or a customer loyalty credit for me size no one seems to understand why I'm not getting longer wear out of the tires put on this car.
d) Now the newer managers at the one store location with this national chain are telling me that (i) they would have never put me into the Yokohama's in the first place and that my current choices would include (ii) the Uniroyal TP Touring (new tread pattern) or the Sumitomo LSV. They also let me know that the gold standard, available through them, was the Michellin Primacy. I've recently learned of the Kumho Ecsta Platinums. Regardless of the research being done by me or for me, is there nothing else to check to comfort my curiosity as to why my treadwear is NOT lasting for even 40% of the manufacturer's expectations?
ANSWER: Anthony,
I suspect your dealing with a speed rating issue and not a mechanical or tire issue. There is nothing, unfortunately, that you can do due to the size of your tires. As for the manufacturer's warranties, well, let's just say that it's good selling point for them and the dealers.
A general rule of thumb that I go by, and have for years, is to find my customer the safest product to meet his needs at the most consumer friendly cost. The Kumho will without a doubt meet this criteria.
Allow to as if this the OE tire size for this vehicle. Check the tire placard located inside the driver's door and get back to me.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
Tire and Wheel for 04
QUESTION: Dear Brett: The placard inside of the Mazda's driver's door has two tire sizes listed, on of which is the 215 50 17 93V entry that corresponds with my understanding of the OE that came with this vehicle. Would you please expound a bit on your conclusion that my tire size is the fixed variable that I'm stuck with, and thereby likely contributing to my premature treadwear issue more than the Brand of tires that I'm using or have used? What this a 'sportier' tire option provided at that time by Mazda and therefore, the lower profile tire generates more heat? I'm familiar with the speed rating system for tires and we've never gone under the rating required for these wheels on this car. Instead, we've often exceeded the speed rating that was needed. What do you know about the higher speed rated tires and the durability of their rubber? As the tires are rated for higher speeds, is the rubber 'softer' so as to give the driver improved handling at the higher speeds and if so, then the softer rubber shears off sooner? If so, why are the manufacturer's providing a 60K or 70K mile warranty? THANK YOU...tony f
AnswerTony,
Your tire size is not the variable, it is the speed rating of your tires.
Generally speaking a lower profile tire doesn't have more heat build up or retention than other tires.
Without going into a lot of detail, The higher the speed rating the less mileage given. Many reasons for this..to explain all the factors involved would take more time than either of us have, Lol.
As I mentioned before, a mileage warranty is a selling point. It is NOT a guarantee. A manufacturer or vendor can warranty a tire for any mileage they feel comfortable with.
If a tire dealer will accommodate your wishes then you may choose to install an "H" rated tire. I believe that this would meet your mileage expectations without sacrificing performance or ride.
