QuestionQUESTION: I need new tires for a 1989 Mazda 323 hatchback. The car is only a 4 speed, and it really needs a 5 speed transmission to keep up with freeway traffic.
The car originally came with the stock size 155/70-13 tires. When I replaced these with 155/80-13 tires, the top speed performance improved dramatically - it was almost like adding a 5th gear. Handling seemed better, too.
I have about 55K on these tires (Michelin 80). The sidewalls are starting to crack and split, so now it's time for new ones (I like Michelins and have used them on all my cars, although they always seem to succumb to this same failure before the warrantee runs out).
I haven't had any adverse effects at all from using this non-stock size, and I'm thinking about replacing them with the same size tires. What do you think?
FWIW - and I realize that they may have different suspensions - the GT and GTX versions of my car use 185/60-14 tires.
ANSWER: James,
I see no problem with the use of the 155/80R13. It is a taller tire and I guess you've figured out that your speedometer is registering slower than you are actually traveling.
As for brand, I personally would choose Toyo. By far, more bang for your buck. And you're spot on about the Michelin, the cracking has been a continual characteristic for as long as I can remember.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Unfortunately I couldn't find a local dealer that carries Toyo, so I purchased Kumho KR21 155/80R13 tires. This turned out to be a mistake.
Many of the freeways here in Southern California are concrete with lots of parallel grooves cut into the surface. My car became very unstable when driving on this (it would "tramline") with the Kumhos, and I just didn't feel safe, especially when traveling over about 55 mph. Although the tires did provide a very comfortable ride, the car also had pretty scary oversteer in emergency maneuvers.
On the advice of the tire shop, I replaced the KR21s with Uniroyal Tiger Paw Freedom 175/70R13 tires. Traction and cornering are much better & the car doesn't feel unstable on the freeway, but now there is a fair amount of steering resistance (increased steering effort), and the ride is fairly harsh - kind of like a go-kart.
I don't know if I should go back to 155/80R13 tires... there are apparently only a few other "all season" brands made in that size; BF Goodrich Revelation Touring (only carried by Sears and almost impossible to find), and Hankook H714 tires, which I suspect would handle like the Kumhos. I may be able to get the Toyo Spectrum in that size by ordering online, but I'm not sure. The tire shop has been incredibly accommodating and is willing to mount whatever I bring them, so no problem there.
I would appreciate your opinion on what to do next.
AnswerJames,
Sorry for the delay in answering. The increased steering resistance in due to a larger contact patch from the 70 series tires. Generally this will decrease as the tires wear. Also, due to a shorter sidewall your ride is more firm. This will not improve as the tires wear. If you were happy with the ride of the 80 series tire then that may be the way accommodate all your needs.
