Tires: Ford Focus - Z rated tires, gas mileage, tire place

Question
QUESTION: I am on my 2nd Ford Focus.  I like the gas mileage ... but HATE the car.  I go through 2 tires a year and am hoping against hope that I can do something about it.  I drive at least 130 miles a day mostly highway miles, but I never go over 80mph. I have Z-rated tires currently on my car and have been told by every tire place that I have to keep Z-rated tires.  Can I replace all 4 tires with a tire of a different rating that might actually serve my purposes better?  Would I need to replace my wheels too?

Emily

ANSWER: Emily,

I am a little confused.  My book says that Ford Focus's didn't come with anything higher than an H speed rating - except for the SVT and that version came with a W rating for the handling.

Let me explain it this way:

The higher the speed rating, the more responsive the tire is.  this goes hand in hand with the intended purpose of the vehicle.  So if you want to use lower speed rated tires, that would result in a vehicle that doesn't handle as crisply.

So back to the original point I was trying to make:  My book says some versions of the Focus came with as low as T speed rated tires.  I think you can understand my confusion.

Here's another point:  In some places, it is illegal to put on tires that are rated less than the original tires - and while it isn't illegal in the US, the legal system holds liable those that deviate from the OE specification - meaning a good lawyer can easily win millions of dollars in a case if something goes wrong.

So did your version come with Z rated tires? - and why did you buy that version when there are versions with T rated tires that will likely be more in tune with the fuel economy that you are trying to achieve?

I am confused.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I own a 2005 Ford Focus ZX5. i bought it used in Feb of this year ... It may have had V rated tires on it when I bought it.  the 2002 that I had previously had Z rated tires when I bought it used.  I was unfortunately unaware of the difference in the tires until I had to buy my first replacement.  

Sure these tires handle great ... but aren't they overkill for a 4 cylinder car that will NEVER be used to race or put in anything but in-town or highway situtions?  Am I being jerked around by a bossy salesperson?

Answer
Emily,

Here's what you need to do:

1)  Find the vehicle placard.  It will list the original tire size and the proper pressure for that size.  Be sure to make note of the speed rating indicated for the original tire.  Post back with that information - AND if the tire size you have on there now is different, post what it is.

2)  In the meantime, get an alignment on your vehicle.  It is extremely important that they get the values as close to spec as possible - especially the toe.

3)  Be aware that most sales people are lazy, and in this case, they are probably going to look at what you have on there now and want to use the same.  Since you want something different, you are going to have to invest some time doing some research - and the first step is the vehicle placard.