Tires: New tires for 2002 Camry XLE, michelin mxv4, goodyear assurance triple tred

Question
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I went to a local tire dealer to have the tires replaced with the Goodyear Assurance Triple Tred and they told me that since my current ones are Michelin MXV4 and they are "V" rated, they would not recommend switching to the "H" rated Goodyear so they would not replace them...instead they recommended several other "V" rated tires including putting on a new set of Michelin MXV4...what do u suggest since I am confused between the "V" and the "H" rating... you have also mentioned that if I were to replace them with the MXV4 again that I should ask for "HR speed rated tire".. is this an "H" rated tire? if so, will it be a cause for concern? Also, what are your thoughts on the Canadian Made Motomaster LXR tire from Canadian Tire in Canada?
thanks...


Hello Jack:
I have a 2002 Camry XLE with Michelin MVX4 OEM tires (P21560R16)with 68,000KM. In this heavy snow season these tires are not performing like they used to because of high mileage. I am considering replacing them with another set of 4 all-season tires. I have read good reviews on the Michellin HydroEdge & Harmony, Goodyear Assurance Triple Tred and the Kumho ECSTA HP4716. I leave in a city where we have a 6 month winter(with light and heavy snowfall and icy conditions) followed by a wet spring and summer. I do not wish to buy any WINTER tires. I have driven for 30 years with all-season tires and am pretty happy with them. I am not sure which ones to buy..any recommendation would be appreciated...
Answer -
Hello, SD
I can tell you the Michelin MXV4 HR is one of the best all round tires Michelin makes. With 65K on yours you should agree. If you are planning to keep the Camry for a few more years I'd consider putting the MXV4 HR back on. Be sure to ask for the HR speed rated tire. The MXV4 comes in several speed ratings they look the same on the outside but are really differant in construction and the milage on the higher rated tires are not has good. Tire Rack has your size for around $116. The Michelin Harmony / HydroEdge have good reviews but you will not get the quite ride and handling you're used to with the MXV4. The Kumho HP4716 gets good reviews but the tire milage sucks. The Goodyear seems to be a good tire with great milage. It's a little cheaper than the Michelin MXV4. Michelin makes a similer tire the Pilot Sport A/S but it's very expensive and the treadwear is not so great.

Hope this helps

Jack

Answer
Hello, SD

I'm sorry about the confusion. If a tire store replaces your tire with a lower speed rated tire, then they could be help responsible if you were to have a blowout going at a high rate of speed. H is rated at 130MPH,and V is rated at 149 MPH. You can check out some other OE tires for your car at.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/OETireResults.jsp?autoYear=2002&autoMake=Toyota&au

If the tires you have now are V rated MXV4's and you got 65K on them you are one lucky guy. I would go with the same tire. I don't know anything about the other tire you spoke of.