Some helpful tips on tire shopping

[2020Telly]

I think they are 17”. I hadn’t looked but the sizing did seem pretty limited on the Conti’s

Larger OE wheels (20 or even 18) on an midsized SUV is a fairly new thing. It use to be that the AWD would have 16 or 17”. The AWD especially would get more cushion to counteract any road noise or handle the extra weight. It’s purely aesthetic to have 20” wheels on this sized SUV, there is no functional reason. But even the 2021 Pilots and Highlanders have increased their sizes.

Example: Toyota Highlander Tire Sizes

 

[Jaggrey]

I’m trying to figure out if I should get new tires now or wait. I have 15k on my SX FWD and the tread left on the Pirelli’s is about 5/16”. I’m going on a road trip over the summer that’ll put on at least 3000 miles.

I was looking at some reviews and saw Pirelli Scorpion Verdes that were well rated. I wasn’t set on that brand since it came with the car and I haven’t really been impressed with them, but the Verdes seem highly rated.

 

[Nightsky93]

I’m trying to figure out if I should get new tires now or wait. I have 15k on my SX FWD and the tread left on the Pirelli’s is about 5/16”. I’m going on a road trip over the summer that’ll put on at least 3000 miles.

I was looking at some reviews and saw Pirelli Scorpion Verdes that were well rated. I wasn’t set on that brand since it came with the car and I haven’t really been impressed with them, but the Verdes seem highly rated.

I’d run your tires until just before your summer trip and then swap them out for new ones. 3000+ miles could be lots of chances for worn down tires to interrupt your trip. Don’t want to waste a day stuck on the side of the road with a tire issue only to find out the local tires shop doesn’t have that size in stock so your stuck with a mini spare going slow till you can find replacement. I would do like a couple weeks before the trip to make sure with the new tires that things are all good. That they are balanced properly( don’t want your steering wheel shaking all trip) and no slow leaks which happens sometimes when putting new tires on.

 

[Jaggrey]

I’d run your tires until just before your summer trip and then swap them out for new ones. 3000+ miles could be lots of chances for worn down tires to interrupt your trip. Don’t want to waste a day stuck on the side of the road with a tire issue only to find out the local tires shop doesn’t have that size in stock so your stuck with a mini spare going slow till you can find replacement. I would do like a couple weeks before the trip to make sure with the new tires that things are all good. That they are balanced properly( don’t want your steering wheel shaking all trip) and no slow leaks which happens sometimes when putting new tires on.

Yea that makes sense. Thanks for the tip! Now for some tire comparison shopping

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[Nightsky93]

Yea that makes sense. Thanks for the tip! Now for some tire comparison shopping

Shopping for tires is like deciding what to eat at a food court

 

[Jaggrey]

Shopping for tires is like deciding what to eat at a food court

Hahahaahah too accurate

 

[Jaggrey]

I’ve noticed with my Pirelli’s on my FWD the grip just seems OK, especially in wet weather. I’m in South Florida and it rains way too much for me to have that issue. Even when it’s dry if I get on the gas just a little bit I can spin out the front tire when turning from a stop. That’s the main thing I want to get rid of. Although I’m seeing the Perelli Scorpion Zero Verde ones has been highly rated, it might be better quality than what came with my car.

 

[DarkMossJustin]

Shopping for tires is like deciding what to eat at a food court

Haha yeah, we've all been there

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[Jaggrey]

I have a FWD and I wanted a little wider for a little more grip in weather. The Pirellis wore out too quickly in my opinion, but I never expect to much from the OE tires. The height is nice too because I notice my speedo is off by 1mph so I think a little taller will help there.

Have you noticed a difference in having the wider tire? Difference in grip, fuel economy... anything? I feel like the grip with the stock Pirelli’s leaves much to be desired, but maybe it’s just the tire. I’ve about settled on the tire I want but now I’m considering the size.

 

[2020Telly]

Have you noticed a difference in having the wider tire? Difference in grip, fuel economy... anything? I feel like the grip with the stock Pirelli’s leaves much to be desired, but maybe it’s just the tire. I’ve about settled on the tire I want but now I’m considering the size.

Towing my utility trailer felt easier. The slightly taller height made my speedo off a little less from GPS, still off but now it’s not as bad. No real change in fuel economy and I haven’t driven in any significant rain to tell much of a difference yet.