Time for new tires

[mm_johnson]

So the tires that were on my 6 when I bought it are about due to be changed. They are Wanli 225/40/ZR 18. They have been a great tire and I have to say that I have driven them pretty hard and they have done an amazing job. My question is do I really need a Z rated tire? Would the rating make the tire last longer? Could I get by with a tire that is not rated at 186mph which seems like a little much (I have barley broken 110)? What brand would be a good tire for everyday driving and the ocasional schooling of the hot shot next to me at the stop light? Thanks for any input on this subject.

[HighSpeed6]

you shouldn't really have to worry about the speed rating -- has nothing to do with the longevity of the tire. what you have to look at is the "treadware" of the tire i believe from 200-800 and the higher the number the longer the tread will last. usually the sticker the tire the lower the treadeware rating will be. and if your looking for a tire with a good everyday driving and ocasional lead foot, Toyo tires are a brand name for tires that are thrown around the board like crazy. looked upon very highly by many members here, your looking for an All-Season tire.

Toyo Proxes4 is a very popular All-Season tire here on the 6club, many people have them so you can ask them about it. If your looking for a more agressive type of tire, Toyo just recently redesigned their T1-S tire, for the new T1-R, but i'm not going to get into the specific, as toyoguy can do a much better job than myself.

Also make sure your tire has the proper load rating!!

[mm_johnson]

What is the load rating?? How much will those run me about??

[dabears2k]

Toyo Proxies 4 are about 130-140 per tire in 225-45-17 and they are fine on load rating for our cars

[Tire Guy]

What is the load rating?? How much will those run me about??
[/b]

Either Toyo Proxes 4 or T1R will be 92 load rated (more than enough). They are both high-speed rated tires, but you'll be hard pressed to find lower than Z in that size anyway. You need at least an H rating. The type of tire you want/need really depends on your driving style.

If traction at the stoplight is what you want, plus excellent handling, reasonable treadlife and you never encounter snow, then the T1R is for you. If you do encounter occasional snow, then you'll need the Proxes4 (assuming you go for Toyos, of course). Off the top of my head, in Northern California, check out Les Schwab Tire, but for a more specific list of Toyo dealers in your area, post your zip code and I'll help you find a dealer.

[mm_johnson]

Thanks for the help toyoguy. My zip is 96003. What does the load rating mean?

Just got proxes 4 (225/45/r17) on my Mazda6s to replace my stock michelins. I cannot say enough about them!! I drive my car pretty hard, but I'm not really a racer (drive an ATX) but the difference due to the tires is incredible. When driving at almost any speed but not accelerating I feel like I'm gliding on rails. Taking the corners feels far more confident. You get a noticeably better jump out of the gate as well.

Its too bad Mazda doesn't push better tires especially for their s line as the customer never gets to experience the full potential of the car IMHO.

[Tire Guy]

Thanks for the help toyoguy. My zip is 96003. What does the load rating mean?
[/b]

Here's a link to dealers in your area:

Toyo Dealers in Redding

From Toyo's website:

LOAD INDEX AND SPEED SYMBOL

The sidewall description on the tire "91H" is referred to as the tire's service description. The "91" is the load index and the "H" is the speed symbol.

The load index is an assigned number that corresponds with the load-carrying capacity of the tire. In this case, the "91" indicates a load-carrying capacity of 1356 lb at maximum inflation pressure. The load index for most passenger car tires ranges from 75-100.



Speed ratings are determined by indoor laboratory testing methods which measure high speed tire durability under controlled test conditions. These test procedures do not take into account underinflation, tire damage, vehicle characteristics or road conditions which can lead to sudden tire failure or loss of vehicle control at much lower speeds than indicated by the tire's speed rating.

When a "ZR" appears in the size designation (P275/40 ZR17 93Y) the maximum speed is indicated by the service description - in this case 186 mph.

Have you ever wondered why you need a tire speed rated for 186 mph when you never drive over 65 mph?

When replacing tires on your vehicle, you should use replacement tires with a speed rating equal to or greater than that of the original equipment tires if the speed capability and handling characteristics of the vehicle are to be maintained.

Remember, never operate your vehicle in an unsafe or unlawful manner. Your Toyo dealer can provide you with more information on speed ratings.

[dluxxx]

ur in northern california.. U DO NOT NEED ALL SEASON TIRES!!!! the worst we get is rain....so basiclly look for a good max performance tire...the best overall i think will be the eagle f1's....great wet performance...great dry performance... but if u want a good summer tire w/o the expensive cost. u cant go wrong w/ the Yokohama EVS 100...

[vagrant10]

Just got proxes 4 (225/45/r17) on my Mazda6s to replace my stock michelins. I cannot say enough about them!! I drive my car pretty hard, but I'm not really a racer (drive an ATX) but the difference due to the tires is incredible. When driving at almost any speed but not accelerating I feel like I'm gliding on rails. Taking the corners feels far more confident. You get a noticeably better jump out of the gate as well.

Its too bad Mazda doesn't push better tires especially for their s line as the customer never gets to experience the full potential of the car IMHO.
[/b]

wondering if you're noticing a decrease in road noise at highway speeds with these tires?