Changing tires for dummies.??

Question

Hi fellas, I need some advice in changing tires, I do have Kia optima 2004 LX (205/60 R15) and now it is time to change tires. I have no flipping idea what brand and what kinda tires should I buy going from quality to cost efficient.

Thanks,

Answer 1

Mark F has it dead on!

Answer 2

Your vehicle probably came originally with Michelin MXV 4+ H-rated touring tires. This is a good all season tire with good traction, ride and handling characteristics but extremely expensive.

A good less-expensive alternative would be the Kuhmo Solus KH-16. Alternatively you could go with the Yokohama AVID H4s which is a great 3-season tire. If you live in an area that see's a lot of snow I might suggest the BF Goodrich Traction T/A instead. Or for the ultimate all-season tire for places with real snow the expensive and hard to find Nokian WR's are worth their weight in gold. Don't even bother with that one though if you don't drive in snow.

The Cooper Cobra mentioned above is not made in the correct speed rating for your application so should not be considered. It's not that great a tire anyway. The Lifeliner SLE would be the appropriate application from that company. It's a decent tire, about on par with the Kuhmo's but a bit more expensive.

Answer 3

Tires are rated AA-C for traction on a wet surface. AA= best. They are rated A-C for temperature. A= best, and a number for mileage rating. A 400 will last twice as long as a 200 as a general rule but depends on the driver. They ususally run 200-600. The higher the numbers the more they will cost. SHOP around for best price in your tire size.

Answer 4

If you are in an area with frequent inclement weather, look for Nokian WR.
Hands down the most versatile all weather tire on the market and one of few that sports the mountain snowflake severe service emblem on the side. Keep your wallet handy though.
They are expensive.
If you are in an area with Tire factory stores, they can help you.

Answer 5

I would go with a Cooper Cobra Radial GT this tire offers good performance and milage for a reasonable price

Answer 6

go to PEP BOYS STORE.

they no only know everything about tires they also have them
.
and because they are your area they know for sure what tries Your vehicle will need and use.

Answer 7

Go here..... here are some recomendations.....


http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1.jsp?speed_rating=S&speed_rating=T&speed_rating=U&speed_rating=H&speed_rating=V&speed_rating=W&speed_rating=Y&speed_rating=Z&startIndex=0&pagelen=20&pagenum=1&pagemark=1&search=true&vehicleSearch=true&sortValue=18&dg=true&sortCode=38550&width=205%2F&ratio=60&diameter=15&minLoad=S&loadRank=2&manufacturer=Avon&manufacturer=BFGoodrich&manufacturer=Bridgestone&manufacturer=Continental&manufacturer=Dunlop&manufacturer=Firestone&manufacturer=Fuzion&manufacturer=General&manufacturer=Goodyear&manufacturer=Hankook&manufacturer=Kumho&manufacturer=Michelin&manufacturer=Pirelli&manufacturer=Sumitomo&manufacturer=Uniroyal&manufacturer=Yokohama&speed_rating=S&speed_rating=T&speed_rating=U&speed_rating=H&speed_rating=V&speed_rating=W&speed_rating=Y&speed_rating=Z&performance=UHPAS